<p><strong>Perlan, “the Pearl,” is the distinctive, dome-shaped structure in Reykjavik’s skyline. After undergoing a significant renovation in 2017, the public building now hosts exhibits dedicated to Iceland’s “Wonders of Iceland.”</strong></p>
<p>Guests are taken on a journey of Iceland’s unique nature, with information on Iceland’s natural phenomena. They can learn about magma-churning volcanoes, frequent earthquakes, shifting tectonic plates and the bubbling geothermal energy surging below the surface. Indeed, the island’s geology is a constant reminder that Iceland is very much alive and constantly changing.</p>
<p>Another exhibition at Perlan focuses on the actual ice in &#8220;Iceland&#8221; &#8211; glaciers and ice caves. Housed in one of Perlan’s tanks, a 100-metre-long ice cave is a thrilling experience for the whole family. the world&#8217;s first indoor ice cave. Made from over 350 tons of snow and ice, the tunnel’s temperature ranges from -15 to -10°C and the experience is as cool as it gets. Indeed, guests marvel at the shapes and crevices formations as they run their fingers along the ice.</p>
<p>After the ice cave, guests can discover more about glaciers at an interactive exhibit. The exhibit describes how Iceland’s glaciers are incredibly important for the environment. They are an important source of fresh water for the island, and they play a vital role in regulating the island’s climate. They also face an uncertain future due to climate change.</p>
<h2>Volcano show</h2>
<p>After discovering ice, guests can learn about fire &#8212; the powerful volcanoes that helped shape Iceland.  The show focuses on the famous Geldingadalir volcanic eruption, which started on March 19, 2021, in Iceland&#8217;s Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the first eruption in the area in over 800 years.  From a scientific perspective, the Geldingadalir eruption provided researchers with a unique opportunity to study the behavior of volcanic eruptions in real-time. Scientists collected samples of the lava and gases produced by the eruption, which will be used to learn more about the geological processes that led to the eruption and how it affected the surrounding environment.</p>
<h2>Forces of nature</h2>
<p>Aftyer the volcano show, guests can delve deeper into volcanic details with the &#8220;Forces of Nature&#8221; experience. This dazzling interactive exhibit inroduces guetes to the &#8220;super powers&#8221; of Iceland&#8217;s natural forces. Guests will see, hear, and feel the power of volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy.</p>
<h2>Látrabjarg cliff &#8211; Europe&#8217;s largest seabird cliff</h2>
<p>Interested in puffins and other birdlife, but aren’t visiting in the summertime? Don’t fret; there’s a recreation of Látrabjarg bird cliffs in the Westfjords. Looking up at this massive realistic model of the largest seabird cliff in Europe, guests will encounter the inhabitants of this natural skyscraper.</p>
<p>Látrabjarg, on the westernmost tip of Iceland, is one of the biggest seabird cliffs in Europe. Strong oceanic currents, winds, and treacherous rocks make it difficult to reach. Visitors can only look down and across from the grass above or from a boat on those rare days when the sea is calm. Wonders of Iceland&#8217;s realistic reconstruction of Látrabjarg provides a unique and rare view of the cliffs. Visitors feel like they are at the base of the cliff, looking straight up – a truly stunning view.</p>
<h2>The Ocean &#8211; an underwater journey</h2>
<p>The seas around Iceland are home to a rich variety of creatures. Guests can go on a cinematic underwater journey around Iceland in an incredible virtual fish tank. An interactive experience mixed with captivating information makes this exhibit both fun and educational.  Guests can explore how Iceland’s waters teem with life drawn here from both cold and temperate zones. Some of these species travel far and wide to other parts of the world, but Iceland is the only place where you can find them all mixing together.</p>
<h2>Water in Icelandic Nature: The Icelandic Museum of Natural History</h2>
<p>Iceland is exceptionally rich in water. There are glaciers, diverse wetlands, many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, an abundance of groundwater and surface water, clean and wholesome, hot, and cold, silted glacial water, crystal-clear spring-fed water and direct runoff water. The lively and interactive  water exhibition at Perlan focuses on the diversity of freshwater, its myriad forms, its nature and importance for society, the diversity of the aquatic biota, and the role of water in making and shaping the land.</p>
<h2>Dazzling planetarium and <em>Áróra northern lights show</em></h2>
<p>Additionally, guestsoffers a luminous northern lights show in its planetarium, a fantastic way to learn about and delight in the majestic northern lights. Furthermore, the screen wraps around the theater offering a thrilling 360° view.</p>
<p><em>Áróra</em> is a beautiful story about Northern lights, voiced by the goddess of dawn. It’s a tale of many stories, combining science and art to create a unique experience. We take guests from Reykjavík and into space to dive fully into the mysterious auroras occurring all across the solar system. At Perlan, guests can see where Northern lights come from, how they form, and hear ancient stories about them. The northern lights virtually dance all around viewers, in Icelandic nature and in outer space.</p>
<p>Iceland&#8217;s only planetarium at Perlan uses a state-of-the-art 8K projection system and surround sound system to bring guests the full spectrum of the magical story of the northern lights.</p>
<h2>Observation Deck</h2>
<p>Perlan also offers one of the best views of the city skyline from its outdoor viewing platform. Here, guests can walk the perimeter and get a perfect panorama. Guests can also discover geology at the deck&#8217;s rock exhibit. Diverse geological formations, from volcanic mountains to ancient sedimentary rocks, surround Reykjavík. The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic plates meet. The city itself is built on top of basaltic lava flows, while Mount Esja and the Blue Mountains are made up of volcanic tuff and breccia. Guests can explore the history of the rocks on Perlan&#8217;s observation deck and see how they connect with the view and nature from the deck.</p>
<h2>Other exhibitions</h2>
<p>Guests can discover the incredible geological history of Iceland, the amazing natural wonder of Mývatn, get a picture with a polar bear, and learn about the vanished Ok glacier.</p>
<p>After checking out the exhibitions, many guests choose to stop by the café that serves coffee and light meals. They can enjoy a meal at the restaurant under the glass dome or have a drink at the 5th-floor bar. They can treat themselves at the ice cream parlour or browse the gift shop with Icelandic products.</p>
<p>Opening hours of Perlan Exhibits: Open daily 9:00 am -21:00 (9:00 pm)</p>
<p>GPS: 64° 07&#8242; 27.00&#8243; N -21° 55&#8242; 5.39&#8243; W</p>


Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

Safety & Responsibility

Check the weather forecast and road conditions every day.

Weather can be unpredictable

Put litter in the bin and recycle when possible.

Help keep Iceland clean

Follow the Icelandic road rules, and remember that off-roading is strictly forbidden as it damages natural landscapes.

Safe roads, safe people

Keep to marked trails and read any warning and safety signs. If in doubt, use common sense or turn back.

Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

Photo Gallery