Iceland: Day 18 - Perlan

July 12, 2004

Among the most popular spots is the revolving, glass-domed Perlan restaurant, sitting atop the city's silver-coloured hot water tanks, which affords breathtaking views over the city. It is touted as one of Reykjavík's finest restaurants and our meal was sponsored by Gervaise and Conrad (Rubby's aunt and uncle).

With most of our laundry still wet, we were worried about the possibility of a dress code but there were people there with jeans on, so we were ok. This was the only occasion where we got to see reindeer in Iceland... on Rubby's plate - delicious! The arctic char and it was heavenly. Both the view and the food were amazing... many thanks to Conrad and Gervaise!

A note on the utilitarian aspect of the Perlan building:
Geothermal heat is the most significant resources available to Icelanders, providing inexpensive, reliable, and environmentally safe energy. Drilling in Reykjavik first began in 1928, when the deepest hole reached 246 meters. Today about 70 holes provide the capital area with hot water, varying in depth from 500 to 2,000 meters-with one reaching the astonishing depth of 3 kilometers. At 61 meters above sea level, it has long been given that the hill Oskjuhlid where the Perlan is located would be the site of water storage for greater Reykjavík . This elevation provides adequate pressure to force water up a 10-story high-rise built at 38 meters above sea level.

The architecture is interesting on the inside of the building also.

From our table we had a great view of Reykjavík.

Another view from the Perlan over the colourful rooftops of Reykjavík.

Rubby checks out the menu.

Rubby decided to order reindeer (sorry Rudolf!) and the arctic char.

Mmmmmmm... dessert!

This spoon seems a little too big to stir this coffee!

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