About This Experience
At the edge of this geothermal dreamscape lies a beautifully remote resort, your gateway to immersive highland exploration. More than a place to stay, this mountain lodge serves as a highland basecamp for skiers, hikers, and seekers of solitude. Whether you're here during the midnight sun or under a canopy of winter stars, this retreat connects you to the raw, untamed essence of Iceland’s interior.
The lodges are purposefully designed to reflect the harmony between rugged nature and Icelandic comfort. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing jaw-dropping views, and interiors that merge warmth and wilderness, every detail is curated for both adventure and rest.
Adventure Awaits: Highland Ski Experiences
Backcountry Ski Course
Season: October – July
Duration: 8 hours (includes lunch break at Highland Base)
Distance: 1–3 km | Elevation Gain: 300–500m
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Group Size: 4–6 guests | Min. Age: 12
Included: All ski and safety gear (splitboard on request)
Learn the fundamentals of backcountry skiing in one of Iceland’s most dramatic alpine settings. Led by elite local guides, you’ll master essential techniques while absorbing knowledge on avalanche safety and mountain etiquette. After an energizing lunch, take another exhilarating run through Kerlingarfjöll’s pristine slopes.
Nordic Ski Course
Season: October – July
Duration: 6 hours (lunch at Highland Base, not included)
Distance: 3–5 km | Terrain: Mostly flat
Skill Level: Novice to Intermediate
Group Size: 4–12 guests | Min. Age: 12
Included: Nordic skis, poles, and boots
Step into the footsteps of Arctic explorers. This course introduces you to Nordic skiing, the traditional method used for polar expeditions. Learn from seasoned guides while gliding across frozen highland valleys, soaking in views of snow-capped peaks and volcanic ridgelines.
Scenic Nordic Ski Tour
Season: October – July
Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: 10–12 km | Elevation: Mostly flat with some hills
Skill Level: Beginner to Fit
Group Size: 4–16 guests | Min. Age: 12
Included: Nordic skis, boots, poles
This unforgettable sightseeing tour guides you along the vast highland plains, with Hofsjökull Glacier on one side and the rugged Kerlingarfjöll peaks on the other. Your destination: the towering summit of Loðmundur. After a well-earned picnic below the mountain, ski home via a more adventurous route skirting the mythical Asgarðsfjall.
Hot Spring Ski Tour
Season: October – July
Duration: ~4 hours
Distance: 5–7 km | Elevation Gain: 500–1000m
Skill Level: Moderate to Fit
Group Size: 4–6 guests | Min. Age: 12
Included: Ski & safety gear (splitboard on request)
Traverse a small glacier, skin up to a viewpoint known as “The Smile,” then carve your way down to a steamy geothermal area nestled in the valley. Pause to explore this bubbling wonderland before ascending once more for a thrilling final descent.
What to Bring
Layering is key in Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Essentials include:
Waterproof outerwear
Warm base layers and thermal socks
Insulated jacket (down recommended)
Gloves, hat, buff, and sunglasses
Sturdy hiking boots
Bathing suit (for geothermal pools)
Snacks, water, and a flashlight or headlamp
Remember, the highlands are remote—no shops, no fuel stations. Plan and pack wisely.
Where You’ll Stay – The Lodges
Each freestanding lodge offers a luxurious yet earthy escape, ideal for two or four guests. With sunken lounge areas, panoramic windows, and natural textures, the lodges invite you to unwind after a day in the wild.
Lodge Highlights
Private en-suite bathroom
Large view windows
Coffee/tea setup & minibar
Books, board games, and room service
Hairdryer, premium toiletries, plush towels
Buffet breakfast included
Storytelling and stargazing experiences (winter only)
Complimentary access to geothermal baths
Dining
The resort’s 80-seat restaurant is a cozy, stylish refuge offering comfort food, Icelandic specialties, and seasonal buffets. Grab a takeaway breakfast or packed lunch for your daily adventures. Upstairs, the lounge offers light refreshments and shared storytelling over sweeping mountain views.
The Geothermal Baths
Step into Icelandic tradition with a visit to the onsite geothermal spa. Enjoy:
Three steaming pools
A sauna and cold plunge
Modern changing rooms
Heated underground walkways connecting to the hotel
How to Get Here
Summer Access:
A 3.5-hour drive from Reykjavík (~200 km), transitioning from tarmac roads to rough mountain tracks. A 4x4 vehicle is required and must be insured for F-road travel.
Winter Access:
In winter, the highlands are only accessible via professionally driven super jeeps. Let us arrange this private transfer for a seamless journey into Iceland’s most remote wilderness.
Highlights
Backcountry and Nordic ski experiences with expert guides
Immersive geothermal landscapes and volcanic valleys
Stunning, remote accommodations in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains
Access to natural hot springs and highland spas
Optional excursions tailored to snow and skill conditions
Eco-conscious, low-impact travel to Iceland’s highlands
Best Times to Go
While the lodge operates October to July, winter (Nov–March) offers a frozen fairytale landscape and prime skiing. Summer (June–July) reveals colorful geothermal valleys under the midnight sun.
Who This Is For
Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and off-the-grid travelers looking for an authentic Icelandic experience. Whether you're a seasoned skier or simply craving silence and starlight, this retreat blends adrenaline and calm in one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
Why We Chose This Experience for You
"This highland retreat blends remote adventure with Icelandic comfort, allowing guests to explore dramatic volcanic landscapes and steam-filled valleys. From ski tours to natural hot springs, it’s a rare opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature." – Sybarite Team
