Kerlingarfjöll: Highland Baths Admission

Kerlingarfjöll’s Highland Baths put you in warm water at the edge of one of Iceland’s most remote mountain areas. You can move between three steaming pools, a sauna, and a cold plunge while the peaks and open highland terrain provide the backdrop. This is less about elaborate spa treatment and more about a quiet soak after time outdoors.

I like the mix of hot and cold bathing, and I like that the setting feels tied to Iceland’s natural heat rather than built as a polished city spa. The clean, efficient showers and available Blue Lagoon products are useful touches. The main drawback is simple: towels and swimwear are not included, so forgetting either will make this short visit less convenient.

Key points to know before you go

• Three geothermal pools: Move between several warm pools rather than sitting in one crowded basin.
• A sauna with mountain views: You can warm up indoors while still keeping the highland scenery in sight.
• Cold plunge included: The cold pool gives the bathing session a brisk change of pace.
• Two-hour admission: The time works well before or after a hike, lunch, or dinner at Highland Base.
• Remote Ásgarður Valley setting: You are bathing at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll, not in an urban spa.
• Bring your own basics: Admission covers the baths, but not a towel or swimsuit.

Warm water at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll

Highland Base opened in July 2023 in Ásgarður Valley, beside Kerlingarfjöll. Its Highland Baths were designed as part of a larger highland refuge, with warm bathing, food, lodging, and access to hiking trails all in one remote setting.

That location shapes the whole experience. You are not simply checking into a hot pool for an hour between city sightseeing stops. The baths make sense as a recovery stop after walking through the mountains, or as a calm way to spend time in the area if you do not want a full day on the trails.

The scenery does much of the work. From the pools and sauna, you can look toward the surrounding mountains instead of staring at tile walls or a hotel courtyard. On a clear day, the views are the main reason to linger. On a cloudy day, the geothermal warmth still gives you a comfortable place to rest, though the scenery may be less dramatic.

What your two-hour visit includes

Your admission is for two hours. That is enough time to change, enjoy the warm pools, try the sauna, use the cold plunge, and shower without needing to rush through every part of the facility.

The bathing area includes three hot pools, giving you a little variety during the visit. The supplied information does not give different temperatures or special names for each pool, so you should not expect a precisely defined circuit. Instead, think of the three pools as several places to sit, soak, and take in the views.

The sauna adds another kind of heat. I like this option because it lets you step out of the water without becoming cold, and the view keeps the sauna connected to the setting outside. It is a good place to slow down after hiking, especially if you want warmth without sitting in a pool the entire time.

The cold plunge is there for a sharper contrast. You can use it briefly between hot sessions or skip it altogether. It is not a required part of the experience, and anyone who dislikes cold-water bathing can simply stay with the pools and sauna.

Changing rooms are included. Underground passageways connect the bathing facilities with Highland Base Hotel, which gives the complex a practical all-weather design. The available information does not specify how long the passageways are or what hotel areas you may enter, so treat the connection as a useful facility feature rather than a separate attraction.

Why the mountain view matters

The highland setting is not just decoration. It changes the pace of the visit.

At a conventional spa, the main pleasure comes from the water itself. Here, the view gives you something to notice while you soak. You can pause with a cup of time, watch the mountains, and let the quiet of the valley replace the usual noise of a busy sightseeing day.

The setting also makes the baths a good match for an Iceland itinerary built around outdoor activity. Kerlingarfjöll offers trails ranging from one kilometer to 50 kilometers. You can choose a short walk through the geothermal valleys or spend much longer on the area’s high peaks, with guided and unguided routes available.

I would plan the baths around your energy rather than force them into a packed schedule. A soak before a long hike may leave you too relaxed for the trail, while a visit afterward gives the warmth a clear purpose. If you are staying at Highland Base, the baths can be an easy part of a full day in the valley.

The showers and small comforts

The practical details matter more in a remote place. The showers are reported as clean and efficient, and Blue Lagoon products are available for use. That is a worthwhile convenience, especially after a hike when you want to rinse off properly before changing.

Still, admission covers only access to the Highland Baths. Swimwear and a towel are extra responsibilities, so pack both before leaving for Kerlingarfjöll. The information does not state that rentals are available, so do not count on being able to borrow or buy either item at the facility.

The changing rooms and shower area help make the two-hour admission feel like a complete visit rather than a quick dip. You can arrive in outdoor clothing, change, bathe, shower, and leave ready for your next activity. No guide is listed for this admission, so the experience is self-directed rather than a guided bathing session.

Add lunch, dinner, or a hike

The Highland Baths work especially well when combined with another Highland Base activity.

The on-site restaurant has 80 seats and serves food ranging from coffee and waffles to bistro-style comfort food and buffet meals. You can arrange lunch or dinner around your bathing time, giving you a warm place to eat before heading back into the highlands.

That combination can save effort in a remote area. Instead of treating the baths as an isolated stop, you can build a simple day around food, walking, and bathing. The available details do not list menu prices or meal times, so check those separately before planning your schedule.

Hiking is the other natural pairing. The route network covers short and long outings, from one kilometer to 50 kilometers. A three-hour walk through the geothermal valleys gives you a shorter taste of Kerlingarfjöll, while a full day can take you toward the highest peaks.

You should choose the route first, then decide where the two-hour bathing session fits. The baths are most valuable when they match your day. After a short walk, they offer a leisurely extra activity. After a long route, they become a chance to sit down and recover.

Is $49 a fair price?

At $49 per person, this is not a bargain hot pool in the Icelandic local-pool sense. You are paying for access to a purpose-built facility in a remote highland setting, plus the combination of three geothermal pools, sauna, cold plunge, changing rooms, showers, and the surrounding mountain views.

The price makes more sense if you already plan to visit Kerlingarfjöll. You are not making a special trip only for an ordinary indoor pool. The value comes from using the baths as part of a wider highland day, especially when you pair them with hiking or a meal at Highland Base.

The two-hour duration is also useful for budgeting your time. It is long enough for a proper session but short enough to fit around a hike or meal. If you want an all-day spa experience with treatments, relaxation rooms, or a long menu of services, this admission may feel limited. If you want a well-placed soak with strong mountain views, it is easier to justify.

The price also requires you to bring your own towel and swimwear. That does not change the admission cost, but it affects the practical value. Pack carefully and the visit is straightforward. Arrive without the basics and the experience may feel less convenient than expected.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the Highland Baths to people who already have Kerlingarfjöll on their route and want a comfortable way to pause between outdoor activities. It suits hikers, couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy quiet scenery more than loud entertainment.

It is also a good choice if you want to experience Icelandic geothermal bathing in a less familiar setting. The combination of hot pools, sauna, and cold plunge gives you more to do than simply sit in one basin, while the remote valley keeps the visit connected to the place.

You may want to skip it if your schedule does not include the Kerlingarfjöll area, or if you are looking for a large spa complex with extensive services. The information provided does not include massage treatments, guided wellness programs, or other spa extras. This is a bathing admission, not a full treatment package.

The experience also depends on your attitude toward weather and scenery. The mountains are a major part of the appeal, but views can vary with conditions. Even without perfect visibility, the warm water and sauna remain useful, but the strongest reason to visit is the combination of geothermal heat and highland surroundings.

Booking, timing, and cancellation

You can reserve the experience now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging an Iceland itinerary. Admission is valid for two hours, and you need to check availability for the available starting times.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That is helpful in the highlands, where weather and road conditions can affect plans, although no transport or road information is provided with this admission. Keep your bathing time flexible if the rest of your day is still changing.

Because there is no listed guide, you should expect to manage your own time inside the baths. The provider is Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll.

Should you book the Highland Baths?

Book it if you are visiting Kerlingarfjöll, enjoy outdoor scenery, and want a calm two-hour break with real geothermal heat. The mountain views, quiet setting, hot pools, sauna, and cold plunge give the admission a clear purpose, especially after hiking.

Think twice if you are not already going to the highlands, or if $49 feels high for a short bathing session. Bring a swimsuit and towel, leave room for the full two hours, and consider adding lunch or a hike at Highland Base. For the right itinerary, this is a practical and memorable way to experience Iceland’s geothermal tradition without leaving the mountains.

FAQ

How long is admission to the Highland Baths?

Admission is valid for two hours.

What facilities are included?

The facilities include three geothermal pools, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, changing rooms, and underground passageways connecting with Highland Base Hotel.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is swimwear included?

No. You need to bring your own swimwear.

Can I use the sauna?

Yes. Sauna access is part of the Highland Baths facilities.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option allows you to book your place without paying immediately.