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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Perlan Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | perlan.is |
Iceland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F
Type F:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 163 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings. |
| Icelandic National Day (June) |
Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive. |
| Þorrablót Festival (January) |
A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi |
| Other: | Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Perlan, Iceland
Indoor exhibitions, ice cave and planetarium run year-round; outdoor viewing deck can close in strong wind
Don't miss
- ❄️ Walk through the immersive indoor ice cave
- 🌌 Watch the mesmerizing Áróra Northern Lights show
- 🌇 Enjoy 360° city views from Perlan's observation deck
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Perlan is an iconic building made up of six massive hot water tanks supporting a unique glass dome. It was originally built to store and supply hot water to Reykjavik but has since been transformed into a fascinating museum and science center focused on Iceland’s natural wonders.
The main draw is the 100-meter-long artificial ice cave made from around 350 tons of ice and snow, offering a year-round glimpse into glacial life. The state-of-the-art planetarium hosts the 'Áróra' show, a mesmerizing presentation of the Northern Lights with stunning visuals and surround sound.
Exhibits such as the 'Forces of Nature' and a life-size replica of the Látrabjarg seabird cliffs allow visitors to explore Iceland’s volcanic activity, glaciers and wildlife up close. The roof features a revolving restaurant and café with panoramic views over Reykjavik and nearby mountains, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
While the exhibits are engaging and accessible for all ages, some visitors find the entry price a bit high compared to other attractions in Reykjavik. The location on a hill requires a little effort to reach on foot. Weather can be variable, so dressing in layers is advisable.
Knowledge before you go
- Book tickets online. Skip lines and secure timed entry slots.
- Dress warmly for the ice cave exhibit, maintained at sub-zero temperatures year-round for realism.
- Visit observation deck for 360-degree panoramic views of Reykjavik, mountains and ocean on clear days.
- Perlan originated as hot water tanks; now features man-made ice cave from 350 tons of snow and interactive glacier exhibits.
How to travel to Perlan
Perlan is located on Öskjuhlíð hill, about a 30-minute walk from Reykjavik’s city center. Visitors can take city buses number 13 or 18 to near the museum or a short taxi ride. Internationally, travelers usually fly into Keflavik International Airport, then connect by bus or car to Reykjavik, followed by local transit to Perlan.
Access summary
- From Keflavík Airport (KEF): Airport bus or taxi via Reykjavík; about 45–60 minutes.
- From central Reykjavík: Walk 30 minutes or city bus 13/18; around 10–30 minutes.
- From Reykjavík cruise port: Taxi or bus via center to Öskjuhlíð hill; roughly 15–25 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Perlan
Reykjavik offers a variety of accommodations close to Perlan, from boutique hotels to guesthouses. Staying near the city center gives easy access to Perlan along with other cultural and historic city sights.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Perlan
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 54% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Perlan Museum in Reykjavík offers a safe, family‑friendly environment with well‑lit galleries and clear emergency exits. Iceland’s low crime rate, reliable public transport and friendly locals ensure visitors feel secure throughout their visit.
Accessibility
Perlan Museum in Reykjavík offers excellent accessibility: wide, level entrances, elevators, wheelchair‑friendly exhibits and clear signage. However, some older galleries have narrow aisles and the café’s seating is limited for mobility aids. Overall, it remains highly inclusive.
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