Perlan

Perlan is a striking building with a gleaming glass dome perched on Öskjuhlið hill in Reykjavík. The structure rests on six cylindrical water tanks and houses exhibitions about Iceland's nature, including glaciers, volcanoes, and displays about the northern lights.

The first water tank was built in 1939 to supply the city with water. Later, in 1991, the site was transformed into a public attraction and exhibition space under the vision of Reykjavík's mayor Davíð Oddsson.

The name comes from "Perlan," meaning pearl in Icelandic, reflecting how the glass dome shines on the hilltop. Visitors notice locals using the observation deck and restaurant as gathering spots to see the city and surrounding landscape.

The building sits on a hilltop, requiring a short walk from central Reykjavík to reach. Once there, a restaurant, observation deck, and gift shop are all easily accessible for visitors.

The building contains a 100-meter-long artificial ice cave built with 400 tons of ice. Additionally, the restaurant floor features a rotating platform that offers 360-degree views over Reykjavík.

Location: Reykjavík

Inception: 1991

Floors above the ground: 5

Accessibility: Rollstuhlgerecht

Address: Varmahlíð

Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00

Phone: +3545620200

Website: https://perlan.is

GPS coordinates: 64.12917,-21.91917

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:59