Published April 24, 2019
Ever since the mid-20th century, six hot water tanks stood on top of Öskjuhlíð. In 1991, an immense glass dome was placed on top of them, forming Perlan, which in the years since has become one of the most iconic and visited attractions in Iceland. The name translates to ‘pearl’, and seeing the building from the distance will show you why. On a sunny day in the city, it sparkles out like a prize-winning diamond, enchanting locals and foreigners alike.
![DJI_00013_by_bicnick Museum with the best view in Reykjavík](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dji_00013_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=254&quality=99&ssl=1)
![DJI_00014_by_bicnick Perlan, the home of the Wonders of Iceland museum](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dji_00014_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=254&quality=99&ssl=1)
But the Perlan is much more than just its beautiful exterior, and in fact, the activities you can find there are almost too numerous to count. On a sunny day, soak in a 360° view of Reykjavík from their observation deck, where you can gaze out at Mount Esja, Hallgrímskirkja and even the Atlantic itself as you stroll around the perimeter.
![0BIC1106_by_bicnick A 360 view of Reykjavík!](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1106_by_bicnick.jpg?w=966&h=543&quality=99&ssl=1)
Directly inside, there’s the celebrated top-floor Út í Blainn revolving restaurant, where you can relax surrounded by a circular glass dome with a coffee, cocktail, or meal. The word revolving isn’t just part of the name—the restaurant slowly spins around at night ensuring you get to experience the entire view of the city without interruption.
![0BIC1108_by_bicnick Út í blainn, restaurant with the best view in Reykjavik](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1108_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1110_by_bicnick The gorgeous glass dome of Perlan](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1110_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1107_by_bicnick Út í blainn, the revolving restaurant at Perlan](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1107_by_bicnick.jpg?w=966&h=543&quality=99&ssl=1)
There’s no need to fret when the weather isn’t so good, though, as Perlan offers a plethora of indoor ways to spend an afternoon. Unwind in their new Áróra Planetarium, where you can experience the beauty of space, the Northern Lights, and the Icelandic countryside from the comfort of a cushy seat. It’s the perfect way to ensure that—regardless of weather—you’ll be able to admire the incomparable Aurora Borealis.
![0BIC1058_by_bicnick reykjavík planetarium](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1058_by_bicnick.jpg?w=966&h=543&quality=99&ssl=1)
Afterwards, head over to their “Wonders Of Iceland” exhibition, where you can walk though a 100m long ice cave, look for sea birds on an augmented reality model of the famous Látrabjarg Cliff, and learn interactively about Icelandic water, climate, glaciers, and even bugs. Both kid-friendly and fascinating, the museum will entertain both children and adults alike.
![0BIC1069_by_bicnick Ice Cave at the Wonders of Iceland museum](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1069_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1081_by_bicnick Learn about glaciers at the Wonders of Iceland museum](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1081_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1039_by_bicnick A realistic bird cliff at the Wonders of Iceland museum](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1039_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1033_by_bicnick The Wonders of Iceland museum in Perlan is full of information](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1033_by_bicnick.jpg?w=481&h=271&quality=99&ssl=1)
![0BIC1036_by_bicnick Learning about lava at the Wonders of Iceland museum in Perlan](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0bic1036_by_bicnick.jpg?w=966&h=543&quality=99&ssl=1)
While the Perlan might be a bit far to walk to, especially in bad weather, they offer a free shuttle bus from Harpa daily from 10:00 to 19:30 on the whole and half hour. Don’t worry—they also offer a shuttle back, so you have no excuse not to treat yourself to an afternoon of fun and beauty.
![](https://i0.wp.com/grapevine.is/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/perlan2.png?w=970&quality=99&ssl=1)