The tourist facilities at Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland’s Highland are receiving an overhaul these days to the tune of ISK 2-3 billion [$14-21 million, €13-20 million], RÚV reports. The development includes a luxury hotel and renovations to the campsite. It’s possibly the largest single investment in the Highland region that is not a power station.
Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range in Iceland’s Highland and one of the most popular tourist destinations within the region. It was operated as a summer ski resort in the 20th century which was dismantled in 2000 due to decreased snowfall. The site is known for the spectacular colours of its rhyolite mountains and hot springs. Kerlingarfjöll was declared a protected area in 2020 by the Icelandic government.
Hotel smaller than planned
The hotel has been downscaled from its original plan, which called for 120 double rooms. In 2016, the Icelandic Environment Association appealed the construction of the hotel to the Environmental and Natural Resources Appeals Committee as the first phase of construction had begun without an environmental assessment having been completed.
The luxury hotel will have space for 50 guests and hostel-like facilities for 30 campers. Along with renovations to the neighbouring campsite, a new restaurant will be opened at the site. The hotel buildings facades will be in dark, earthy colours in order to blend in with the landscape and the construction aims to limit vehicular traffic around the site to improve guests’ experience.
Highland an important breeding ground for birds
The Highland of Iceland is an uninhabited area that covers most of the centre of the country. It is only accessible to humans during the summer, as deep snow and wide rivers make its dirt roads impassable most of the year. The Highland is an important nesting area for many species of birds, with the Þjórsárdalur valley being the single most important breeding ground for pink-footed geese globally.
