Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
Highland Base - Kerlingarfjöll offers a unique blend of Scandinavian-modern lodges and geothermal bathing in Iceland's remote highlands.
Highland Base is set deep in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, surrounded by steaming valleys and glacial rivers. Located in Iceland's central highlands, it offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and modern comfort. The hotel sits at an elevation of 700 meters, accessible by car in summer and by 4x4 super jeep in winter, making the journey an adventure in itself. The hotel redefines wilderness hospitality with Scandinavian-modern lodges, communal baths, and expedition-style excursions. Guests can enjoy snowmobiling, hiking, and geothermal bathing, all while returning to warm beds and curated meals. Highland Base serves as a sanctuary for explorers, offering a personal and immersive experience in the heart of Iceland's highlands.
Highland Base - Kerlingarfjöll is a dream location for hikers, skiers, and nature explorers. In summer, guests can hike through the colorful rhyolite mountains and traverse geothermal valleys. Trails range from short loops to multi-day routes, with hut-to-hut connections across the Highlands. In winter, cross-country skiing and backcountry ski touring offer untouched snowfields and challenging climbs. Snowshoeing and super jeep safaris into the Highlands also begin here, providing true immersion in Iceland’s raw wilderness.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Winter onlyThe host leads a short walk in the surrounding area for hotel and lodge guests. It is complimentary for those guests and is listed as a winter-only enhancement for hotel stays.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundHighland Base offers access to geothermal baths on site. The baths are included for hotel, lodge, and hostel guests, and are also available to campground and hut guests as paid admission.
Area sceneryRoute length: 0.1km loopLoop routeÁsgarður is a track used actively in July 2009 by Sander Lelieveld, supporting bike or vehicle activity. It is classified as a highway track, suitable for 4wd or bike activity.
Route length: 2.2km linearEstimated time: 29minLinear routeGljúfurleit is a gravel-surfaced track not accessible to regular vehicles since it is marked for 4WD only. It has recorded footprints indicating active use as a trail.
Area sceneryStraight-line distance from hotel: 4.1 km directHveradalahringur is a designated hiking route. It is part of a local walking network, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts interested in exploring marked trails.
Season: SummerSeveral sources list guided hiking tours in Kerlingarfjöll, including tours arranged through Highland Base and other operators. One source states that Highland Base’s activity program is subcontracted to Southern Coast Adventures, and another says the area is best visited in summer.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: June, July, August, SeptemberThis day trip includes round-trip bus transfer from Reykjavík to Kerlingarfjöll, a guided tour around Hveradalir hot spring valley, access to the Highland Baths, and visits to Gullfoss and Geysir. It runs daily in July and August, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays in June and September.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: SummerHighland Base offers a vast network of trails ranging from 1 kilometer to 50 kilometers. The trails are available for guided and unguided hikes of different distances and difficulties.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: SummerHighland Base offers e-biking with a fleet of electric mountain bikes. The experience is described as guided motorized cycling through the Kerlingarfjöll mountainscape.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: September to JuneHighland Base offers guided snowmobile adventure tours in winter. The fact sheet says the tours take guests across snowy highlands, including routes toward Fannborg mountain and Hofsjökull glacier.
Highland Base Restaurant offers rugged refinement with warming, high-quality meals designed to nourish after days spent trekking or skiing. The menu features mountain ingredients like smoked lamb and freshwater fish, presented with Nordic simplicity. Guests dine in a lodge-style room with views of Kerlingarfjöll’s volcanic peaks. The culinary execution is thoughtful, with daily-changing menus and regional sourcing at its core. Craft beers and natural wines complement the meals, making dining both fuel and ritual.
Highland Base offers a raw wellness experience with hot spring-fed pools blending into the landscape. Guests can soak in mineral-rich water while gazing at snowfields and steaming hills. A traditional Icelandic sauna sits beside the pools, capturing the scent of cedar and steam. Cold immersion options are available via spring-fed streams or snowfields during winter. Massage and wellness therapies can be arranged, particularly after long hikes or ski touring expeditions.
Highland Base is located in a Protected Nature Reserve, demonstrating a commitment to environmental preservation. The hotel integrates sustainable practices into its operations, ensuring minimal impact on the pristine highland environment. Efforts include sourcing local ingredients for the restaurant and using energy-efficient systems throughout the property. The design of the lodges and communal areas respects the natural landscape, blending seamlessly with the surroundings and promoting a connection with nature.
Highland Base - KerlingarfjöLl offers 11 accommodation types.
Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room offers rustic coziness with deep windows or a terrace, designed for relaxation. It features a double bed or twin beds, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Premium Room
The Premium Room is spacious and designed for families, featuring a double bed and a sofa bed. It combines rustic charm with modern amenities, offering a relaxing base within Highland Base.
Highland Base Suite
Located on the top floor, the Highland Base Suite offers luxurious relaxation with aged wood, modern furnishings, and a private terrace with a hot tub. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and a cozy lounge area.
Standard Twin Room
The Standard Twin Room is simple and modern, offering a cozy and warm atmosphere. It features two single beds and is perfect for relaxation in the heart of the highlands.
Standard Family Room
Designed for families, this room offers simple comfort with a queen-size bunk bed and floor-to-ceiling windows. It's a cozy space for families exploring the highlands.
Highland Base Lodge
The Highland Base Lodge is a private residence designed for luxurious relaxation. It features a sunken lounge area and large windows with remarkable views of Kerlingarfjöll.
Highland Base Lodge with Sofa Bed
This lodge offers a private residence with a sofa bed, designed for luxurious relaxation. It includes a sunken lounge area and large windows with stunning views of Kerlingarfjöll.
Hut (2 people)
A cozy 15 m² hut for two, offering sleeping bag accommodations with two single beds. Includes access to the campground’s kitchen and shower facilities, and admission to the Highland Baths.
Hut (3 people)
This 27 m² private hut accommodates three with sleeping bag arrangements. It includes three single beds, a WC, and access to the campground’s kitchen and shower facilities.
Hut (6 people)
A spacious 33 m² hut for six, offering sleeping bag accommodations with six single beds. Includes access to the campground’s kitchen and shower facilities, and admission to the Highland Baths.
Hut (15 people)
A large 67 m² hut for groups, featuring communal sleeping areas for 15 people. Includes a kitchen, bathroom, and access to the campground’s shower facilities.
Experience the unique blend of wilderness and comfort at Highland Base - Kerlingarfjöll. Enjoy geothermal bathing, Scandinavian-modern lodges, and thrilling highland adventures.
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