Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll: Where Architecture Meets Iceland's Untamed Beauty
Introduction:
In the heart of the Icelandic highlands, a remarkable destination emerges that celebrates the marriage of bold architecture and the untamed allure of nature. The Highland Base, part of the esteemed Blue Lagoon Family, is poised to redefine luxury in the midst of Iceland's extreme wilderness. We will unveil the breathtaking architecture and the captivating story of this extraordinary sanctuary nestled in the highlands of Iceland.
Architecture & Design: A Harmonious Fusion
Crafted with robust, sustainable materials, Highland Base stands as a testament to architectural resilience against the elements. The design, conceived by Blue Lagoon Iceland, Basalt Architects, and Design Group Italia, draws inspiration from the surrounding environment. The resort's interiors reflect a cozy minimalism that mirrors the landscape's tranquility, exuding warmth and comfort. From aged wood and vaulted ceilings to muted tones and textured walls, every element resonates with the region's identity while embracing modernity.
An Extreme Paradise: Nature's Mythical Landscape
Kerlingarfjöll, a protected nature reserve covering 150 square kilometers, holds an allure woven into myths and legends. This mountain range, formed over 300,000 years ago through subglacial volcanic eruptions, boasts peaks reaching 1500 meters and provides a canvas where the highlands' grandeur is interwoven with the majesty of glaciers. This primal wilderness was the inspiration for the legendary geological pillar named after a giantess of lore, forever immortalized in stone by the rising sun's first rays.
A Journey Through the Seasons: Everchanging Beauty
Kerlingarfjöll's transformative beauty dances through the seasons. In summer, snow and ice create abstract patterns across the barren landscape. As winter sets in, the mountainscape transforms into a white wonderland, blanketed in pristine snow. At lower elevations, steaming valleys and scalding streams of the Hveradalir geothermal area converge, creating a breathtaking red hillscape adorned with hissing vents, boiling mud pools, and vibrant thermophilic plant life.
A Legacy of Exploration: From Pioneers to Adventurers
Uncharted until the 1930s, Kerlingarfjöll was brought to life by Guðmundur Einarsson, a naturalist and entrepreneur, who introduced mountaineering classes. Following his lead, Ferðafélag Íslands launched hiking tours and established a cabin in 1937. The area flourished as a summer skiing destination in 1961, evolving into a haven for adventure seekers. The original cabin accommodations transformed into the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort, a base camp for explorers.
Highland Base: A Reimagined Frontier
In 2022, the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort was reborn as Highland Base—a beacon of hospitality in Iceland's remote wilderness. The new accommodations seamlessly blend modernity with tradition, reflecting the journey from a basic cabin in 1937 to today's inviting resort. With its heritage intact, Highland Base opens the doors to unforgettable forays into the mystical frontiers of Kerlingarfjöll.
Accessing the Uncharted: The Journey to Kerlingarfjöll
Reaching Kerlingarfjöll is an adventure in itself, where the paved roads surrender to the rugged highland landscape. Accessible in summer by car or private transfer, the journey to the heart of the highlands offers a taste of the extraordinary. In winter, a 4x4 super jeep navigates the snowy paths, delivering travelers to this remote paradise. From Reykjavík, a 3.5-hour drive along winding roads takes you to Kerlingarfjöll's doorstep. Summer travelers must ensure their rental cars are suited for the mountain F roads. Your journey into the heart of Iceland's highlands starts here.
To experience the architectural marvels and uncharted beauty of Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland's highlands, secure your spot now. Visit Highland Base to embark on a transformative journey from architecture to adventure.