Perlan the Icelandic Nature Museum

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Themepark Freak

Is it a rainy day in Iceland? Or are you just bored and looking for something to do? Why not head over to Perlan, the Icelandic Nature Museum?

About Perlan – Icelandic Nature Museum

The icelandic nature museum was first opened to the public in June 1991. It sits on the outskirts of Reykjavik and is only 19 minutes by bus from the Harpa.

The museum sits on a hill, 61 meters above sea level and is made out of six hot water tanks that used to send hot water out to nearby buildings that also sat above sea level. On top of the structure is a glass dome which serves as Perlan’s furnace system.

Inside the museum, visitors are able to explore exhibits ranging from interactive presentations such as an ice cave to a planetarium. There are also plenty of exhibits over the settlement of Iceland, the nature (including volcanoes) and animals.

What’s Inside the Icelandic Nature Museum?

The following is a sample of the exhibits you can expect to see inside the Icelandic Nature Museum. They are all included in the price of entry:

World’s First Indoor Ice Cave

That’s right, you can visit an ice cave from Reykjavik. There’s no need for warm clothing or special equipment because this cave is only 100 meters long (109 yards).

Northern Lights Show

Being able to see the Northern Lights heavily depends on what time of year you visit Iceland and the weather. However, at the Perlan you will always get a chance to see them in the 8k Northern Lights show that takes place in a 360 domed theater.

Geldingadalir Lava Show

In 2021 there was a new eruption that began in Geldingadalir which is only 30km (18 miiles) from Reykjavik (you can still go hike out to the lava fields!). At the Icelandic Nature Museum, the Perlan, you can experience the eruption yourself!

In addition to the three big attractions mentioned above, you will also get to experience:

Other Exhibits at the Perlan

• A timeline of Iceland
• Learn about Polar Bears
• Learn about the glaciers of Iceland
• See and touch rocks from different geological formations
• Much more!

Practical Information for Visiting the Perlan

Location of the Perlan

105 Reykjavík, Iceland

Walking: 30 minutes from the city center.

Driving: 10 minutes by car or taxi from the city center, with plenty of free parking.

Bus: take busses 18 or 13 as they stop the closest to the Perlan.

Opening Times of the Nature Museum

There are different opening times between the exhibits and the various restaurants and cafes in the Pelan. find the current opening times below:

Perlan Exhibit Opening Times: 9:00AM to 10:00PM

Perlan Restaurant: 11:30AM to 6:00PM

The Cafe: 9:00AM to 6:00PM

The Bar: 11:30AM to 10:00PM

Ice Cream Parlour: 11:30AM to 10:00PM

Cost of Entry to the Perlan

The following is the current ONLINE price of entry to the Perlan:

The following is the current prices at the door of the Perlan:

How Much Time to Set Aside for the Perlan?

Visitors have reported needing anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to visit the Perlan. If you would like to have a meal or snack, set aside additional time.

Perlan Accessibility Information

What is the Icelandic Nature Museum’s accessibility like? Check out the information below:

• Disabled parking available near the entrance to the building
• Two lifts make every one of the 5 floors accessible
• Every exhibit as well as the restaurant have wheelchair accessibility
• Service animals are welcome

In addition, if you feel the ice cave is too cold with the clothing you’re wearing, the Perlan offers vests free of charge.

Some attractions may have sensory issues (loud, flashes, cold). Inquire at the desk when you enter on which attractions you may need to avoid.

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