Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show

Experience Iceland’s Natural Wonders at Perlan Museum

If you’re heading to Reykjavik, the Perlan Museum’s combined package of the Wonders of Iceland exhibition and the Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show offers an engaging and educational way to spend a few hours. For around $48.42 per person, you get pre-booked admission, avoiding long lines, along with access to one of Reykjavik’s top attractions. The tour includes exploring the world’s first indoor ice cave, viewing Iceland’s stunning landscapes and wildlife, and finishing with a spectacular planetarium show about the northern lights.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances interactive exhibits with immersive shows. The ice cave is unexpectedly impressive—like stepping into a real glacier, but indoors—allowing you to experience Iceland’s icy wilderness without venturing out into the cold. Then there’s the Áróra planetarium, which uses advanced technology to recreate the aurora borealis in ways you’ve never seen before. It’s an incredible way to understand the science behind the lights while feeling like you’re experiencing them firsthand.

A potential drawback is that transport is not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to Perlan Museum. Also, depending on how much time you want to spend, visiting might feel a bit rushed if you’re tight on your Iceland itinerary. Still, this package is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, indoor-focused experience that offers both education and entertainment, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating for outdoor northern lights tours.

This experience suits travelers who prefer indoor activities or those with limited time but still want to get a good sense of Iceland’s natural beauty and culture. It’s especially ideal for families, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to learn about Iceland’s geology, wildlife, and the northern lights in a single convenient visit.

Key Points

• Pre-booked tickets save time and ensure you skip the lines
• Indoor ice cave offers a unique, climate-controlled experience of Iceland’s icy landscape
• Áróra planetarium uses innovative technology to simulate the northern lights in stunning detail
• The observation deck provides panoramic views of Reykjavik and surrounding mountains
• The package is flexible, with multiple visiting times throughout the day
• It’s a cost-effective option compared to outdoor tours for experiencing Iceland’s natural phenomena

A Deep Dive Into the Perlan Experience

The Perlan Museum is located conveniently in Reykjavik, near public transportation, making it easy to access. When we arrived, the first thing that catches your eye is the stunning architecture—an iconic glass dome perched atop a series of water tanks, a symbol of Reykjavik’s innovative approach to sustainability and design. The museum has been highly rated, with over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, and many visitors praise its combination of interactive displays and educational content.

The Wonders of Iceland Exhibition

Once inside, we headed straight to the Wonders of Iceland exhibit. It offers a broad overview of Iceland’s geology, volcanoes, geothermal activity, and local wildlife. What makes this exhibit engaging is the inclusion of realistic models, interactive screens, and visual displays that cater to all ages.

Most reviews agree that this part of the museum is highly informative. Donald_M calls it “Very informative of Iceland’s nature,” highlighting how well the exhibits explain complex natural processes in accessible language. The highlight here is the indoor ice cave, a meticulously recreated environment that gives visitors a sense of Iceland’s glaciers without stepping outside. As some reviews mention, this ice cave is a must-see if you want a taste of Iceland’s icy wilderness but can’t venture into the actual glaciers or prefer to avoid outdoor excursions.

The Observation Deck and Views

Next, we took advantage of the 360° Observation Deck, which offers sweeping views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the city’s layout and natural scenery from above. Many visitors, including Martin_J, have remarked on the spectacular views from the revolving restaurant, which is part of the same complex.

The Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show

The highlight for many visitors is the Áróra show in the planetarium. Unlike traditional shows, Áróra uses state-of-the-art projection technology to simulate the aurora borealis in 360 degrees. As you sit comfortably, the show takes you through the science of the northern lights, their cultural significance, and myths surrounding them, all while recreating the dancing lights across the sky.

Reviewers like Kathleen_m describe it as “phenomenal,” praising the use of technology to make the experience immersive. Others, like Judith_B, note that after several nights of cloud cover or canceled outdoor tours, this show provided a “guaranteed aurora experience,” making it especially valuable if the actual northern lights are elusive during your visit.

The Practical Details

The itinerary is straightforward: after arriving at Perlan, you explore the exhibits at your own pace, then settle into the planetarium show. The admission ticket covers all aspects, including access to the observation deck and the interactive exhibits. The tour lasts between one to three hours, depending on your interest level or how much time you spend in each section.

No transfer is included, so you’ll need to plan your transportation. However, the museum’s central location makes it easy to reach by public transit or taxi. The tickets can be purchased months in advance—we recommend doing so, especially during high season, to secure your preferred time.

Reviews from Visitors

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the educational value and stunning visuals. Donald_M appreciated that it’s a great visit if you don’t have a chance to see the northern lights, and Gerovani_B highlights that it’s a must for those traveling out of season. Conversely, some visitors, like jessy_n, mention that the experience is good but might be considered overpriced for what you get, emphasizing that it’s more of an indoor museum experience rather than an outdoor adventure.

Food and Amenities

The revolving restaurant offers great views and is considered worth a visit, though some mention that prices are on the higher side. The gift shop is convenient but also tends to be more expensive, so manage expectations if you want souvenirs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This package is perfect for families with kids, geology enthusiasts, or anyone who prefers indoor attractions. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a rundown of Iceland’s natural phenomena without braving the cold or uncertain weather. If you’re short on time but want to maximize your experience, this tour packs a lot into a few hours.

It’s particularly beneficial for travelers who want guaranteed northern lights or are visiting during the off-season when outdoor sightings are less reliable. The interactive exhibits and technological presentations make it engaging for all ages, and the panoramic views add an extra layer of enjoyment.

The Sum Up

The Perlan Museum’s Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show offers a well-rounded, value-packed experience. It combines educational exhibits with visual spectacles, making it ideal for travelers who want to learn, see, and feel connected to Iceland’s natural wonders—all under one roof.

The indoor ice cave and aurora simulation stand out as highlights, thanks to their realism and technological sophistication. The observation deck provides breathtaking views, and the flexible scheduling makes it accessible for different itineraries. While it may seem pricey compared to other museums, the quality of the exhibits and the multiple experiences in one ticket justify the cost, especially if outdoor weather is uncooperative.

We believe this experience is best suited for families, curious travelers, and those wanting a time-efficient, educational, yet visually stunning, Icelandic experience. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the country’s geology, wildlife, and northern lights, all without leaving Reykjavik.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, transportation to and from Perlan Museum is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there, which is straightforward given its central location.

What is the duration of the tour? The visit lasts between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how long you wish to spend exploring the exhibits and watching the planetarium show.

Can I visit at any time? Yes, multiple times are available throughout the day, allowing you to fit it into your Reykjavik schedule conveniently.

Are there age restrictions? Most travelers can participate, and reviews indicate that children enjoy the exhibits and shows, especially the ice cave and northern lights presentation.

Is the ice cave outdoors? No, it’s a completely indoor experience designed to mimic Iceland’s glaciers without the hassle of outdoor cold and weather.

What about food options? There’s a revolving restaurant with panoramic views, perfect for a meal or snack, but prices tend to be higher.

Is the planetarium show suitable for everyone? Yes, it’s designed to be engaging and educational for all ages, with stunning visuals and storytelling.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled visit, ensuring flexibility if your plans change.

In all, the Perlan Museum offers a complete, memorable experience that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re a science buff, traveling with family, or simply want to experience Iceland’s natural beauty indoors, this tour delivers on its promise of wonder—and a touch of magic through the northern lights.