Hotel Snapshot at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll is a secluded wilderness retreat tucked into Iceland’s central highlands. Set within the Ásgarður Valley between the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers, the sustainable lodge invites guests to soak in geothermal baths and savor refined Nordic dining surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks.
Driving into the Kerlingarfjöll mountains feels like arriving on a terraformed planet. Geothermal steam rises against jagged rhyolite ridges painted in copper, ochre, and obsidian. For decades, reaching this subglacial terrain meant enduring a grueling expedition with a sleeping bag and a freeze-dried meal. Arriving at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, developed by the team behind Blue Lagoon Iceland, completely flips that script. Stepping through heavy timber doors into the warm scent of cedar, greeted by roaring hearths and snow-dusted valleys, the contrast hits instantly. It strikes an elusive balance: an outpost that respects the unforgiving subarctic elements outside while insulating guests in sustainable Scandinavian warmth and Nordic hospitality.
Design & Character at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Designed by Blue Lagoon’s in-house team, the architecture merges seamlessly into the Ásgarður Valley. The structure relies on locally sourced timber, raw volcanic basalt, and panoramic glass that pulls the surreal landscape indoors. Inside, the mood is understated: polished concrete floors, muted earthy textiles, and recessed ember lighting, echoing the subterranean heat powering the building.
The Rooms at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Accommodations range from a riverside campsite and rustic summer huts to 46 hotel rooms, six standalone lodges, and two premier Highland Suites. Rooms feature warm blonde-wood paneling, wool blankets, and picture windows framing the rhyolite slopes. The standout bookings are the top-floor Highland Suites, which offer private geothermal hot tubs on secluded outdoor decks—ideal for watching the midnight sun blaze across the glacier horizon.
The Food & Drink at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
The food here leans into hearty local flavors done exceptionally well. Evenings revolve around plates like line-caught Atlantic cod and slow-braised mountain lamb with wild thyme. And if you’re back by mid-afternoon, don’t miss the waffle buffet: hot, heart-shaped waffles topped with tart berries and whipped cream, washed down with plenty of hot chocolate.
The Amenities at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
The Highland Baths are the property’s crown jewel: mineral-rich geothermal soaking pools tucked beside the rushing Ásgarðsá River, accompanied by a timber sauna, a frigid cold plunge, and an outdoor drinks counter. The natural springs turn over fresh water every two hours without chemicals. Additional perks include e-mountain bike rentals, gear drying rooms, and guided mountaineering treks to the bubbling solfataras of the Hverabotn valley.
Location & Neighborhood Recs at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Courtesy of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Perched in the Ásgarður Valley within the protected Kerlingarfjöll Nature Reserve, the property sits isolated between the massive Hofsjökull and Langjökull ice caps. There are no nearby cafes, gas stations, or corner stores—only 60 miles of steaming calderas, 300,000-year-old subglacial volcanoes, and alpine trails. The historic geothermal springs at Hveravellir and the iconic Golden Circle cascade at Gullfoss Waterfall serve as neighboring waypoints.
Fast Facts
Location: Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, Central Highlands, Iceland
Address: Ásgarður Valley, Kerlingarfjöll, 845 Hrunamannahreppur, Iceland
Neighborhood: Kerlingarfjöll Nature Reserve
Nearest Airport: Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) / Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Star Rating: 4 stars
Starting Rate: $355 USD
Room Count: 54 units (46 rooms, 2 suites, 6 lodges), plus 7 seasonal huts and a riverside campsite
Vibe: Elevated Nordic basecamp meets subarctic moonscape
Best For: Adventure lovers, active couples, hikers, and design enthusiasts
Amenities: Geothermal soaking baths, timber sauna, cold plunge, full-service restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, guided trekking, e-bike rentals, gear storage, and free self-parking
Nearby: Hverabotn geothermal area, Snækollur peak, Hofsjökull glacier, and Gullfoss waterfall
Our Favorite Thing: Soaking in the open-air mineral baths at midnight, watching steam rise into crisp alpine air while the river rushes just steps away.