Perlan Museum Review: A Must-See of Best Iceland Museums

If you’re wondering whether the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik is worth visiting, the short answer is absolutely yes!

It’s one of the best museums in Iceland and gives you the chance to see the Northern Lights indoors, walk through a real ice cave, and enjoy the best rooftop view of Reykjavik.

This Perlan museum review covers exactly what makes it one of the most unforgettable Iceland museums. From walking through a real ice cave to watching the Northern Lights dance above you in a planetarium and enjoying the best rooftop view of Reykjavik, Perlan goes far beyond traditional exhibits.

As someone who’s explored it firsthand, I’ll share what you can expect inside, how it showcases Icelandic nature, and whether it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short stopover or weekend-trip, this is one attraction that gives a magical overview of the island’s natural wonders, all in one place.

The Perlan Museum, Reykjavik

The Perlan Museum is one of the most unique and exciting museums I’ve ever visited. It’s perched on a hill just outside the city centre in Reykjavik, and is instantly recognisable thanks to its glass dome and futuristic architecture.

But the real magic happens inside!

It’s more than just a museum – it’s a full-on immersive experience. With interactive exhibits, stunning visuals and genuinely cool sensory features (like the ice cave!), it’s an ideal indoor activity in Iceland. Especially if you need a break from the weather.

Watch the Northern Lights

Can’t time your trip for aurora season? Or just unlucky with cloudy skies? I feel you – that was me on my first night in Iceland.

Thankfully, Perlan has a beautiful planetarium show that simulates the Northern Lights right above your head. So you can still get to witness their magic without freezing your toes off in the middle of the night.

• The show takes place in a state-of-the-art dome theatre
• It explains the science behind the lights in an easy-to-follow way
• The visuals are truly stunning — I really felt like I was sitting under the aurora, it was breath-taking!

If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, this is one of the only ways to still catch the Northern Lights, which makes it worth the ticket price alone.

Explore a Real Ice Cave

Yes, it’s REAL! It’s not just some plastic replica with lights – no infamous Wonka Experience vibes here!

The Perlan ice cave is made with over 350 tonnes of actual snow and ice, which you get to walk through and see its layers and textures up close. There’s even a little tunnel you can crawl through, if you fancy it.

This is an amazing way to experience what it’s like inside Iceland’s glaciers, without having to hike on one while wearing crampons and safety gear.

• It’s family-friendly and completely safe
• There are staff around in case you have questions or concerns
• If you’re visiting Iceland with kids or limited mobility, it’s a great alternative to full-day glacier tours that involve hours of driving
• Bring your coat, it’s around -10°C!

I’m not gonna lie, my favourite part of the ice cave was sitting on the ice throne, pretending I was an Ice Queen for a souvenir photo! We hung back from the small crowd and had it all to ourselves for a few minutes.

Explore a Glaciers Exhibit

One of the most eye-opening exhibits is the glacier room, where you learn just how fast Iceland’s glaciers are shrinking due to climate change.

There’s a giant interactive model that shows past and future changes in glacier size. It’s beautiful, but I found it a little heartbreaking too.

For anyone curious about climate change and Iceland’s future, this is a must-see part of the museum.

Best Rooftop View of Reykjavik

After all the exhibits, head up to the impressive Perlan observation deck for a full 360° view over Reykjavik.

From the outdoor terrace you can see:

• Mount Esja in the distance
• Reykjavik’s colourful rooftops
• The sea and surrounding landscape

This was a great place to get a feel for the area, and I loved capturing some beautiful photos of the Icelandic natural landscape.

There’s also a café up at the top. I grabbed a hot chocolate and sat watching the city bathe in the morning sunlight. It’s one of my favourite memories from that Iceland trip.

Practical Information For Your Perlan Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Perlan, here’s some information you’ll find useful before you arrive and during your visit.

Perlan location & how to get there

Perlan is about a 10–15 minute drive from central Reykjavik. To reach it, you can:

• Walk or take an e-scooter (it’s 30 minutes to walk but uphill, so be ready for it!)
• Take the number 13 or 18 bus from Reykjavik heading to Öskjuhlíð
• Use a Reykjavik City Sightseeing bus – you can buy a combined ticket for the bus and museum here
• Grab a taxi (around 2,000–2,500 ISK)
• Drive – if you’re renting a car in Iceland, there’s free parking right outside

Opening hours

Perlan museum is open daily from 9am to 9pm, but hours for individual areas vary:

Ticket info

All-access tickets to Perlan museum are priced at 6,290 ISK (£38 / €44) if bought in advance (6,590 ISK / £40 / €46 if bought on-site). Children under six are admitted free, and discounts are available for families.

I recommend buying tickets through Get Your Guide – it offers a ‘reserve now and pay later’ option, plus free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Which offers peace of mind if your plans (or the weather) changes.

Accessibility

Perlan museum is wheelchair-accessible, with a lift providing access to all floors. The ice cave is also accessible with assistance, just ask at the desk. And there’s disabled parking available too.

Facilities

Perlan museum has some excellent facilities inside to make your visit easy and comfortable:

• On-site café and restaurant with Icelandic snacks and meals
• Ice cream parlour for a delicious home-made treat
• Lovely gift shop with local souvenirs
• Free luggage storage and cloakroom
• Clean toilets and baby changing facilities

A map of the museum makes specific facilities easy to find, and can be found on the Perlan website.

FAQ

Have a burning question? Lots of Perlan visitors do before they arrive! Here are some questions that are most frequently-asked.

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If you’re picking just one museum in Iceland to visit during your short trip, make it Perlan. It’s fun, interactive, educational, and genuinely left me in awe.

From watching the lights dance above you, to learning how glaciers are disappearing beneath your feet, it’s a truly powerful place. My memories of my visit there won’t fade in a hurry, that’s for certain.

For a fun, unforgettable and insightful experience, Perlan is 100% worth it.

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