Tucked into the rugged geothermal massif of Kerlingarfjöll, Highland Base is a pioneering hospitality hub deep in Iceland’s vast central highlands—built within a 100 km² protected nature reserve as a tribute to both wilderness and comfort.
Seasons & Access
- Open season: From June 15 to September 30 (summer) and October 1 to June 14 (winter). In winter, only guided super-jeep transport can reach it.
- Road access: In summer, drive up Route 35 (formerly F‑road) and then F347 to Highland Base. Travel with a high-clearance SUV or 4×4 is recommended, though Reddit users report that a Dacia Duster handled the route fine—with just one small stream crossing.
Accommodation & Camping Options
- Highland Base Hotel offers a mix of standard, deluxe rooms and a few suites, including geothermal tubs and panoramic mountain views.
Highland Base Lodges are private cabins with double beds, lounge space, private bathrooms, minibars, and scenic views. - A-frame Highland Base Huts provide sleeping-bag accommodation for up to 15 people—ideal for small groups seeking simplicity.
- Highland Base Campsite sits beside the river Ásgarðsá, accepts cars, campervans, trailers, and rooftop tents. All camping guests share a modern service house featuring toilets, showers, a communal kitchen, and an outdoor grill. Pre-booking is required.
Facilities & Amenities
- The Service House is equipped with laundry sinks, showers (card-operated), dishwashing stations, clean restrooms, and a covered grill area. Electricity (CEE outlet) is available.
- Campers and guests can cook meals indoors or use the restaurant, which offers buffet breakfast, dinner with Icelandic comfort food, waffle bar, and takeaway adventure lunches.
- WiFi and power outlets are available in common areas and lodges.
- The onsite Highland Baths include a geothermal pool, cold plunge, and sauna—with all-season views of the volcanic landscape.
Highland Baths
Campsite guests (or hut-sleeping-bag guests) do not receive free access — but can buy access between 12:00 – 22:00 at the reception.
Pricelist: Adults (17+) 3 900 ISK, Teenagers (12–16) 2 300 ISK, Children (0–11) Free.
You can use the Spa every day during the summer season (approx. June 15–Sept 30), following campsite hours and terms.
Activities & Trails
- The base offers guided daily summer hikes to Hveradalir geothermal valleys, plus e-mountain biking tours, snowmobile rides, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing in winter.
- Nearby trails explore steaming fumaroles, hot-spring pools, red rhyolite mountains, and perpetual snowfields. Popular peaks like Ásgarðsfjall, Snækollur, Fannborg, and Loðmundur provide stunning panoramas.
Pricing 2025
- Camping: ~3 000 ISK per adult, ~2 000 ISK for ages 12–16, children under 12 stay free. ✹ Pay through Parka App, not at Hotel Reception.
- Overnight tax per tent or vehicle: ~333 ISK.
- Electric hookup: ~2 000 ISK per unit.
Breakfast and restaurant dining are extra; bath admission available separately.
Baths in Kerlingarfjöll
If you’re camping at Kerlingarfjöll, you’ve got two hot spring options:
- Highland Baths (Fee) – A modern geothermal spa with three pools, sauna, and cold plunge. Open mid-June to September.
- Adults (17+): 3,900 ISK
- Teens (12–16): 2,300 ISK
- Kids (0–11): Free
Campers can buy admission separately at reception (not included in campsite fee).
- Natural Hot Spring (Free) – About a 1.5 km riverside hike from the campsite lies a small, rock-walled pool in the wild. No facilities, just steaming water (~34–37 °C) and stunning views. Bring a towel, pack light, and leave no trace.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
- Hospitality in the wilderness: Huts, lodges, and meals with sweeping central highland views.
- Adventure-ready base camp: Ideal start point for hikes, cycling, or a night under the midnight sun.
- Minimal impact design: Sustainability is key—construction and operations follow green building standards.
Travel Notes
- The campsite usually closes by August 31. During early September, only the hotel remains open—plan accordingly.
- 4×4 is advised.
In summary: Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll is the highland destination that bridges raw Icelandic wilderness with warm hospitality. Whether you're camping by Ásgarðsá, unwinding in hot baths, or trekking among red rhyolite mountains, it combines serenity and service in a truly remote setting.
Tucked into the rugged geothermal massif of Kerlingarfjöll, Highland Base is a pioneering hospitality hub deep in Iceland’s vast central highlands—built within a 100 km² protected nature reserve as a tribute to both wilderness and comfort.
Seasons & Access
- Open season: From June 15 to September 30 (summer) and October 1 to June 14 (winter). In winter, only guided super-jeep transport can reach it.
- Road access: In summer, drive up Route 35 (formerly F‑road) and then F347 to Highland Base. Travel with a high-clearance SUV or 4×4 is recommended, though Reddit users report that a Dacia Duster handled the route fine—with just one small stream crossing.
Accommodation & Camping Options
- Highland Base Hotel offers a mix of standard, deluxe rooms and a few suites, including geothermal tubs and panoramic mountain views.
Highland Base Lodges are private cabins with double beds, lounge space, private bathrooms, minibars, and scenic views. - A-frame Highland Base Huts provide sleeping-bag accommodation for up to 15 people—ideal for small groups seeking simplicity.
- Highland Base Campsite sits beside the river Ásgarðsá, accepts cars, campervans, trailers, and rooftop tents. All camping guests share a modern service house featuring toilets, showers, a communal kitchen, and an outdoor grill. Pre-booking is required.
Facilities & Amenities
- The Service House is equipped with laundry sinks, showers (card-operated), dishwashing stations, clean restrooms, and a covered grill area. Electricity (CEE outlet) is available.
- Campers and guests can cook meals indoors or use the restaurant, which offers buffet breakfast, dinner with Icelandic comfort food, waffle bar, and takeaway adventure lunches.
- WiFi and power outlets are available in common areas and lodges.
- The onsite Highland Baths include a geothermal pool, cold plunge, and sauna—with all-season views of the volcanic landscape.
Highland Baths
Campsite guests (or hut-sleeping-bag guests) do not receive free access — but can buy access between 12:00 – 22:00 at the reception.
Pricelist: Adults (17+) 3 900 ISK, Teenagers (12–16) 2 300 ISK, Children (0–11) Free.
You can use the Spa every day during the summer season (approx. June 15–Sept 30), following campsite hours and terms.
Activities & Trails
- The base offers guided daily summer hikes to Hveradalir geothermal valleys, plus e-mountain biking tours, snowmobile rides, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing in winter.
- Nearby trails explore steaming fumaroles, hot-spring pools, red rhyolite mountains, and perpetual snowfields. Popular peaks like Ásgarðsfjall, Snækollur, Fannborg, and Loðmundur provide stunning panoramas.
Pricing 2025
- Camping: ~3 000 ISK per adult, ~2 000 ISK for ages 12–16, children under 12 stay free. ✹ Pay through Parka App, not at Hotel Reception.
- Overnight tax per tent or vehicle: ~333 ISK.
- Electric hookup: ~2 000 ISK per unit.
Breakfast and restaurant dining are extra; bath admission available separately.
Baths in Kerlingarfjöll
If you’re camping at Kerlingarfjöll, you’ve got two hot spring options:
- Highland Baths (Fee) – A modern geothermal spa with three pools, sauna, and cold plunge. Open mid-June to September.
- Adults (17+): 3,900 ISK
- Teens (12–16): 2,300 ISK
- Kids (0–11): Free
Campers can buy admission separately at reception (not included in campsite fee).
- Natural Hot Spring (Free) – About a 1.5 km riverside hike from the campsite lies a small, rock-walled pool in the wild. No facilities, just steaming water (~34–37 °C) and stunning views. Bring a towel, pack light, and leave no trace.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
- Hospitality in the wilderness: Huts, lodges, and meals with sweeping central highland views.
- Adventure-ready base camp: Ideal start point for hikes, cycling, or a night under the midnight sun.
- Minimal impact design: Sustainability is key—construction and operations follow green building standards.
Travel Notes
- The campsite usually closes by August 31. During early September, only the hotel remains open—plan accordingly.
- 4×4 is advised.
In summary: Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll is the highland destination that bridges raw Icelandic wilderness with warm hospitality. Whether you're camping by Ásgarðsá, unwinding in hot baths, or trekking among red rhyolite mountains, it combines serenity and service in a truly remote setting.
.png){kind=small}
