Have you gone to Perlan ? travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Perlan (The Pearl) is a landmark building in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It is 25.7 m high and attracts on average 20,000 visitors every year. It was originally designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson. Perlan is situated on the hill where there had been hot water storage tanks for decades. In 1991 the tanks were updated and a hemispherical structure placed on top. This project was largely done at the behest of Davio Oddsson, during his time as mayor of Reykjavik. The Pearl is a remarkable building, built in 1988, unique in Iceland and probably in the whole world. On Oskjuhlid hill, a top the huge tanks in which natural hot water is stored for heating the city, a glass dome has been constructed: under the dome is a rotating restaurant serving fine cuisine.
The height of the structure is 25.7 m. The volume is 20,000 cubic m. Total floor space is 3,700 square m. Total floor space of the Winter Garden is 1,000 square m. There are 1,176 window panes. 58 floodlights illuminate the exterior. 105 pole lights illuminate the grounds. Fluorescent lights light up the Viewing Deck. 1,900 lights illuminate the interior. 942 bulbs create the “star heaven” inside the dome. 12 km of electric cable and 37 km of sound system cable run through the building. Perlan has 10,000 cubic meters of exhibition space. There is a viewing deck on the fourth floor. It contains panoramic telescopes at each six corners of the deck with recorded descriptions in five different language.
The Pearl is a magnificent structure.Formally opened to the public on 21 June 1991, it combines utility and vision. Hollow steel framing supports the glass dome and walls that link six aluminum-sided tanks, each of which can contain 4 million liters of water averaging 85°C. As part of The Pearl’s heating system, hot water is pumped through the metal framework in winter, while cold water flows during summer, thereby producing a comfortable year-round environment. The Viewing Deck on Level 4 takes full advantage of the panorama enjoyed from Oskjuhlid. Telescopes mounted at each of the six corners of the deck with recorded descriptions in Icelandic, English, Norwegian, German and French.

There are three shops in Perlan, all on the fourth floor. They are the Gourmet Shop, the Souvenir Shop and the Christmas Shop. The top floor is completely occupied by a revolving restaurant - a nice Restaurant with a great view. There is also a market selling cheap clothes. You should go onto the viewing platform at sunset for some great photos, and because it’s free. For lighter fare, delicious breads, coffee cakes, and pastries are among the bakery’s goods available in The Pearls Cafeteria. You will also find hot soups, sandwiches and assorted salads. Plenty of free parking space available.
The Pearl is a remarkable building, built in 1988, unique in Iceland and probably in the whole world.