Perlan

A spectacular vantage point

Perlan, or “the Pearl”, is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic attractions. You’ll find it at the top of Öskjuhlíð, a hill just south of the city centre. From outside, the great glass dome, spiral staircases, and ring of geothermic water tanks will make you think of a James Bond villain’s lair.

But what is it? Well, it’s a museum, exhibition space, 360° viewpoint, and a rotating gourmet restaurant all in one. You can climb to the top to enjoy prime views of Reykjavík’s city centre and Nauthólsvík beach. If you time your visit with sunset, the panorama becomes truly spectacular.

On your visit, you can catch a show on the Geldingadalir volcanic eruption, and admire a reconstruction of the Látrabjarg cliff where a puffin colony thrives. The real cliff is difficult to reach, so this reconstruction gives you the chance to see it up close. You can also enjoy an impressive northern lights show in the planetarium.

A highlight is the indoor artificial ice tunnel. Perlan’s replication of the artificial Langjökull ice tunnel lets feel what it’s like to enter one of these ice-blue chambers. It’s reconstructed from 350 tonnes of real Icelandic mountain snow.