Base Kerlingarfjöll
Nordic adventure basecamp — rugged wilderness outside, warm and minimalist inside. No TVs, big windows, and a communal spirit among guests who all made the same effort to get here.
Hotel and lodge guests get complimentary access to the Highland Baths — no need to pre-book. Hut and campsite guests pay ISK 5,500 per adult.
Why It Matters
One of Iceland's most remote year-round resorts, operated under the Blue Lagoon Iceland umbrella, sitting inside a Protected Nature Reserve designated in 2020. The geothermal Highland Baths use chemical-free mineral water drawn from 975 meters underground. The only hotel for miles in any direction.
Highland Base is a year-round adventure resort parked at 700 meters elevation in Iceland's central highlands, inside a protected nature reserve. The 2022 relaunch of the old Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort brought new architecture, geothermal baths, and a full restaurant to one of the most remote and visually striking valleys in the country — rhyolite peaks, steaming fumaroles, glacial rivers, and zero light pollution. It has been nominated for the Iceland Design Award for its sustainable design.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Deluxe Family Room (Hamar Wing)
Larger Hamar wing room with mountain views and a sofa bed for two children. Good layout for families wanting the deluxe experience without booking a separate cabin.
1 double bed + 1 sofa bed · 30 sqm
Deluxe Room (Hamar Wing)
Part of the newly built Hamar wing. Clean, minimalist Nordic design with a large window framing the mountain scenery. No TV — the view is the entertainment. Private bathroom included.
1 double bed or 2 single beds · 22 sqmHighland Base Campsite
A spacious riverside campground suitable for tents and caravans. Shared facilities block with kitchen, toilets, and showers. Summer only.
Highland Base Huts
A-frame and sleeping-bag huts configured for private groups of 2 to 15 people. Shared kitchen, toilets, and showers in a nearby facilities block. Summer only. Stripped-back and atmospheric — the kind of place Iceland's original highland explorers would recognize.
Highland Base Lodge
Stand-alone private cabins that are the most luxurious option on property. Each 44 m² unit has a sunken lounge area, large picture windows with mountain views, private entrance, minibar, coffee/tea setup, board games, and a full private bathroom. Two lodges (one with sofa bed) can be combined into an 88 m² grand lodge for families.
1 double bed (option: 1 double + 1 sofa bed for family configuration) · 44 sqmHighland Base Suite (Hamar Wing)
The top room in the hotel building. At 44 m², it has a lounge area, mountain views, and — the clincher — a private balcony with a hot tub. Built for two, but feels like a whole lot more.
1 double bed · 44 sqmStandard Family Room (Aldan Wing)
Aldan wing's family option. At 18 m² it's compact, but the queen-size bunk bed setup works well for families with two kids. Private bathroom included. Honest, no-fuss accommodation.
Queen bunk bed (2 adults / 2 children) · 18 sqmStandard Twin Room (Aldan Wing)
The heritage Aldan wing, thoughtfully refurbished. Simple, warm, functional — two single beds, a private bathroom, and all the highland atmosphere you came for. No frills, but decent comfort.
2 single beds · 18 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A 45–60 minute guided walk in the surrounding area, led by an activity host. Complimentary for hotel and lodge guests. Starting at 11:00 daily.
Skiing tours in the surrounding highlands. The area has a long history as a ski destination — a ski school ran here from 1961 until the early 2000s. Guided tours available.
Guided snowmobile rides across snow-covered terrain with views of the mountain range. A winter staple and consistently one of the highest-rated activities on site.
Guided snowshoe hikes through the winter highland landscape. Additional cost. Consistently praised in guest reviews.
All-terrain buggy tours through the wild terrain of the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, led by experienced guides.
Guided e-mountain bike excursions through the rugged highlands. Summer activity.
A vast network of trails through the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, including routes into Hveradalir geothermal valley — a surreal landscape of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming fumaroles. Trails range in difficulty. Both guided and self-guided options available.
An annual trail running event based at Highland Base, through the heart of the Icelandic highlands.
The central highlands have minimal light pollution, making this one of the best northern lights locations in Iceland. Active October–April. Viewing is weather dependent.
Guided stargazing with a high-powered telescope. Complimentary for hotel and lodge guests. Weather dependent. Starts at 21:00 on clear nights in winter.
Complimentary evening storytelling sessions held daily at 17:00 in winter, with a complimentary drink included. One of the most talked-about experiences at the property for winter guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Riverside campsite with shared kitchen, toilets, and showers. Summer only.
Adventure takeaway boxes — breakfast and lunch to go, designed for hikers and day-trippers.
Complimentary for hotel and lodge guests. Available for purchase for day visitors (ISK 3,900 adults).
A dedicated activity host provides guidance, recommendations, and leads the daily complimentary guided walk.
Complimentary for hotel and lodge guests year-round. Open to public June 15–September 30 for ISK 5,500 per adult.
BUILD YOUR HIGHLAND BASE KERLINGARFJÖLL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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