The first cabin constructed in Kerlingarfjöll, a mountain range in central Iceland bracketed by two glaciers and threaded with geothermal steam, was completed in 1937 and gave hikers a launchpad from which to wander the otherworldly landscape. Then, in the ’60s, a summer ski school and hostel operated on its slopes. The school is long gone, but the adventuring spirit remains, and now intrepid travelers have a sophisticated new place to stay. The hospitality company Blue Lagoon Family — responsible for the first luxury hotel at Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon — recently debuted Highland Base, a collection of accommodations that include that original cabin, seven salvaged rustic A-frames, six stand-alone lodges and a hotel with 46 rooms and two suites with their own hot tubs on private terraces. Picture windows in all of the rooms and lodges offer views of the surrounding terrain, which can be explored on foot in the summer and by snowmobile in winter. The hotel, about a three-hour drive from Reykjavík, will be open year round, though in the colder months visitors must hire a professional driver in a four-wheel-drive super jeep to reach the property, thanks to the unpaved highland roads. Once there, guests will find underground passageways connecting the hotel with the restaurant and thermal baths (scheduled to open this winter) to help them stay warm in between expeditions.
12 must-visit places in Iceland
01.08.2023 - 20:33 / lonelyplanet.com
Iceland has many highlights, and it’s nearly impossible to choose one place over another.
Each destination has its charm, and unique discoveries can be made in all of them. We've picked twelve incredible places, some of which are on the beaten path and some of which are not, but all of which might surprise you. Here are our favorite places to visit in Iceland.
Best for a quiet escape near Reykjavík
Reykjavík’s friendly rural neighbor is Mosfellsbær. Its biggest attractions are the small mountains that surround the town, including Úlfarsfell, Mosfell, Helgafell and Reykjafell – all great for short hikes. Lake Hafravatn is a gem that locals flock to for swimming and kayaking fun. Time your visit to coincide with the popular vegetable market that carries the produce of local farmers, open every Saturday in late summer in the valley.
The valley is also host to Gljúfrasteinn, a museum dedicated to Nobel Prize laureate Halldór Laxness, and Laxnes farm, which offers horseback riding tours. Álafosskvos is a tiny art and design village with a long-standing yarn store and local craft stores full of beautifully made items you'll want to bring home.
Planning tip: You can visit Mosfellsbær year-round. Þingvellir National Park is a short drive away – avoid the crowds by visiting between September and May.
Best base on the Golden Circle
In rural South Iceland lies Flúðir, best known for its mushroom greenhouse. If mushrooms are your thing, the greenhouse’s bistro offers all things funghi related. Continue your gastronomic adventure and try authentic Ethiopian food at Minilik. Nearby is the Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, and Hrunalaug, a small natural pool with stacked stone walls in the peaceful countryside. Flúðir is on the Golden Circle with some of the country’s best-known attractions within reach – it’s the perfect base for exploring the region.
Planning tip: It’s best to visit Flúðir in the summer. It's the height of the tourist season, and spring and autumn are more enjoyable.
Best kayaking tours near Reykjavík
This charming South Coast village attracts foodies from far and wide to its seafood restaurant Fjöruborðið – the lobster is especially popular. Kayaking in its narrow channels is a calm and fun activity, and there are also more challenging tours available if you're up for it. You can learn about – and get scared by – some of the country’s most infamous ghosts at the Ghost Museum.
The neighboring village of Eyrarbakki has beautifully restored timber houses and a heritage museum in a home that seems frozen in time. Nearby is Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland.
Planning tip: You can visit Stokkseyri and engage in most of the activities year-round, but service hours may
I visited Iceland from the US and went to an American-themed bar. I've never felt more like a tourist.
American tourists don't always have the best reputation abroad, but it can be amusing to see how other countries view US culture.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
There’s no such thing as the perfect time to visit Iceland as the weather is notoriously whimsical and the best season for your trip depends entirely on what you want to experience.
The best things to do with kids in Iceland from toddlers to teenagers
Iceland's incredible landscape is an endless source of wonder no matter your age and exploring it with the family will create memories that will last a lifetime.
I visited Iceland during its 'midnight sun' season with 24 hours of daylight. I've never felt safer, or more exhausted.
In Iceland, the sun doesn't fully set between May and August, with June being peak "midnight sun" season, according to Guide to Iceland.
Win a 9-Night Trip for 2 to Iceland
Enter the Budget Travel “Iceland” sweepstakes by February 19, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a trip for two to Iceland, including air, nine nights’ hotel, some meals, and local tours.
Iceland Layover? Let Icelandair Provide a ‘Stopover Buddy’
Icelandair has traditionally hung its hat on two key sales propositions: cheap fares between North America and Europe, and free stopovers in Iceland.
Do you need a visa to visit Croatia?
Croatia is an endlessly appealing destination with sun-drenched beaches, picturesque hilltop towns and atmospheric streets.
I'm an American who visited Iceland for the first time. Here are 9 things that surprised me.
After years of Iceland sitting at the top of my travel bucket list, I finally had the chance to visit in June.
These Reykjavik Airbnb Rentals Make for the Perfect Iceland Basecamp
Reykjavik is a great tourist destination for those looking to explore the beauty of nature and experience unique culture. It’s located in Iceland, an island nation full of lush landscapes and spectacular sights. Reykjavik also offers many fun activities like whale watching, geothermal spas, and Northern Lights tours. With its vibrant nightlife and arts scene, Reykjavik is a great place to explore cultural gems and have an unforgettable experience. These are the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik.
Low-Cost Icelandic Airline PLAY To Hit Million Passenger Mark In 2023
The low-cost, long-haul airline business is a tough one. The airline world is littered with the carcasses of airlines that tried to fly multitudes of people thousands of miles at affordable prices. But so far, Icelandic carrier PLAY is reaping the benefits of a successful summer schedule that could
13 things to know before visiting Iceland
The number of visitors to small, ravishingly beautiful Iceland is soaring.