2025 highlights.
In its third year of operation, Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base saw significant increases in both attendance and media coverage, clearly demonstrating a strong foundation for a destination in the Icelandic highlands.
A variety of events were held at the Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base during the year, with a special emphasis on culinary experiences. Valentine's Day and Advent weekends were held as before, in September there was a wedding, and in October a Michelin-starred food event was held in the highlands for the first time. The restaurant now offers à la carte meals, rather than a buffet, which has increased both revenue and customer services.
The Kerlingarfjöll Ultra trail race was held for the second time and was a bigger affair than last year with around 400 runners participating in the event. The race took place in close collaboration with the Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland and the Flúðir Rescue Team, which provided security.
To enhance knowledge within the company and increase revenue, emphasis was placed on ensuring that Kerlingarfjöll staff operate the outdoor activities available on site.
This summer there was a special emphasis on day trips to the highlands, as accommodation was sold out, and a special day trip from Reykjavík, with stops at Gullfoss, Geysir and Hveradalur was added to the Kerlingarfjallajökull product offering.
The range of winter activities was also broadened, with two new options added: a guided winter hike and a combined snowmobile and hiking tour, giving guests the opportunity to visit Hveradalir in winter, which has not been possible before. This product development involved work that simplifies and streamlines winter activities in line with conditions in the highlands.
There was an increased emphasis on the sale of gift cards, and they grew steadily, with a significant rise in sales on special offer days in the run-up to Christmas.
Considerable renovations were undertaken to the accommodation at the Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base during the year when all rooms in Aldan, the oldest part of the hotel built by the previous operators, was renovated. A shop also opened in the hotel lobby in July, selling outdoor gear, branded merchandise, and products from Blue Lagoon Skin Science.
Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base was awarded its first Michelin key this year, which is awarded to hotels and accommodation that meet strict quality standards. Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base also won the 2025 Fast Company's Innovation by Design Awards in the category of Best Design in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and was recognized in the architecture category of the same awards.
