The Blue Lagoon Family, a collection of sustainable destinations, resorts, spas and skincare lines, has announced the summer 2023 opening of its newest development, Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll.
Debuting in the Ásgarður Valley, at the edge of a remote mountain range deep in Iceland’s central highlands, the multi-faceted site will be the first of its kind in the untouched region. The year-round destination will feature the Highland Base Hotel, comprising rooms, suites and luxury lodges; a series of Highland Base Huts designed for private or shared accommodations; the Highland Base Camp, a summer-only, riverside campsite; and the 80-seat Highland Base Restaurant and Lounge; the Highland Base Baths.
“Kerlingarfjöll has been beloved by Icelanders for decades, and we’re pleased to introduce the destination in an entirely new way,” says Grímur Sæmundsen, founder and CEO of Blue Lagoon Iceland. “Full of adventure, Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll will be unmatched for those looking to explore the remote, central highlands of Iceland.”
Ideated and developed by the design teams at Blue Lagoon Iceland, Basalt Architects and Design Group Italia, Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll is being constructed to exist in harmony with nature. The development process has been conducted in accordance with the standards developed by BREEAM and the minimalist interior designs produce a sense of place, warmth and comfort felt throughout the entire complex. In addition to syncing with nature, the development has been designed to cater to a wide range of travellers across three accommodations types:
Highland Base Hotel, comprising multiple structures housing 46 rooms, two suites and six standalone lodges. The 46 rooms range in size from 18-30m² and are designed for everyone from families to solo travellers. The two Highland Suites are 44m² and feature a terrace with a private, geothermal hot tub and views of the mountains.
Highland Base Huts, a range of seasonal accommodations in A-frame buildings including bunk beds with shared facilities as well as private huts designed for families or small groups.
Highland Base Camp, a seasonal, riverside campsite located at the base of Kerlingarfjöll mountain range with access to the same communal facilities used by the guests staying in the huts.
Covering almost 100km², the protected nature reserve of Kerlingarfjöll is a circular mountain range that formed over 10,000 years ago with a series of subglacial volcanic eruptions. The range includes peaks reaching more than 1,500 kilometres, and panoramic vistas punctuated by the grand glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull. For guests of Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll, a selection of seasonal activities will include hiking the network of trail; access to a fleet of electric mountain bikes to traverse the mountain scape; backcountry and cross-country skiing; snowshoeing through the geothermal valleys; and exploring the panoramas via snowmobiles.
