Perlan

An iconic glass and steel dome building in Reykjavík housing exhibitions on Iceland's nature, culture, and geology, plus a rotating restaurant and observation deck with 360-degree city views. A must-visit indoor attraction.

Things to do

• Observation Deck — Ascend to the top of the dome for unobstructed 360-degree views of Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, glimpses of the Arctic landscape beyond the city.
• Iceland's Nature Exhibition — Explore interactive displays showcasing Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and unique ecosystems through multimedia installations and physical specimens.
• Planetary Exhibition — Journey through a scaled model of the solar system and learn about planetary science and space exploration in an engaging, immersive environment.
• Perlan Museum Collections — Browse rotating exhibitions on Icelandic culture, history, and geology featuring artifacts, photographs, and contemporary art installations.
• Rotating Restaurant Dining — Experience Icelandic cuisine while slowly rotating through 360 degrees, offering continuously changing views of the city throughout your meal.
• Gift Shop and Local Crafts — Browse Icelandic-made souvenirs, traditional wool sweaters, jewelry, and locally produced goods while overlooking the city.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — Fresh Icelandic char prepared simply to highlight its delicate flavor, commonly served in the Perlan restaurant with seasonal vegetables.
• Lamb Stew — Traditional Icelandic slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables and herbs, a comfort dish reflecting centuries of Nordic cuisine.
• Skyr with Berries — Thick Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product topped with fresh local berries and granola, a popular light meal or dessert available at café areas.
• Seafood Soup — Creamy soup featuring Iceland's abundant catch including shrimp, fish, and mussels, often served with dark rye bread.
• Icelandic Bread — Dense, slightly sweet rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal heat, available fresh at the venue's café.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Warmly Year-Round — Even indoors, bring a light layer as Reykjavík remains cool; the observation deck is particularly windy and cold regardless of season.
• Visit During Extended Daylight — Plan your visit during summer months (May-August) when Iceland experiences nearly 24-hour daylight, making the observation deck and city views most spectacular.
• Respect Photography Guidelines — While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography and drone use are restricted; ask staff before publishing images for business purposes.
• Book Restaurant in Advance — The rotating restaurant operates on reservations, especially during peak tourist season, so book ahead to secure your preferred dining time with optimal views.