Reykjavik: Perlan Wonders of Iceland Ice Cave & Aurora Show

Summary

Perlan museum’s icy tunnels, aurora planetarium, city views

You’ll step inside a real indoor ice cave at Perlan in Reykjavik, explore hands-on exhibits about Icelandic nature, watch volcanoes erupt beneath your feet, and see an 8K northern lights show in the planetarium. The rooftop deck gives you sweeping city views — and maybe a new sense of wonder you weren’t expecting.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me inside Perlan was this odd quiet — like the air itself was holding its breath. I’d just come in from Reykjavik’s wind (my scarf still smelled faintly of coffee from the café down the hill), and suddenly I was staring at a wall of blue-white ice. Our guide, Sigrún, grinned when I touched it — “Yes, it’s real!” she said, and my fingers stung a bit from the cold. You can hear your own footsteps echo in there, which is weirdly calming. I kept thinking about how glaciers move so slowly you’d never notice if you didn’t stop.

After that we wandered through these interactive displays — not gonna lie, I got distracted by a video of puffins crash-landing on cliffs (they really do look clumsy). There’s something about seeing all this Icelandic nature up close, even if it’s behind glass or on a screen. Sigrún told us stories about volcanoes waking up at night and how locals keep an eye on them — she laughed when someone asked if she ever gets used to it. “No one does,” she said. The volcano show rumbled under our feet; I flinched, but a kid next to me just giggled.

The Áróra northern lights show in the planetarium was… hard to describe. It’s not like seeing them outside (I haven’t been that lucky yet), but when those colors started swirling overhead in 8K, everyone went quiet for once. Even the teenagers with their phones out just stared up with their mouths open. Afterward we went out to the 360° observation deck — Reykjavik looked tiny below us and you could see all the way to the mountains. The wind nearly took my hat off but I stayed out there longer than I meant to.

I didn’t expect to feel so small and curious at the same time. Maybe that’s what Perlan is for — making you remember how wild Iceland actually is, even if you’re only here for a day trip or just waiting out another rainstorm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Perlan Wonders of Iceland

• Enter Perlan museum
• Stand inside real ice cave
• Explore interactive nature exhibits
• Watch Volcano show
• See Áróra northern light show
• Visit 360° observation deck

Top questions

Is Perlan accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Perlan are wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers.

Does my ticket include the Áróra northern lights planetarium show?

Yes, entry includes access to the Áróra northern lights show in Perlan's planetarium.

Is pickup from my hotel included with Perlan tickets?

No, Perlan does not provide pickup for visitors; you'll need to arrange your own transport.

Are infants allowed inside Perlan?

Yes, infants are welcome; they must sit on an adult's lap or use a pram or stroller.

Can service animals enter Perlan?

Yes, service animals are allowed inside Perlan.

What can I see from Perlan's observation deck?

You get 360° panoramic views over Reykjavik and surrounding landscapes from the rooftop deck.

How long does it take to visit all exhibits at Perlan?

Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours exploring all exhibitions and shows at Perlan.

What’s included

Your ticket covers entrance to all Wonders of Iceland exhibitions at Perlan museum in Reykjavik, including access to the real indoor ice cave experience, admission to the Áróra northern lights planetarium show with immersive 8K projection, plus time on the 360° rooftop observation deck for panoramic city views.