The Pearl travel guide

Perlan (English: The Pearl) sits on top of the hill Oskjuhlid and is a landmark building in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

At 61 meters above sea level Oskjuhlid was early on chosen to be the site of water storage for greater Reykjavik. This elevation provides adequate pressure to force water up 10 story buildings at 38 meters above sea level. Huge hot water storage tanks have stood on the top of Oskjuhlid for decades storing the abundant geothermal heat found in and around Reykjavik and distributing it to its households. In 1991 the old water tanks were updated and a hemispherical structure that looks like half-a-pearl was placed on top.

Perlan has become a popular destination for tourists because of the panoramic view it offers of the city and its surroundings. There is a viewing deck on the fourth floor of Perlan. There is an open access to Perlan and its panoramic deck all year round -- free of charge.

There is a cafeteria on the fourth floor of Perlan. It offers amazing scenery while you enjoy your latte, but be prepared to pay double to your normal Starbucks -- this place is among the most expensive in the city.

If you are planning on fine dining in Reykjavik, you should head for the very top floor of Perlan where you find a revolving restaurant and cocktail bar. This is without a doubt the best view of any restaurant in the city and the food is excellent.

One of the water tanks at Perlan has recently been cleared out in order to hold the Saga Museum. It tells the history of the famous Icelandic sagas and gives a rough outline of early Icelandic history.

oui c'est bien mais ça sent le soufre

The Pearl travel guide last edited by jl edit this text

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jl

c'est pas mal

2008-05-12 / follow jl / report abuse

kolafsson

Excellent place to enjoy a panoramic view of Reykjavik and its surroundings.

2008-04-20 / follow kolafsson / report abuse