Perlan is a testament to Iceland’s peculiar ingenuity. Reykjavík architect Ingimundur Sveinsson repurposed the city’s hot water tanks on the southern edge of town to serve as an eco-friendly retail and exhibition space. Since then, the Perlan complex has become a hugely successful tourist attraction. Eat in the revolving restaurant, look over the town from a viewing platform and tour the parkland around the building.
Perlan consists of a massive glass dome situated on six water tanks. The genius of the structure lies in the fact that all but one of its tanks still serve the city with its hot water supply. Some of the water runs through the Perlan building’s metal supports, providing it with heat during the winter and air conditioning during the summer. Take refuge in the building in any season to feel the effects of its resourceful engineering.
Make a reservation at the Pearl Restaurant. This gourmet restaurant lines the side of the rotating dome on its fifth floor. As you eat, look out the window every few minutes to see the scenery change. The full rotation takes two hours, so stick around and have a cup of coffee while your initial view returns.
Look for the fountain on the ground floor, which shoots up through a central shaft every few minutes. This is supposed to mimic Iceland’s many geysers.
Descend into the one tank that no longer provides Reykjavík with water to find the Saga Museum. Here, wax figures donned with antique clothes and props represent various periods throughout the history of Iceland.
Tour the grassy parkland around Perlan, known as Öskjuhlíð. Hike or bike along the trails to reach Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach along the southern coast of the Reykjavík peninsula.
Walk or take a bus to Perlan from the city centre, which is located nearby. Visit the building and the Saga Museum throughout the year. Entry to Perlan is free, but there is a fee to enter the Saga Museum.
