In-Depth Review of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland - AFAR
"An all-season retreat set deep in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains of Iceland that transforms a once-remote ski-school site into a sustainable, cozy base for backcountry skiers, hikers, and adventurous travelers who still want creature comforts. Owned and developed by the hoteliers behind the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, the property reopened in 2023 with new cross-laminated larch timber buildings built to BREEAM standards and powered largely by geothermal energy; a newly added on-site bathing area features three outdoor geothermally heated pools (sourced from about 3,200 feet below the surface), a cold plunge and sauna, and is connected to the main buildings so guests don’t need to step outside to access it. Accommodations include 46 Nordic‑styled hotel rooms, 2 suites, 6 standalone one‑bedroom lodges with sunken lounges, plus retrofitted A‑frame cabins, hostel rooms and campgrounds for budget-conscious visitors; rooms feature large picture windows, rain showers and Blue Lagoon skincare products. The casual alpine‑hut restaurant serves a generous breakfast buffet (included), hearty lodge lunches and seasonal dinners (à la carte in winter, buffet in summer), plus a popular daily waffle bar in the afternoon (unlimited waffles for a fee) and a bar offering classic cocktails and spiked hot chocolate. Practicalities reflect the remote location: expect a three‑hour (or longer in snow) drive from Reykjavík with stretches of gravel and F‑roads requiring appropriate insurance or hotel-arranged 4x4 transfers in winter; the hotel runs summer bus transfers and can arrange guided trips for skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and e‑biking. Staffed 24 hours with daily housekeeping, accessible rooms and elevators, underground connections between buildings, and a focus on minimizing environmental impact, the retreat offers a more casual, nature‑forward alternative to luxury city resorts (rates from about US$430)." - Lyndsey Matthews
