Are you planning a trip to Iceland and want to learn more about the country’s geology and natural wonders? Then make sure to visit the interactive Perlan museum in Reykjavik. With various exhibitions, immersive films, an 8K planetarium and even an ice cave made from real glacier ice, Perlan is one of the most popular attractions in Reykjavik. In this article, I’ll tell you more about this fascinating place and my personal experience at the museum.
Perlan, geothermal water storage since 1991
Since 1939, the top of the 61-meter-high Öskjuhlíð (Öskjuhlíð Hill) in Reykjavik has been used for hot water storage. The first tank was built in 1939, and five more tanks were added in the following decades. In the late 1980s, architect Ingimundur Sveinsson was commissioned to design a new structure. In 1991, Perlan officially opened: a striking glass dome resting on six enormous tanks, each capable of holding around four million liters of geothermal water.
Transformed into an interactive museum
In 2017, Perlan was transformed into an interactive nature and science museum. Although it is now primarily known as a museum, the original function as a hot water storage facility is still in use. Several of the tanks remain part of the system that supplies Reykjavik with geothermal hot water.
What can you see at Perlan?
At Perlan, you can explore fascinating exhibitions and films across various levels. Below, I describe the exhibitions, films and spaces at Perlan that left the biggest impression on me.
Forces of Nature
Start your visit to Perlan with the Forces of Nature exhibition, which focuses on the creation of Iceland. Here, you’ll learn about the geological processes that have shaped the island. There’s a beautiful film about volcanism and you’ll discover how tectonic plates work. The exhibition features many interactive displays and educational videos explaining how plate tectonics are responsible for Iceland’s geothermal resources and volcanoes. You’ll also find out why Iceland is one of the most geologically active regions in the world. Impressive examples of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions illustrate how these natural forces have shaped Iceland’s landscape and continue to change it today.
Volcano Show
In the Volcano Show room, a large-screen film showcases the volcanic eruption in Geldingadalir. In March 2021, this area experienced an eruption for the first time in 800 years, just 30 km from Reykjavik. The eruption is beautifully captured on film. This volcanic show takes you almost to the crater itself, following the lava flow as it spread across the valley. The footage is displayed in such a way that you feel as though you’re standing right next to the volcano. Long live modern technology, because such footage wouldn’t be possible without drones!
Perlan ice cave
One of the coolest attractions at Perlan is the ice cave. This ice grotto is made from a staggering 350 tons of ice and snow from the mountains of Iceland and is 100 meters long. Inside the ice cave, there are a few small detours where you can walk along side passages. The temperature ranges from -15°C to -10°C. The introductory film shows how such an ice cave is formed by melting water. We arrived at the museum early in the morning, so we get to spend at least 20 minutes exploring the Perlan ice cave all by ourselves. It’s truly an amazing experience!
Glacier Exhibition
When you exit the ice cave at Perlan, you’ll find yourself in the Glacier Exhibition. Here, too, there are several interactive features. The large wall immediately catches your eye, with various dots on the floor in front of it. If you stand on these dots and point at areas on the wall with your arm extended, specific information will be projected. Everything in this space is dedicated to Iceland’s impressive glaciers.
Áróra, the story of the Northern Lights in the planetarium
A truly amazing spot in Perlan is the planetarium, where the story of Áróra is presented in 8K. The Perlan planetarium is similar to the Omniversum in The Hague (The Netherlands). But while there you have a 180° projection, Perlan offers an impressive 360° experience with a surround sound system. I can tell you: this is even more stunning! The show explains how the northern lights are formed and how they also occur on other planets in our solar system. You also learn about the significance of the northern lights in different cultures and how myths and legends surrounding them have originated.
The Perlan planetarium is built inside one of the storage tanks: the right tank as you walk toward the entrance from the parking lot. You enter the waiting area of the planetarium through the door on the right side near the ticket counter. During our visit, it was a bit unclear where the planetarium is located and we can imagine that it’s easy to miss. That would be a shame!
Látrabjarg cliff
The 450-meter high and 14-kilometer long Látrabjarg cliff is one of Iceland’s most famous bird cliffs, located in the Westfjords. A piece of the Látrabjarg cliff has been recreated in Perlan in a very realistic way. The wall is quite tall and from a distance, the birds placed on it appear very lifelike. In the room next to the bird cliff, you’ll find interactive displays that tell you more about the breeding behavior and migration of various bird species.
Observation Deck and gift store
On the fourth floor of Perlan is the Observation Deck, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and its surroundings. The view stretches over the city, the ocean and the surrounding mountains. If the weather permits, I highly recommend walking around the entire dome. Once you come back inside, you’ll be led through the gift store. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a delight to browse. Beautiful books, photos and lovely souvenirs are available for purchase.
Restaurant, café and bar
On the fifth and top floor of Perlan, you’ll find the restaurant, bar, and café. From this height, you might have the best view; provided the weather is clear and/or it’s not raining heavily.
Visit Perlan, whether it’s bad or good weather in Reykjavik
If the weather is bad in Reykjavik, Perlan might be one of the best places to spend a few hours. But even on sunny days, Öskjuhlíð Hill is a great spot to enjoy. During your visit to Perlan, take advantage of all the interactive activities, beautiful videos and the expansive view from the observation deck. Afterward, make sure to take a walk around the museum. More than 176,000 trees have been planted on the hill and there are well-maintained walking paths. You’ll also find remnants from World War II, including pillboxes, a ruined control center and bunkers that the Allies used for defense against the German threat. There’s plenty to explore at this location in Reykjavik!
