Kerlingarfjöll: Highland Baths Admission

Kerlingarfjöll’s Highland Baths give you something rare in Iceland: a hot soak with no town in sight. You’ll sit in geothermal water beneath broad mountain views, with the quiet of the highlands replacing the usual spa chatter. The setting is remote, simple, and wonderfully suited to slowing down.

I like the three steaming pools and the chance to switch between heat, sauna, and cold plunge. I also like the clean showers, with Blue Lagoon products available, a small touch that makes the experience feel well cared for after a long day outside.

The main drawback is practical: towels and swimwear are not included. At $49 per person for two hours, the price can feel fair if you are already visiting Kerlingarfjöll, but less appealing if you are making a long detour only for the bath.

Key points at a glance

• Three geothermal pools give you room to settle into different temperatures and views.
• The sauna faces the mountains, adding a dry-heat option when you want a break from the water.
• A cold plunge pool lets you follow the classic hot-cold Icelandic routine.
• Underground passageways connect to Highland Base Hotel, where you can find food and shelter from the weather.
• Two hours is enough time for a relaxed soak without turning the bath into an all-day commitment.
• Bring your own towel and swimwear, since admission covers the bath only.

A hot bath at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll opened in July 2023 in the Ásgarður Valley, at the edge of the Kerlingarfjöll area. The location matters. This is not a city spa beside a busy road. It is a warm retreat in a remote highland setting, surrounded by mountains and wide open views.

That contrast is the whole point. Kerlingarfjöll is known for outdoor activity and rugged scenery. After time on the trails, a geothermal bath gives your body a chance to catch up with your plans. You can sit quietly, look toward the mountains, and let the heat do the work.

The admission is for two hours. That is enough time to use the pools, sauna, and cold plunge without hurrying. I would treat the bath as a recovery stop before dinner or as the final reward after a hike, rather than as the sole reason to spend a full day in the area.

Three pools, one sauna, and a cold plunge

The bath area has three steaming pools. The supplied information does not give separate temperatures or special themes for each pool, so you should think of them as a trio of geothermal soaking areas rather than a carefully staged circuit.

Still, three pools make a difference. You can move around if one area feels busy or if you want a different view. You can also settle into a quiet corner instead of staying in one fixed spot for the full two hours.

The mountain setting is the star. The baths let you enjoy the view without needing to put on hiking boots or climb another slope. On a clear day, the contrast between warm water and cold mountain air should be striking. In more unsettled weather, the same setting may feel stark and dramatic.

The sauna adds another way to warm up. It is especially useful if you want to leave the pool for a while, dry off, and then return to the water. The sauna is also listed as a place to enjoy spectacular views, so it is not just a functional room.

Then there is the cold plunge. You do not have to use it, but it gives the visit a classic Icelandic rhythm: hot water, dry heat, cold water, and back to warmth. If you are not used to cold plunges, keep your first attempt brief and return to the heated pool when you are ready.

The view is part of the experience

The strongest reason to choose these baths is the setting. The pools sit in the highlands, where the mountain views provide a sense of space that indoor spas cannot match.

A bath with a view can be expensive anywhere, but here the view is not a decorative backdrop. It is the reason the experience feels tied to Kerlingarfjöll. You are not simply using geothermal water. You are sitting in the same remote environment that makes the region worth visiting.

The most favorable practical notes about the bath focus on quiet and scenery. That tells you what to expect: this is better for calm than for entertainment. You will not find a long list of water features or a lively social scene in the information provided. You get geothermal warmth, mountain air, and time to sit still.

Try not to pack the visit too tightly. Two hours sounds generous, but changing, showering, soaking, using the sauna, and taking a cold plunge can pass quickly. If you also want lunch or a hike, leave enough time around your bath reservation.

Clean showers and the small comforts

The changing rooms are included, and clean, effective showers are one of the useful details that can shape your opinion of a bathing stop. After a hike, a proper shower is not a minor extra. It helps you feel refreshed rather than simply wet and warm.

Blue Lagoon products are available in the showers. That gives the facility a more polished feel, especially when compared with basic public bathing facilities. You should still bring your own towel, since towels are not included in the admission.

Swimwear is also not provided. Pack it where you can reach it easily, particularly if you are arriving after outdoor activities. A towel and swimsuit are the only items specifically listed as things to bring, but a small waterproof bag for damp clothing would also be sensible if you have one.

How the two-hour visit fits your day

The Highland Baths work best as part of a larger Kerlingarfjöll visit. You can hike first, bathe afterward, and then eat at Highland Base Restaurant. Or you can bathe before a meal and use the visit as a gentle start to your time in the area.

The surrounding trail network ranges from one kilometer to 50 kilometers. You can choose a short walk through the geothermal valleys or take on a longer route toward the higher peaks. Guided and unguided hikes are available in the area, though the bath admission itself does not include a guide or a hike.

That range makes the bath suitable for different kinds of days. If you are not prepared for a long hike, a short trail followed by the pools can still give you a strong taste of Kerlingarfjöll. If you spend most of the day on a demanding route, the bath becomes a comfortable finish.

I would not assume that every trail and activity fits neatly into the two-hour bathing period. Plan the bath as its own timed activity, then add hiking or dining before or after it. The exact start times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Food at Highland Base Restaurant

The Highland Base Restaurant gives you an easy add-on. It has 80 seats and offers several kinds of food, from coffee and waffles to bistro-style comfort food and buffet dining.

That range is useful in a remote area. You may want only a drink and something sweet, or you may need a proper meal after hiking. The restaurant is connected to the hotel by underground passageways, so you can move between the bath and Highland Base without treating each stop as a separate outing.

The available information does not state that food is included in the $49 admission, so plan to pay separately for lunch or dinner. If you are building a day around the bath, check the restaurant schedule as well. A hot soak followed by a warm meal makes more sense than leaving the area hungry.

Is $49 a fair price?

At $49 per person, the Highland Baths are not a budget swim. The value depends heavily on your route.

If you are already going to Kerlingarfjöll for hiking or sightseeing, the fee is easier to justify. You get two hours, three geothermal pools, a sauna, a cold plunge, changing rooms, showers, and access to a distinctive mountain setting. You can also pair the visit with food at Highland Base.

If you are traveling a long way solely for a bath, the calculation is harder. The experience is remote, and the admission does not include a towel, swimwear, food, hiking, or transportation. Those extra needs can push up the cost of a short visit.

I would compare it with the price of other Icelandic geothermal bathing experiences, but the key difference is not a long list of spa treatments. Here, you are paying for the combination of geothermal bathing and Kerlingarfjöll’s highland setting. If that combination is on your route, the price is reasonable. If not, it may be hard to justify.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the Highland Baths to you if you want a quiet outdoor soak, strong mountain views, and a simple facility connected to a larger highland base. It is a good match for hikers, photographers, couples, and anyone who prefers scenery and calm over a busy resort atmosphere.

It also suits people who want a short, manageable activity. You do not need to commit to a full day at the spa. Two hours gives you a clear time frame, and you can add a meal or a hike without changing the basic plan.

The experience may be less suitable if you expect a full-service luxury spa, included towels, guided activities, or a large program of treatments. The bath has several useful facilities, but the attraction is the natural setting and geothermal water, not a long menu of services.

For the best experience, pack your swimsuit and towel before leaving for the highlands. Check the available starting time, allow room for changing, and think about where lunch or hiking fits around the two-hour admission.

Booking flexibility and practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland route is still taking shape.

The admission is valid for two hours, and you need to check availability for the starting times. The price listed is $49 per person. Only admission to the Highland Baths is included.

The bath is operated by Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. The supplied information does not provide transportation details, so you should arrange your own way to the area and confirm access conditions before setting out.

Should you book the Highland Baths?

Book it if you are already visiting Kerlingarfjöll and want a peaceful way to enjoy the mountains without another demanding hike. The combination of three hot pools, a sauna, cold plunge, clean showers, and a remote view gives the visit a clear purpose.

Skip it if you are looking for the cheapest geothermal soak or a full luxury spa day. At $49, plus your own towel and swimwear and any food, this is a focused experience rather than an all-inclusive package.

My practical call is simple: add the bath to a Kerlingarfjöll day, especially after hiking. The quiet setting, mountain views, and easy access to Highland Base Restaurant make it more valuable as part of a larger visit than as a stand-alone detour.

FAQ

How long does admission to the Highland Baths last?

Admission is valid for two hours. Check availability when booking to see the starting times.

How much does the Highland Baths experience cost?

The listed price is $49 per person.

What is included in the admission?

Admission to the Highland Baths is included. The facilities include three geothermal pools, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and changing rooms.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. Swimwear is not included, so bring your own.

Is there a sauna?

Yes. The Highland Baths include a sauna with views toward the surrounding mountains.

Is there a cold plunge pool?

Yes. A cold plunge pool is included among the bath facilities.

Can I eat at Highland Base?

Yes. Highland Base Restaurant offers coffee and waffles, bistro comfort food, and buffet dining. Food is not listed as part of the bath admission.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.