Kerlingarfjöll: Highland Baths Admission

Kerlingarfjöll’s Highland Baths make a fine place to trade a day of highland hiking for a couple of hours in geothermal warmth. The setting is remote and mountainous, and the facilities bring together three steaming pools, a sauna, and a cold plunge in Ásgarður Valley.

I like the contrast between warm water and a bracing cold dip, and the chance to take in the mountain views from both the pools and the sauna. The quiet, open-air setting is a big part of the appeal, not just a backdrop to the bathing.

One thing to plan for: admission is $49 per person for two hours, and you need to bring your own swimsuit and towel. This is a bathing visit, not a guided excursion, so you’ll want to make your own plans for getting there and for what to do before or after.

• Three geothermal pools give you room to settle into the warmth after time outdoors.
• A sauna with mountain views makes the scenery part of the rest, not just something to admire from the water.
• A cold plunge pool offers a sharp change of pace from the steaming baths.
• Changing rooms and showers make it practical to arrive after a hike and get ready for the next part of your day.
• Underground passageways connect the baths to Highland Base Hotel, where you can add a meal or a place to warm up.
• Two hours costs $49 per person, with towels and swimwear not included.

A geothermal pause in Ásgarður Valley

Highland Base sits in Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll, in Iceland’s Southern Region. The baths are part of a remote highland setting where mountain views and geothermal heat shape the experience. Rather than a quick stop at a pool beside a town, this is a place to make time for a proper pause.

The Highland Base facilities opened in July 2023. They combine bathing with a hotel and restaurant, giving you an indoor refuge in an area better known for outdoor pursuits. That combination can be useful if your day has been spent hiking and you’d like a warm place to unwind without leaving the immediate area.

The setting matters because the baths are not simply a list of amenities. The mountains are visible from the pools and sauna, and the quiet is part of the attraction. If you’re looking for a lively social spa, the remote, peaceful feel may not be your ideal match. If you want a calmer break between highland activities, it makes good sense.

Three warm pools, one unhurried visit

Admission gives you access to a trio of steaming geothermal pools. You can move among them at your own pace during your two-hour visit. The available information does not specify different temperatures or particular features for each pool, so don’t plan on a set sequence or a pool-by-pool programme.

The simple pleasure is the warmth itself. After time outdoors, settling into hot water can be a welcome change from walking and taking in the highlands on foot. You can make the baths the main event or use them as a quieter counterpoint to a longer day in the area.

The two-hour duration is enough to slow down without asking you to give up a whole day. Still, it’s a good idea to arrive ready to use the time: bring your swimsuit and towel, and allow for changing before and after your soak. Both are excluded from admission, so forgetting either could complicate an otherwise straightforward visit.

The sauna and cold plunge add contrast

The sauna is a second way to enjoy the mountain views, this time from a warm, enclosed space. It gives you a change from soaking in the pools and makes the scenery part of the visit even when you’re out of the water. The available details don’t state a sauna temperature or describe a formal routine, so treat it as a place to relax rather than a scheduled activity.

The cold plunge pool offers the opposite sensation. Moving from warm water to cold is an invigorating option, but it’s entirely up to you. You do not need to take the plunge to get value from the admission; the pools and sauna are enough to make a restful visit.

Together, these facilities let you shape the experience around your own comfort. You might spend most of the time in the warm pools, alternate between the sauna and bathing, or try the cold plunge briefly. There is no guide or fixed itinerary listed, so you can set the pace yourself.

Changing rooms, showers, and the hotel connection

Changing rooms are included among the facilities, an important practical detail if you’re arriving from a hike or want to continue on to dinner. Showers are also available. They’re described as clean and efficient, with Blue Lagoon products provided, a useful touch when you’ve packed light or simply appreciate having shower products on hand.

Underground passageways connect the baths to Highland Base Hotel. That link makes the baths part of a broader base for relaxing and eating, rather than an isolated pool stop. The details do not specify how the passageways operate or what hotel services are included with bath admission, so don’t assume that the ticket covers anything beyond access to the baths.

The towel and swimsuit are the key items to pack. Both are explicitly not included. If you’re assembling a highland day bag, put them somewhere easy to reach so you aren’t rummaging for them after a walk.

Pair the baths with a Kerlingarfjöll hike

The surrounding area offers trails ranging from one kilometre to 50 kilometres, with guided and unguided options. That range allows for a short outing or a much longer day on foot, but the exact route you choose should match your time and plans. The geothermal valleys can be explored in about three hours, while longer hikes can take you toward Kerlingarfjöll’s highest peaks.

The baths work particularly well as a recovery stop after outdoor activity. You can spend the day walking, then finish with warm water and mountain views rather than heading straight back to your next task. If you are planning a longer hike, be realistic about time: the bathing admission itself is valid for two hours, and the hike is additional.

You don’t have to hike to justify a visit. The baths are also a destination for a quieter highland outing, especially if you want a restorative break in the area. But if you’re comparing this with a more active excursion, remember that admission is for bathing, not for guided access to the trails.

Make a meal part of the stop

Highland Base Restaurant is an option for lunch or dinner, with an 80-seat dining space. The menu offering ranges from coffee and waffles to bistro comfort food and buffet dining. That variety makes it possible to keep things simple with a coffee break or settle in for a fuller meal.

Food is not included in the bath admission, so budget for it separately if you plan to eat there. The underground connection between the baths and hotel can make combining a soak and a meal convenient, though the details provided do not give restaurant hours or say whether you need a reservation.

For a fuller visit, you could pair a hike, a bath, and a meal at Highland Base. For a shorter stop, the two-hour admission may be all you need. Either way, the restaurant adds a practical option in a remote setting where having food at the same base can simplify your plans.

Is $49 fair for two hours?

At $49 per person, this is not an inexpensive dip. The price covers admission to the Highland Baths for two hours, including the pools, sauna, cold plunge, and changing facilities. You’re paying for the bathing experience in a distinctive highland location, not for a guided tour, towel, swimwear, meal, or hiking activity.

The value improves if you want to use the full range of facilities and appreciate the mountain setting. The three pools, sauna, and cold plunge offer more variety than a single hot pool, while the showers and changing rooms make the visit easier to fit around outdoor plans. The calm atmosphere and views are central to the appeal.

The price may feel harder to justify if you only want a brief soak or are trying to keep costs low. You can make a better call by asking yourself whether two hours of geothermal bathing is a priority in your highland itinerary. If it is, the combination of warm pools, sauna, cold plunge, and scenery makes the admission more than a simple swim.

Practical details before you go

The activity lasts two hours, and starting times depend on availability. Check the time offered when you plan your visit, especially if you’re fitting it around a hike or meal. No transportation details are provided, so arrange your own route to Highland Base rather than assuming transport is part of the ticket.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. Neither is included, and both are listed as essentials. Changing rooms and showers are available, so you can change on site. The shower products are a helpful extra, but they are no substitute for bringing your own towel.

You can reserve now and pay later, which keeps you from paying at the time of booking. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. These flexible terms are handy if your plans may change, but they don’t remove the need to check your chosen start time.

The experience is offered by Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. No guide is named, and this is admission to the baths rather than a guided tour. You’re free to use the facilities at your own pace during the two-hour visit.

Who will enjoy this bath stop most?

I’d put this high on the list for anyone already spending time in Kerlingarfjöll who wants a comfortable pause between outdoor activities. It also suits people who value quiet and scenery as much as the warm water. The sauna, three pools, and optional cold plunge give you a few ways to spend the time without requiring a set routine.

It’s a less compelling choice if you’re looking for a guided cultural experience, a full-day activity, or a low-cost swim. The admission covers a defined two-hour visit, and extras such as meals and personal bathing gear are separate. You’ll get the most from it if you arrive prepared and have enough time to relax rather than rushing in and out.

Should you book Highland Baths admission?

Book if you want a calm geothermal break in the highlands, particularly after hiking, and the $49 price fits your plans. The combination of mountain views, three warm pools, sauna, cold plunge, and practical changing facilities makes this a well-rounded bathing stop.

Skip it if you’re only seeking a quick dip, or if you’d rather spend your budget on a guided hike or meal. For the best visit, bring your swimsuit and towel, choose a start time that leaves room to unwind, and consider pairing the baths with a hike or food at Highland Base.

FAQ

How long is admission to the Highland Baths?

Admission is valid for two hours.

How much does admission cost?

The listed price is $49 per person.

What is included with admission?

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

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. Swimwear and a towel are not included, so bring both.

Is there a sauna?

Yes. The Highland Baths have a sauna with mountain views.

Where are the Highland Baths?

They are in Ásgarður Valley at the edge of Kerlingarfjöll, in Iceland’s Southern Region.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The booking option allows you to reserve without paying at the time of booking.