Located in the heart of the Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Range, this highland resort began as a ski training camp in the 1930s. Today, it has become a sustainable base for explorers, offering cozy accommodations, hot meals, and access to some of the country’s wildest landscapes. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, and solitude seekers.
What makes Kerlingarfjoll truly unique is its mix of modern Nordic design and untamed nature. Guests stay near steaming geothermal vents, red rhyolite peaks, and snow-dusted ridgelines. It’s Iceland at its rawest—beautiful, bold, and far from the crowds.
Key Takeaways
- Location: Central Iceland, in the Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Range
- Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and northern lights chasers
- Open Year-Round: Summer hiking and geothermal exploring; winter snow adventures and aurora views
- Accommodation Options: Hotel rooms, lodges, huts, and camping
- Top Nearby Spots: Hveradalir Geothermal Valley, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area
Physical Features of Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base
Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base is famed for its otherworldly landscape — a dreamscape for hikers and photographers alike. Some of the standout natural features include:
- Hveradalir Geothermal Valley: A steaming, multicolored wonderland of bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and mineral-rich hillsides.
- Rhyolite Mountains: Similar to Landmannalaugar, the terrain is rich in volcanic rock that glows in hues of red, orange, and yellow.
- Glacial Rivers and Snowfields: Shaped by the Hofsjokull and Langjokull glaciers, these waterways and snowy patches remain even through summer.
- Panoramic Highlands Views: With minimal development and vast open skies, it's a prime location for northern lights watching during winter.
Where is Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base Located?
Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base is located in Asgardur Valley, right in the middle of the Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Range, part of the Icelandic Highlands. It’s roughly:
- 200 km northeast of Reykjavik
- 90 km from Gullfoss Waterfall
- 100 km from Hveravellir Nature Reserve
The region is part of a nature reserve and is one of the most remote yet stunning areas of Iceland.
What Makes Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base Special?
Kerlingarfjoll isn’t just beautiful — it’s uniquely Icelandic, and here’s why it stands out:
- Remote Yet Comfortable: It offers a rare combination of remoteness and accessibility. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere — but with a warm bed, hot showers, and gourmet meals waiting for you.
- Award-Nominated Architecture: The Highland Base has been nominated for the Iceland Design Award for its elegant yet sustainable design, blending seamlessly into the landscape using natural materials and geothermal energy.
- Geothermal Wonderland: Unlike more famous spots like Geysir Geothermal Area or Lake Myvatn, the geothermal activity here is raw and untouched. You can hike among steaming vents and rainbow-colored hills, often with no one else around.
- Year-Round Experiences: Whether you're hiking in July or chasing the aurora in February, Kerlingarfjoll offers seasonal magic:
- Summer: Endless daylight, wildflowers, hiking trails, and geothermal valley
- Winter: Snow-covered silence, Northern Lights, skiing, and snowmobiling
How Can I Get To Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base?
Getting to Kerlingarfjoll takes a bit of effort, but that’s part of the adventure. Visitors can easily reach the area by opting for a one-way transfer to Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base. Alternatively, rental cars in Iceland and self-drive tours to the Highlands are also available for more flexibility.
Summer (June–September)
- 4x4 Vehicle Required: Take the F35 Kjolur route, which crosses the highlands and leads directly to the base
- Bus Tours: Some highland buses and private tour operators offer guided trips in summer
Winter (October–May)
- The area becomes inaccessible by regular vehicles
- Visitors must use super jeep tours or snowmobiles, often arranged through the Highland Base itself
Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.
Where to Stay and Eat at Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base?
There’s a range of accommodation options at Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base to suit different travel styles and budgets:
Hotel Rooms & Lodges
- Cozy, minimalistic design with private bathrooms
- Perfect for couples, small groups, or winter travelers
Mountain Huts & Cabins
- Rustic and communal, ideal for hikers or budget travelers
- Shared bathrooms and cooking facilities
Campgrounds (Summer Only)
- For those who love sleeping under the stars (and maybe the Northern Lights)
- Basic amenities available on site
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves hearty Icelandic meals made from local ingredients — including fish soup, lamb stew, and vegetarian options. There’s also a packed lunch service for hikers.
Things To Do at Kerlingarfjoll
Whether you're visiting in the height of summer or the depths of winter, Kerlingarfjoll offers a wide range of outdoor experiences. From hiking through steaming geothermal valleys to spotting the northern lights, this highland retreat is a playground for nature lovers. Here are the top things to do during your stay:
- Hike Hveradalir: The most popular trail — an unreal landscape of boiling mud, steam vents, and neon-colored earth. Moderate difficulty.
- Soak in Natural Geothermal Pools: Some hiking routes pass by natural hot springs — perfect for a mid-trek dip.
- Snowmobile or Ski in Winter: Winter travelers can join guided snowmobile tours or explore ski routes in untouched powder.
- Aurora Borealis Viewing: With minimal light pollution, the area is a phenomenal spot for viewing the northern lights from late August through April.
- Photography & Stargazing: The remote location offers crystal-clear night skies and dramatic landscapes for astrophotography.
Attractions Near Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base
While Kerlingarfjoll itself is the main attraction, there are several notable spots within a half-day’s drive:
- Gullfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, just a 2-hour drive away.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to Strokkur, Iceland’s most active geyser, erupting every 5–10 minutes.
- Hveravellir Nature Reserve: A geothermal oasis and historical stop between glaciers with hot springs and hiking routes.
Recommended Tours
To make the most of your visit to Kerlingarfjoll, consider going on a tour. Whether you're looking for expert-led hikes, super jeep adventures, or multi-day highland explorations, these tours offer safe, convenient, and unforgettable ways to experience the area’s dramatic landscapes. Here are the top self-drive tours that include the highlands:
- 1-Week summer self-drive tour of Iceland with Highlands Exploration: Explore Iceland’s highlands at your own pace on this 7-day self-drive tour through Landmannalaugar, Kaldidalur, and other scenic gems.
- 10-Day summer self-drive tour of the Complete Ring Road with a taste of the Central Highlands: Discover Iceland’s top sights and hidden highland gems on this self-drive tour around the Ring Road.
- One-week road trip of the South Coast and mythical Highlands of Iceland: Experience South Iceland’s natural wonders and the vibrant highlands gems on this self-drive adventure.
Final Thoughts
Kerlingarfjoll Highland Base is a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Iceland’s wildest landscapes. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or simply a night under the stars, this remote highland retreat delivers it all, with a cozy bed and hot meal waiting at the end of your trail.
Planning your trip? Check road conditions, pack your layers, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the highlands.
