Perlan

Explore the Wonders of the Perlan Museum in Iceland

Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, the Perlan Museum stands as a beacon of natural beauty and scientific exploration. This unique destination is more than just a museum; it’s an immersive experience that connects visitors with the breathtaking landscapes and geological marvels of Iceland.

A Glimpse of Nature’s Wonders At the Perlan Museum, you can delve into the captivating world of glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic eruptions. The museum’s centerpiece is the stunning indoor ice cave, an awe-inspiring structure that replicates the unique conditions of a real glacier. Walk through this magnificent ice cave and learn about the delicate ecosystems that thrive in icy environments.

The museum also features the remarkable "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition, showcasing the country’s natural phenomena and the forces that have shaped its iconic landscapes. From interactive displays to stunning visuals, this exhibition invites visitors of all ages to discover the magical interplay between fire and ice that defines Iceland.

A Journey Through Time History comes alive at the Perlan Museum with its focus on Iceland's rich heritage. Engage with exhibits that highlight the evolution of Iceland’s culture and its deep-rooted connection to nature. Learn about Viking history, the settlement of the island, and the stories that continue to shape Icelandic identity.

Activities for Every Adventurer The Perlan Museum is not just about observation; it invites active participation. Join guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the exhibits, or take part in thrilling scientific demonstrations. For the more adventurous, indulge in virtual reality experiences that transport you to the stunning Icelandic outdoors, whether it be exploring the rugged terrains of the highlands or witnessing the majestic Northern Lights.

A Culinary Experience to Remember After a day of exploration, relax at the museum’s exquisite Icelandic restaurant, where you can savor local delicacies while enjoying panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The café offers a perfect spot to recharge and reflect on your experiences, making it an ideal end to your adventure.

Your Gateway to Icelandic Majesty Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, the Perlan Museum promises an unforgettable journey through Iceland's treasures. From its breathtaking exhibitions to its educational experiences, every visit is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of Iceland – your exploration...

I would not recommend the museum as a goal destination. The park around it is great, the outside of the building is nice. The deck inside has beautiful views. But the museum itself was not worth it. The only somewhat pleasant experience in there is the cafe on the top floor. If you need to get out of the unpredictable Icelandic weather while exploring the park around the museum — skip the museum and just get the cheaper admission for the deck and cafe at the top.

The museum itself could do with a LOT of improvement, especially to visitor experience. To name just a few points: The whole dance with attendants having to take backpacks for storage is suboptimal — self operated lockers are a well established practice throughout the city and would make a lot more sense. The way they operate lines for shows is an unmitigated disgrace — having people (with children!) stand in line in a dark narrow corridor with nothing to look at for what feels like eternity (well over 15 minutes without any line movement) is the worst possible way to go about it. They even have screens there that they do make use of for about 3-4 minutes before the show. Surely there is something better they could use them for the rest of the time than a static picture with some misleading text on it. No show will seem worth it after that experience! The whole museum is a poorly designed tourist trap clearly not meant to be interesting or educational for locals or children, which is just a shame. It could be so much more with better curation and design — Iceland and its nature and history are fascinating and unusual: so much to explore and learn about.

The staff is young, attentive and polite, but they can't compensate for the lacking exhibits or poor experience design of the...

Must-see in Reykuvijk!

It took us a little over 2 hours going through the museum, hustling a little bit. We were walk-ins and got the tickets at the counter with no wait.

Just by the entrance is the planetarium that shows some history about Arora , the goddess of Aurora Borealis, and what we know about it on other planets, and how the lights are created by solar flares, accompanied by some nice videos of the lights. The show starts every 30 minutes, so it requires a bit of timing with other exhibits if you are in a rush. I also liked the waiting area for the show. It had an amazing fragrance of a cave, and you can meditate (staying standing) with your eyes closed, listening to the music and the sound of water drops.

Lava show on the lower floor starts every 10 minutes, and its length is 7 minutes. It had some amazing videos of a recent volcano eruption.

You can also tour a man-made ice cave. The walking tour of the cave is expected to take 10 minutes, but we were able to walk fast and get out quicker. Bring warm jackets, as the ice cave is cold! You get to walk on a metal sieve-like floor or mat, so ordinary shoes are ok, no need for snow or ice boots.

Some great exhibits explaining volcanic action, water wildlife, glacial activity etc.

The cafeteria on the top for (5th) closes at 6 pm, which is a bummer because the museum itself opens late. Ice cream counter was still open in the 4th floor. There is an observation deck on the 4th floor,and you can walk all around the perimeter of the building. There is also a gift shop over there.

Overall, this museum provides a good overview of the sights you are going to see during the rest of the trip, or might miss some due to weather or time. Either way, it is a must-see, and good to plan about 3...