Perlan

Travel Attractions

Perlan

Perlan

Perlan

Quick facts

  • Name: Perlan
  • Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Opened: 1991
  • Type of attraction: Architectural/Museum/Exhibition
  • Ticket price: From $25, depending on the attarction

Perlan (‘pearl’) is one of the most recognizable landmark in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is situated at the top of hill Öskjuhlíð. What was originally a set of hot water tanks was turned into a publicly accessible building in 1991. It features an exhibition, a planetarium, an observation deck, and a restaurant.

The building was originally designed by the architect Ingimundur Sveinsson in 1991; the hot water storage tanks that had been above Öskjuhlíð since the mid-20th century were updated with the hemispheric glass dome that was added on the top.

The project was primarily initiated and overseen by Reykjavík’s mayor  Davíð Oddsson.

At night, floodlights light up the water tanks that illuminate the construction and it is visible from the city. There is a revolving light on top of the dome that helps to signal airplanes flying to and from nearby Reykjavík Domestic Airport.

The Glacier Exhibition of Iceland opened in in 2017. The project features a 100-metre long ice tunnel, where visitors can observe the past, present and future of the Iceland’s glaciers. It is the only museum in the world of this kind and very well worth visiting.

Reykjavik Perlan Museum Glacier and Ice Cave Exhibition Entrance TicketNorthern Lights Viewing Cruise from Reykjavik

Top hotels near Perlan


Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Ideally located in the prime touristic area of Reykjavik City Center, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica Hotel promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel’s facilities and services. The hotel is located near Laugardalur recreational…


ION City Hotel

ION City Hotel

Located on the shopping street of Laugavegur, ION City Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness center and restaurant in Reykjavík. The museum of Einar Jónsson and the church of Hallgrímskirkja is 500 m away. Some units have a relaxing seating…


Hotel Reykjavík Centrum

Hotel Reykjavík Centrum

Built on one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, Adalstraeti, Hotel Reykjavík Centrum hotel is situated 199 m from the Reykjavik Art Museum. It features a special exhibition center in Viking, plus satellite TV in-room, and tea / coffee facilities….

Travel info about Reykjavik and Iceland


Visit Iceland: 14 things you need to know

Visit Iceland: 14 things you need to know

Iceland, quite literary land of ice and fire, is located next to the arctic circle and is famous for its unreal landscapes. Massive glaciers are preserved in national parks and…

Tours and trips including Perlan

Interesting facts about Perlan

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing landmark:

  • The water tanks still hold geothermal water used for city heating.
  • The restaurant gives 360 degree view of Reykjavik and surroundings.
  • Each of six tanks can keep up to four million liters of hot water, with the volume of 4000 cubic meters.

Reykjavik City Walking Tour

Safe travels!


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