Icelandic Winter Chronicles: Part 8 – New Year’s Eve on the Hill: Perlan and Reykjavik Fireworks
Day 8 brought us back to Reykjavik, the bustling capital of Iceland—a stark contrast to the remote, snow-covered landscapes we had been exploring. After a week in Iceland’s rural solitude, returning to the city felt almost surreal, like stumbling into a thriving village in a post-apocalyptic movie.
We took it easy in the morning, waking up later than usual and planning a few “touristy” stops before the night’s big event. Our first stop was FlyOver Iceland, a virtual experience where you soar over stunning Icelandic landscapes without ever leaving your seat. If you’ve ever been on Soarin’ at Disneyland or Disney World, this is Iceland’s version, minus the theme park crowds. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a quick glimpse of the country’s iconic scenery and a great indoor alternative to helicopter tours, especially when winter storms have grounded all flights.
Since we hadn’t pre-booked, we had a few hours before the next FlyOver show. So, we took a quick detour to Whales of Iceland, a nearby museum that offers a fascinating dive into Iceland’s marine life. Life-size models of various whale species filled the space, giving us all an incredible look at the creatures we’d glimpsed earlier on our trip.
Finally, it was time for the highlight of the day: Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Perlan Museum. Perlan, or “The Pearl,” is an iconic glass-domed building perched on a hill, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It’s a nature and science museum built atop repurposed hot water tanks from the 1980s, bringing Iceland’s natural wonders to life. I’d been quick to secure tickets months ahead, as New Year’s Eve at Perlan sells out fast. At 74,900 kr per adult and 54,900 kr per child, the price seemed steep at first, but once we were there, I knew it was worth every króna.
We were greeted at the entrance with welcome drinks and ushered into a panoramic theater for a short film showcasing Iceland’s natural beauty before dinner.
The event’s exclusivity meant that the museum’s exhibitions, including a real man-made ice tunnel, were all ours to explore, free from the usual crowds. The most impressive exhibition was the ice cave that replicates the feel of exploring a real glacier. Constructed with over 350 tons of snow and ice, this man-made cave is a remarkable feat, designed to mirror the natural structure, color, and texture of Iceland's glaciers and ice tunnels. Winding through its 100-meter length, visitors encounter the brilliant blue and white hues of glacial ice while also learning about the glacier’s formation and the impact of climate change on Iceland's disappearing ice fields. Interactive displays and expert guides provide insights into how glaciers are vital to Iceland’s ecosystem, making this attraction both an exciting adventure and an eye-opening lesson on conservation and natural history. The ice tunnel exhibit was an absolute hit with our kids, who went through it multiple times.
With the museum mostly empty during dinner, it felt like our own private playground. The vast majority of guests were busy drinking, eating, and chatting upstairs, leaving very few people browsing the exhibits. Is this what it would feel like to sneak into a museum after closing time? We wandered through every floor at least three times and still felt we could go for another round—it was that much fun.
As evening turned to night, anticipation built for Iceland’s famed New Year’s Eve fireworks. Reykjavik’s fireworks are entirely unique, with no official city-sponsored show. Instead, the entire city becomes a free-form fireworks display, with residents setting off their own rockets starting as early as the afternoon. The proceeds from firework sales support the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR), so every firework is a small way to help sustain Iceland’s search and rescue services.
As midnight approached, we stepped onto Perlan’s observation deck for an uninterrupted view of the citywide fireworks spectacle. Fireworks filled the sky from every direction, a continuous, exhilarating display leading up to the final countdown. When midnight struck, Reykjavik lit up in a way I’ve never seen, with vibrant colors flashing over the skyline for what felt like hours. The joy and spirit of celebration echoed everywhere, and the fireworks didn’t truly fade until well into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Back at the hotel, we could still hear fireworks popping in the distance, as if the city itself was still celebrating. Watching from our window, we welcomed the New Year, grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime evening.
