Attractions and Places To See around Öskjuhlíð - Top 5

Perlan (Icelandic for "the Pearl") is a hot water storage facility in Iceland's capital, Reykjavík. It was designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson and opened in 1991. From here, the city is supplied with hot water, including the sidewalks and streets, which are heated in winter. Perlan is located on the Öskjuhlíð hill south of the city center, near Reykjavík Airport. Hot water storage facilities had been located on this site for several decades. Based on plans dating back to the 1930s (originally developed by Johannes Kjarval), the six aluminum tanks were covered with a glass dome. Lamps create the illusion of a starry sky, and mirrors reflect the sky and, frequently, the northern lights into the building. An artificial geyser was also constructed inside the building, which erupts every few minutes. One of the tanks was drained and housed a Saga Museum until 2014. On the roof of the tanks is an observation deck offering views over Reykjavík and far into the country. A revolving restaurant is located on the top floor, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic view while dining. Since July 2017, the building has housed the Museum of Natural Wonders of Iceland, featuring an artificial glacier and ice cave, designed and built by Susan Christianen and Johan Larsson. There is also a planetarium and other exhibitions on Icelandic nature. The construction of the building owes its political importance to Davíð Oddsson, then mayor of Reykjavík and later Prime Minister of Iceland.

If you prefer to walk, there are various hiking trails leading up to the Perlan Museum. The entrance fee of €36.00 is well worth it - a great museum. There is also a restaurant in the museum, and food is available until 6 p.m.

On the Öskjuhlíð hill, one of the highest points in Reykjavík, sits majestically the Perlan - the pearl. This glass dome, the result of Ingimundur Sveinsson's visionary design, attracts attention from afar. Whatever the weather, it plays with the colors of the sky, reflects the day and at night conjures up a starry illusion in the Icelandic sky with the help of 942 light bulbs. On clear nights, the mirrors in the building even capture the enchanting northern lights and bring their dance inside. But Perlan is not just a feast for the eyes. Here the city is supplied with geothermal hot water, which is obtained from depths of up to 2000 meters. This hot water flows in six huge aluminum tanks, five of which are still in use and each can hold up to four million liters of water. Thanks to the elevated location of the Perlan, the 85°C hot water can reach the city without additional pumps. As you climb the hill, Perlan rewards you with a panoramic view of Reykjavík that extends deep inland. From the viewing platform on the tanks you feel like you're on top of the world. Are you hungry or thirsty? A revolving restaurant awaits you on the top floor, with a panoramic view that makes every meal an experience. But the Perlan has even more surprises. Enter the man-made ice cave, a masterpiece by Susan Christianen and Johan Larsson, and immerse yourself in the cold wonders of Iceland. Or be fascinated by the artificial geyser, which shoots up its water column at regular intervals. For history fans, it is also worth taking a detour to the Saga Museum, which housed one of the tanks until 2014. Right next to the Perlan, the park invites you to take a leisurely walk. Breathe in the fresh Icelandic air, feel the wind on your skin and let your gaze wander once again over this impressive city. Perlan is a testament to how people manage to combine functionality and art. A building that celebrates both the power of nature and human ingenuity.

excellent panoramic view but also a point of interest for permanent exhibitions and for the showroom on volcanic eruptions

Hidden on the side of the hill, amid trees and walking trails, are the remains of WWII bunkers and seawalls built by the US Army.

Worthwhile way to the planetarium. All video shows and information invite you to try them out and participate. English or Icelandic required. Definitely visit the café on the 5th floor, rotates within xy hours. 360 degrees. With Icelandic good visibility (dry, overcast) a good opportunity to look into the distance.

Definitely worth seeing. Great views from the roof. You can go for a walk in the park next door.

The hot water tanks - five of the six are still in operation - each hold up to four million liters of hot water with a temperature of about 85 ° C. Due to its elevated position on Öskjuhlíð hill (61 m), Perlan can supply all the buildings in Reykjavík with energy from hot water without additional pumps. The hot water for Reykjavík is taken from about 70 wells in Reykjavík, Mosfellsbær and Nesjavellir, which usually extend between 500 m and 2000 m in depth. Thus, a large part of the heat energy can be obtained directly from geothermal energy. The building is 25.7 m high. The glass dome on the roof consists of 1176 window elements, 942 bulbs create the illusion of a starry sky. From outside, the building is illuminated with 58 spotlights.