Kerlingarfjöll · Summer only

Highland Baths

Kerlingarfjöll

Photo: Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

A steaming river pool at 700 metres, in the heart of the Highlands

In the Ásgarður valley below the rhyolite peaks of Kerlingarfjöll, the Highland Baths at Highland Base are as remote as Icelandic bathing gets. Day visitors can come from mid-June to the end of September.

Water: Natural hot pool
From Reykjavík: 3 h 30 min · 200 km
Opened: 2023
Entry from: 5,500 ISK
Best for: AdventurersHikersSummer road trips
More like this: Natural hot springs and wild baths →

Good to know: Day visits run from 15 June to 30 September. Outside that window the baths are open only to overnight guests, and the area can only be reached by super-jeep.

Why it’s worth the drive

Kerlingarfjöll is a range of rhyolite mountains in the middle of Iceland, streaked orange, yellow and rust-red, with steam vents and boiling mud in the valleys between them. It became a protected nature reserve in 2020, and the old mountain huts at Ásgarður have since become Highland Base: a hotel, lodges and a campsite built to strict sustainability standards.

The Highland Baths sit on the bank of the Ásgarðsá river at around 700 metres. The mineral water comes up from beneath the surrounding geothermal fields, needs no chlorine and renews itself about every two hours. There’s a cold plunge, a sauna with a big picture window, and a bar you can order from without leaving the water.

“As remote as Icelandic bathing gets.”

Getting here is half the adventure: the Kjölur highland road from Gullfoss, then the F347 mountain road, both summer-only. Pair a visit with the hike to Hveradalir, the ‘valley of hot springs’, four or five kilometres away, and you’ll have one of the most memorable days you can spend in Iceland.

Milky-green river-side pool among boulders, with snow patches on the mountains

Timber sauna with a large picture window onto the snowy Highlands

Stone-lined hot pools with the Highland Base buildings behind

Rust-orange rhyolite slopes of Hveradalir in Kerlingarfjöll

Photography: Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll.

Signature experiences

What to look forward to

01
River-side hot pool
Milky water among boulders on the Ásgarðsá, with the mountains all around.
02
Sauna with a view
A timber sauna with a picture window onto the Highland landscape.
03
Hveradalir hike
Steam vents, mud pots and rainbow-coloured rhyolite, a short hike from the baths.
04
Stay the night
Hotel rooms, lodges and huts at Highland Base, with baths included for guests.

Good to know

Insider tips

Check road.is and safetravel.is before driving the Kjölur road, and use a suitable vehicle on the F347.
Bring your own towel and swimwear.
Stay on marked trails in Hveradalir. It’s a protected reserve.

Planning a visit

Quick answers

Prices and details last checked October 2026.

Where is Highland Baths?

Highland Baths is in Kerlingarfjöll, in the Icelandic Highlands. It’s about 3 h 30 min (200 km) by car from Reykjavík.

Where does the water at Highland Baths come from?

Mineral water from beneath the surrounding geothermal fields. Chlorine-free, and renewed about every two hours.

How much does Highland Baths cost?

Adult entry starts from 5,500 ISK. Prices change with the day, time slot and package, so check the latest when you book.

Can you book Highland Baths in advance?

Yes, on the official Highland Baths website. It isn’t bookable through Lagoon Land yet.

What is Highland Baths best for?

It’s a good pick for adventurers, hikers and summer road trips. Highlights: river-side hot pool, sauna with a view, Hveradalir hike and stay the night.