Covering nearly 100 square kilometres, Kerlingarfjöll is a protected nature reserve, a circular mountain range formed over 10,000 years ago with a series of subglacial volcanic eruptions.
Blue Lagoon Familya group of destinations, resorts, spas and sustainable skincare lines, announces the summer 2023 opening of its latest development, Highland base – Kerlingarfjöll. The multifaceted base of highlands – Kerlingarfjöll in the Ásgarður Valley, on the edge of a remote mountain range deep in Iceland’s central highlands, has emerged as the first of its kind in this pristine and adventurous paradise. The year-round destination will feature the Highland Base Hotel, complete with luxury rooms, suites, and lodges; a series of basic Highland cottages designed for private or shared accommodation; Highland Base Camp, a summer-only riverside camp; the 80-seat Highland Base Restaurant and Lounge; basic highland baths; And a wide range of adventure activities.
“Kerlingarfjöll has been beloved by Icelanders for decades, and we are excited to present the destination in a whole new way.” Says Gremor SomundsenFounder and CEO of Blue Lagoon Iceland. “Full of adventure – from trekking to experiences while you’re there – the base of the highlands – Kerlingarfjöll will be unparalleled for those looking to explore Iceland’s remote and central highlands.”
Residences driven by nature and sustainable
Designed and developed by the design teams at Blue Lagoon Iceland, basalt architecture, And Design Group Italy, the base of the highlands – Kerlingarfjöll was created to live in harmony with nature. The development process has been carried out to standards developed by BREEAM – the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for building – and the relaxed, minimalist interiors produce a sense of place, warmth and comfort throughout the entire complex. In addition to syncing with nature, Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll is designed to cater to a wide range of travelers and will consist of three different types of accommodation including:
- Highland Base Hotel: Consists of several structures with 46 rooms and two suites and six luxury lodges. The 46 rooms range in size from 18 sqm to 30 sqm and are designed for everyone from families to single travelers. Two Highland Suites are 44 sqm in size and feature a balcony with a private geothermal hot tub and stunning mountain views. The Six Inns at Highland are luxury, self-contained private accommodations.
- Basic Highland Cottages: Basic Highland Cottages: A range of seasonal accommodation in A-frame buildings including bunk beds with shared facilities as well as private cottages designed for families or small groups traveling together.
- Highland Base Camp: A seasonal riverside camp site located at the base of the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range with access to the same shared facilities as guests staying in the cottages.
A paradise for adventurous travelers
Covering nearly 100 square kilometres, Kerlingarfjöll is a protected nature reserve, a circular mountain range formed over 10,000 years ago with a series of subglacial volcanic eruptions. The range includes peaks reaching over 1,500 kilometers, and panoramic vistas punctuated by the major glaciers Hofsjokull and Langjokull, making it an adventure enthusiast’s dream. For guests of Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll, a selection of seasonal activities can include hiking on the extensive network of trails, ranging from 1km to 50km; access to a fleet of electric mountain bikes to traverse the raw and colorful mountain scenery; backcountry and cross-country skiing; snowshoeing through geothermal valleys; Explore breathtaking panoramas on snowmobiles.
A destination rich in history
Kerlingarfjöll remained unexplored for centuries as an untamed wilderness until the 1930s when a pioneering naturalist and entrepreneur – Guðmundur Einarsson – started mountaineering lessons. Inspired by Einarson’s efforts, Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland’s Tourist Association) launched hiking tours of the area, building a cabin in 1937. Beginning in 1961, the area became the main holiday destination for summer skiers, and the cabin accommodations grew to include dormitories. Shared and catering facility for ski students. Every year, from June to August, Icelanders flock to these mountains, where thousands learn how to ski at Kerlingarfjöll’s seasonal ski school. At the turn of the millennium, the ski school ceased operations, but the accommodations were renovated and expanded, becoming Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort, a base camp for hikers and adventurers.
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