Hlíðar is a central district in the city of Reykjavík, divided into three neighborhoods; Hlíðar, Háteigshverfi, and Öskjuhlíðarhverfi. It is almost all residential, with a small portion of the land area dedicated to commercial activity and educational institutions. The proportion of the district devoted to outdoor recreational activities is the highest in any area in the city. The district is the home of Klambratún, a small park for the residents to enjoy all year round.
One of the best-known landmarks in Iceland is in Hlíðar District
Öskjuhlíð is where Perlan or the Pearl stands, probably the best-known landmark in Reykjavík apart from Hallgrímskirkja, the Hallgímur church. Originally the foundation of Perlan, the Pearl was built as a supply tank for geothermal heating in Reykjavík. In the eighties, the idea of a structure on top of the tanks developed and was implemented. The building was quite controversial but enforced with a determination by the Reykjavik mayor at the time, Davíð Oddsson. The project has proven to be a tremendous success. All the neighborhoods in Hlíðar are within walking distance from the city center.
Hlíðar has many educational institutions and schools for Reykjavík
Remarkably the first houses and buildings constructed within the district were built in the third decade of the twentieth century. The district has been in development ever since, and today, one of the larger housing projects in the city for a long time, has just recently been launched and is estimated to finish in a few years. Almost one hundred years after the first houses in the district were built.
Recently the University of Reykjavík built a new building and headquarters on the south slope of Öskjuhlíð. This development in an area that had been a sanctuary for peace and quiet on the Nauthólsvík beach for a long time initiated a lot of traffic and activity in the Hlíðar district.
Hlíðar is a high-quality area in Reykjavík with friendly neighborhoods
The quality of life for residents is probably one of the highest in any region in Reykjavík. There are high-quality schools from kindergarten to University. There is a short distance to all kinds of services and large commercial areas. Outdoor activity is readily available, and although quite near the city center, it is not a busy and noisy neighborhood.