Kerlingarfjöll: Highland Baths Admission

Kerlingarfjöll’s baths turn cold weather into a plan. You get geothermal warmth plus mountain views that make even a quick soak feel like a real break. It is simple, outdoors, and oddly peaceful.

What I like is the steady flow from steaming pools to a sauna that looks out over the highlands. You also have a cold plunge option if you want that classic hit of contrast, and the whole setup is built for comfort after time outside in the elements.

One thing to plan for: you need to bring the basics. Admission includes entry, but towel and swimwear are not included, so pack them before you arrive.

Key things to know before you go

• Trio of steaming geothermal pools for an easy back-and-forth soak
• Sauna with a spectacular view, so you relax with scenery, not just benches
• Cold plunge pool for that bracing contrast
• Changing rooms and underground passages connected to Highland Base Hotel for smoother movement
• Clean, efficient showers with Blue Lagoon products available (per guest feedback)

Kerlingarfjöll baths: geothermal comfort at the edge of real wilderness

Highland Baths are in the Ásgarður Valley, on the edge of Kerlingarfjöll. This is not a city spa. It is a remote highland setting where the weather can change fast, and that is exactly why the baths work so well.

The facility sits with Highland Base Hotel, opened in July 2023. That matters because you are not just showing up for tubs and leaving right away. You are stepping into a warm base built for people spending time outdoors in this forbidding environment, then winding down with geothermal bathing.

I also like the practical idea behind the design: after hiking or driving around mountain terrain, you get a built-in place to return to heat, steam, and views. The baths are basically the reward for doing the hard stuff first.

Your 2-hour geothermal reset: pools, sauna, cold plunge

This is admission for 2 hours, so you can treat it like a focused recharge rather than a half-day project. The on-site facilities are a trio of steaming pools, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, changing rooms, and underground passageways connecting to Highland Base.

Here is how you can think about the experience once you are inside:

First, start with the warm pools. You are soaking in geothermal heat, so your body warms up gradually instead of going straight from cold air to extreme temperature. The pools are outdoors, and that is a big part of the mood, especially if the mountains are out in front of you.

Next, move to the sauna. You are not stuck staring at a wall. The sauna is described as having a spectacular view, so you get that still, quiet, heat-on-skin moment with the highlands in sight.

Then, if you want the full contrast, go for the cold plunge pool. It is invigorating by design. You do not need to treat it like a punishment. Use it like an option for a quick reset, and you can return to warmth afterward.

The vibe is intentionally simple: heat, steam, view, and a temperature change for the adventurous. With 2 hours, you can do the circuit without feeling rushed or stuck.

The view and quiet factor that makes it feel special

One of the most praised parts is the combination of quiet and scenery. People describe it as peaceful, with views of mountains while you are soaking. That makes sense here. In a remote highland valley, there is less noise, fewer distractions, and you actually notice the sky, the air, and the way steam hangs around the pools.

Another detail that matters is how the baths are set up for relaxation after the outdoors. After you spend time in Iceland wind and weather, the last thing you want is chaos. The facility is designed to keep you moving easily between bathing areas and your warmer indoor base areas through changing spaces and underground passageways.

In short: you are not just buying access to water. You are buying a calm pocket of comfort, right where the highlands can be dramatic.

Showers, changing rooms, and those practical touches

Even in a geothermal setting, comfort details make or break the experience. The facility includes changing rooms, so you can get sorted quickly before you hit the pools and sauna.

Underground passageways also help. They connect you to Highland Base Hotel, which is useful if the wind is up or visibility is poor. You spend less time fumbling in the cold and more time actually using the baths.

One extra practical note from guest feedback: showers are described as clean and efficient, and Blue Lagoon products are available. That is the kind of small, real-world detail that can save you from having to guess what you will find on site.

Price and value: what $49 buys in a remote setting

At $49 per person, this is not a bargain. But in Iceland, geothermal bathing in a remote highland zone also is not the same as hopping into a local municipal pool.

So what do you get for that price? You get admission for 2 hours to the full bathing setup: a trio of steaming geothermal pools, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool. You also get access to the changing rooms and the connected facility flow via underground passageways.

What you do not get is just as important. Towel and swimwear are not included. If you show up without them, you will be stuck spending time solving that problem when you probably want to spend time relaxing.

If you are already planning time in Kerlingarfjöll, the baths can be excellent value because they turn a long day outside into something restorative. You are not just paying for water. You are paying for a complete warm-up-and-reset stop in the middle of a tough place to travel through.

How this fits with lunch and hiking in Kerlingarfjöll

Highland Base is more than a bath stop. While you are there, you can add a meal at the Highland Base Restaurant. The food offering is described as cozy comfort, with options ranging from coffee and waffles to bistro-style comfort food and buffet dining.

If you want to get active, the area around Kerlingarfjöll offers hiking trails from 1 kilometer up to 50 kilometers. There are options for different fitness levels and interests, and you can do guided or unguided hikes.

Some time-saving ideas for planning:

• If you want a shorter outing, the geothermal valleys can be explored in about 3 hours.
• If you feel good and conditions allow, you can plan a longer day on Kerlingarfjöll’s highest peaks.

A simple rhythm that works well: hike or explore first, then use the baths as your return-to-warmth ritual. The heat and sauna experience feel much more satisfying when you have earned them with outdoor time.

Who should book Highland Baths admission?

This is a great match for:

• People who want an outdoor soak with big mountain views, not a plain indoor pool experience
• Travelers who like geothermal bathing traditions and want something remote and calm
• Anyone who wants a short, high-reward wellness break that fits into a day of highland exploring
• Groups and couples who want an easy, flexible stop since you can use the facilities in your own order

It might be less ideal if:

• You hate cold water experiences. The cold plunge pool is optional, but it is part of the standard setup.
• You have not packed swimwear and a towel. Those are required, and they are not provided with admission.

Practical tips so you enjoy the full experience

Before you go, pack with the baths in mind. You have two key items to bring: swimwear and a towel.

Once you arrive:

• Plan your 2 hours like a circuit, not a marathon. Start with the warm pools, then sauna, then cold plunge if you want the full contrast.
• Keep it simple on your first visit. If you are unsure about the cold plunge, watch the flow and decide once you are warmed up.
• Take advantage of the setting. The sauna and pools are where the mountain views become part of the relaxation, not an afterthought.

Also, because this is an open, highland environment, dress and timing matter. Even if the water is warm, the path between areas is still outdoors or partially sheltered, so you will feel the weather unless you move with purpose.

Should you book Highland Baths at Kerlingarfjöll?

If your day includes Kerlingarfjöll scenery, I think this is a smart booking. The price is reasonable for Iceland geothermal bathing, especially when you add up what is included: the pools, sauna, cold plunge, and the practical facility setup with changing rooms and underground connections to Highland Base Hotel. It is also one of the easiest ways to make time in the highlands feel comfortable.

I would book it if you want a calm reset, mountain views while you soak, and a short activity that does not swallow your schedule.

Skip it only if you are not into swimming, you forgot your towel and swimwear, or you know you will not enjoy cold contrast. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of stop that turns a remote drive into a memory you will actually feel, warm on your skin.

FAQ

Where are the Highland Baths?

Highland Baths are in the Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll in southern Iceland, connected with Highland Base Hotel.

How long is the Highland Baths admission?

Admission is valid for 2 hours, with starting times based on availability.

What does the admission include?

It includes admission to the Highland baths.

What facilities are available on site?

The facilities include a trio of steaming pools, a sauna, a cold pool plunge, changing rooms, and underground passageways connecting to Highland Base Hotel.

Do I need to bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are required and not included with admission.

What is the price?

The price is $49 per person.

Is there a sauna?

Yes. There is a sauna, and it is described as having a spectacular view.

Are mountain views part of the experience?

Yes. The baths are specifically described as offering breathtaking views while you are there.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Is there an option to pay later?

Yes. You can reserve and pay later, keeping your travel plans flexible.