Kerlingarfjoll, Iceland
Opened
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Local WellnessOutside the door
The house
Highland BaseGeothermal highland outpost
Muddy hiking boots give way to fireside camaraderie in the upstairs lounge, where adventurers swap stories against sweeping Central Highland panoramas.
“The rooms and suites are located in a separate structure attached to the main building via an underground passageway.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Cross-laminated larch timber pavilions connected by subterranean tunnels, fitted with blond wood, stone, and wool.
Remarkable
Guided treks through steaming Hveradalir geothermal vents and winter arrivals navigated across snowfields by 4x4 super jeep.
Notable
Steaming geothermal riverside soaking pools, a cold plunge, and a timber sauna framing the Kerlingarfjöll peaks.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The interiors of all accommodations—minus the campsite—favor blonde wood and linens that feel wonderfully lived in.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Steaming vents and colorful rhyolite hills in the Hveradalir geothermal area sit just beyond the lodge's front door.
The rooms
Blond wood interiors feature picture-window daybeds facing the peaks, while standalone lodges and suites add sunken lounges or geothermal terrace tubs.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The geothermal baths
Three soaking pools reach 41°C beside the river, accompanied by a cold plunge and a panoramic timber sauna.
Highland Base Restaurant
Communal timber tables sit under circular chandeliers, serving hearty bowls of Icelandic lamb soup and Arctic char.
How it began
Once a summer ski school founded in the 1960s, the site was reimagined as a year-round sustainable wilderness outpost.
Good to know
Stay here
Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.