Reykjavik

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Perlan

More Photos
Koentje3000
Koentje3000
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
4
Photos
Editor Pick

Perlan

  • February 22, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Koentje3000 from Hamme, Belgium
Perlan

The Perlan (meaning "The Pearl" in Icelandic) is one of Reykjavík's main landmarks. This strange structure is located on the highest hill in the city, Öskjuhlíð, which is about 60m above sea level. Due to its elevated location, hot water tanks for supplying the city were constructed here already some 70 years ago (see this 1946 aerial picture). A pipe line from a geothermal field 70km away transports hot water and fills the tanks. This makes it possible to create a cheap heating system for the city. Nowadays the free flow of hot water is even used to keep the Reykjavík roads ice-free in winter.

The water tanks were replaced by its current structure in 1990 (aerial view). Six cylindrical tanks, covered with aluminium plates and with a volume of 4 million litres each, are arranged in a circle. The tanks are 5m apart from each other, leaving a passage to the interior of the Perlan. Lots of glass is used for the construction, so during daylight the whole inside is very bright and open. The first floor is the so-called "Winter Garden", with plants and an artificial geyser, spouting every few minutes. The first three floors contain exhibition rooms providing space for the regular art, sport, travel or other expos. The first floor provides access to one of the tanks, which is not used for storing water but functions as the Reykjavík Saga Museum, a permanent exhibition with wax figures displaying Iceland's history. Entrance fee is 100Kr (500Kr for children) but the museum is not very interesting.

The water tanks are topped by an iron and glass dome, 40m in diameter and taking in the fourth and fifth floor of the building. There is a souvenir shop, offering standard tourist items and year-round Christmas decoration, and a cafeteria, providing snacks and refreshments, on the fourth floor. From here you also have access to the viewing deck, completely encircling the dome and offering beautiful views on the city and its surroundings. The top floor is completely occupied by a revolving restaurant. The excellent restaurant, featuring some award-winning chefs, is reasonably priced for Icelandic standards, with main courses around 4000Kr and a complete menu around 6000Kr. As always, alcohol will add a considerable amount of money to your bill. For more info, see Perlan website.

The Öskjuhlíð hill is now a nature park, with trails waiting to be followed. One trail leads down south, passing the Reykjavík airport, towards Nautholsvík beach. The water is pleasantly warm (20°C) because it is fed by the run-off water of Reykjavík's heating system. There are changing rooms and a few hot pots, small baths filled with warm water of around 30-35°C. There is no entrance fee, so naturally the beach is flocked with people on sunny summer days and in the weekend. During weekdays out of July and August, the beach will be virtually empty so you can have it to yourself.

From journal Smoky Bay Town

Compare Reykjavik Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Reykjavik Travel Deals