capital-region · Iceland
Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
Perlan ('The Pearl') is Reykjavík's natural history museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, housed in a distinctive glass dome atop six massive geothermal hot water tanks. The museum's star attraction is Iceland's only indoor ice cave, a 100-metre real ice tunnel carved into the building. Exhibitions cover glaciers, volcanoes, geology and Icelandic nature. The observation deck offers 360° views over Reykjavík, and the building itself is an architectural landmark.
About Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
Perlan ('The Pearl') is Reykjavík's natural history museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, housed in a distinctive glass dome atop six massive geothermal hot water tanks. The museum's star attraction is Iceland's only indoor ice cave, a 100-metre real ice tunnel carved into the building. Exhibitions cover glaciers, volcanoes, geology and Icelandic nature. The observation deck offers 360° views over Reykjavík, and the building itself is an architectural landmark.
History & Background
Öskjuhlíð was chosen as the site for geothermal hot water storage tanks in the 1930s. The current six-tank structure with glass dome completed 1991. Revolving restaurant operated 1991–2017. Wonders of Iceland museum opened 2017 after major renovation. The building is now one of Reykjavík's most recognisable landmarks.
Key Facts
- ✔Glass dome atop 6 massive hot water tanks
- ✔100m real ice cave kept at -10°C year-round
- ✔350 tonnes of ice in the cave
- ✔360° observation deck with outdoor terrace
- ✔Second-best view in Reykjavík after Hallgrímskirkja
Tours Near Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
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Book NowAbout Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
Perlan's six hot water tanks each hold 4 million litres, providing Reykjavík with geothermal hot water for heating and domestic use. The glass dome on top was added 1991 and originally housed a revolving restaurant (now closed). The Wonders of Iceland museum opened 2017 and occupies multiple floors: Ice Cave (ground floor), Glacier & Ice exhibition (1st floor), Forces of Nature including earthquake simulator (2nd floor), observation deck (4th floor). The ice cave is maintained at -10°C and features formations recreated from real glacier structures: crevasses, ice walls, moulins (vertical shafts). The ice is real — 350 tonnes of compacted snow renewed periodically. The outdoor observation deck offers 360° views: Reykjavík spreading below, Esja mountain to the north, Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days to the west, Reykjanes peninsula to the south.
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Book NowHistory & Background
Öskjuhlíð was chosen as the site for geothermal hot water storage tanks in the 1930s. The current six-tank structure with glass dome completed 1991. Revolving restaurant operated 1991–2017. Wonders of Iceland museum opened 2017 after major renovation. The building is now one of Reykjavík's most recognisable landmarks.
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Book NowStory & Folklore
Perlan sits on top of Öskjuhlíð hill like a space station — a gleaming glass dome supported by six enormous cylindrical hot water tanks that supply Reykjavík's heating. The building was completed in 1991 as a functional water storage facility, but the distinctive dome and hilltop location made it an instant landmark. In 2017 the building was converted into the Wonders of Iceland museum. The centrepiece is extraordinary: a 100-metre ice tunnel carved from 350 tonnes of real snow and ice, kept frozen at -10°C year-round. Visitors walk through the tunnel experiencing glacier ice formations, crevasses and ice walls. Other exhibitions cover volcanic eruptions, Arctic wildlife, bird cliffs and the Northern Lights. The 4th-floor observation deck provides the second-best view in Reykjavík after Hallgrímskirkja — and unlike the church, Perlan offers panoramic outdoor terrace access.
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Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
Afternoons for best observation deck light
Duration
2–3 hours
Access
Öskjuhlíð hill, 2 km from city centre — bus or drive
Why Visit
Perlan ('The Pearl') is Reykjavík's natural history museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, housed in a distinctive glass dome atop six massive geothermal hot water tanks.
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Observation Deck at Sunset
The outdoor observation terrace at sunset offers arguably the best panoramic view in Reykjavík — and unlike Hallgrímskirkja, there's space to sit and watch.
The Forest Walk Below
Öskjuhlíð hill is covered in planted forest with walking trails — a rare sight in Iceland. The paths from Perlan down to Nauthólsvík beach are genuinely beautiful.
Practical Information
Best Time
Afternoons for best observation deck light
Duration
2–3 hours
Access
Öskjuhlíð hill, 2 km from city centre — bus or drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ice cave really ice?▾
Yes — 350 tonnes of real compacted snow and ice kept frozen at -10°C. Dress warm.
How much is admission?▾
Around 5,900 ISK adults, 2,900 ISK children 6–15. Check perlan.is for current prices.