Deplar Farm

“A turf-roof lodge in a remote Icelandic valley offers geothermal pools, heliski descents, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing snowbound mountains.”

Our Review

A Secluded Sanctuary in the Troll Peninsula

Nestled deep within the remote and breathtaking Fljót Valley of northern Iceland, a former 18th-century sheep farm has been transformed into an unparalleled luxury retreat. This exclusive property on the dramatic Troll Peninsula offers a masterful blend of exhilarating adventure and serene comfort. The experience is intentionally intimate, operating less like a traditional hotel and more like a private home, where the wild, untamed landscape is the main attraction. From the moment of arrival, it is clear that this is a place designed for both profound connection with nature and sophisticated relaxation. The atmosphere is one of stealth-luxe, where impeccable service and world-class amenities are delivered with a laid-back, unassuming grace that makes guests feel instantly at ease in this otherworldly setting.

Seamless Integration of Design and Nature

The architecture of Deplar Farm is a tribute to its Icelandic heritage and rugged surroundings. Its most striking feature is the living turf roof, which allows the structure to blend almost invisibly into the rolling tundra. Combined with dark, black-stained timber cladding that mirrors the volcanic rock of the region, the building harmonizes with the landscape rather than imposing on it. Inside, this philosophy continues with natural materials like stone from the Fljótaá River and Siberian driftwood. Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows are a key design element throughout the property, serving as cinematic frames for the majestic peaks and ever-changing Icelandic sky. These thoughtfully designed spaces blur the boundary between indoors and out, ensuring that the stunning scenery is a constant and integral part of the guest experience.

Bespoke Adventures for Every Season

Adventure is the cornerstone of a stay at this remarkable accommodation. Each group is paired with a dedicated Experience Manager who curates a personalized itinerary based on skill level, interests, and the prevailing weather conditions. The on-site gear barn is a veritable cathedral of high-end equipment, ensuring every guest is perfectly outfitted for any excursion. In the winter, the region's abundant snowfall makes it a premier destination for heli-skiing on virgin slopes, alongside activities like snowshoeing, fat biking on frozen lakes, and snowmobiling. During the endless daylight of the summer months, opportunities abound for world-class salmon fishing, sea kayaking on the Arctic Ocean, surfing under the midnight sun, and riding sturdy Icelandic horses. Whale watching in the nearby Eyjafjörður fjord is a year-round highlight, offering close encounters with humpback whales.

Rest and Rejuvenation

Complementing the high-octane adventures is a world-class wellness offering designed for ultimate relaxation and recovery. The expansive spa is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring a range of exceptional facilities. The centerpiece is the stunning geothermal indoor-outdoor pool, heated to a perfect temperature and complete with a swim-up bar. It is an idyllic spot to watch for the Northern Lights on a clear winter night. Guests can indulge in the signature Viking Sauna ritual, a guided experience of intense heat followed by a bracing plunge into a cold pool. For a unique sensory experience, the spa offers two i-sopod flotation tanks, which promote deep meditation and calm. A fully equipped gym, a yoga studio, and multiple treatment rooms for massages are also available to ensure complete rejuvenation of mind and body.

Accommodations and Communal Spaces

The property features thirteen impeccably designed guest rooms, each a cozy haven of Scandi-rustic charm. While not vast, the rooms are thoughtfully appointed with king-sized beds, plush sheepskin blankets, and modern amenities. The bathrooms evoke the island's geology, resembling solidified lava and featuring premium Aesop products. In keeping with the house-party feel, there are no keys for the rooms, fostering a sense of community and trust. Beyond the private quarters, numerous communal spaces encourage socializing and relaxation. The main vaulted bar and sitting room is a popular gathering spot, as is the library, a media room with deep couches, and a loft featuring a full band set-up for impromptu musical performances. This thoughtful design ensures that even with a full house, there is always a quiet corner or a lively social space to suit any mood.

Farm-to-Table Icelandic Fare

The dining experience is both a culinary delight and a social event. Meals are served communally at a magnificent long table, set between floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic valley views. The culinary philosophy is firmly rooted in a farm-to-table approach, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The chef prepares elegant and modern dishes using Icelandic staples, such as lamb from a neighboring farm, arctic char, and salmon from the nearby rivers. Menus are simple yet stylish, with thoughtful wine pairings enhancing each dinner. The focus is on fresh, high-quality fuel to power the day's adventures, from hearty breakfasts of Skyr and Icelandic pancakes to sophisticated three-course evening meals where strangers quickly become friends while sharing stories of their exploits.

An Unforgettable Icelandic Experience

A stay at Deplar Farm transcends the typical luxury vacation. It is a comprehensive, all-inclusive journey into a remote and magical corner of the world. The seamless combination of custom-tailored adventure, deep-rooted wellness, and understated elegance creates an environment where guests are encouraged to push their limits by day and relax in absolute comfort by night. The property's unique ability to feel like a private, exceptionally well-appointed home allows for genuine connection—to the landscape, to fellow travelers, and to oneself. It is an extraordinary escape that delivers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime Icelandic adventure.

Select Amenities & Features

Free Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Swimming pool Swimming pool
Yoga Yoga
Spa & wellness Spa & wellness
Fitness centre Fitness centre
Laundry & dry cleaning Laundry & dry cleaning
Airport transfer Airport transfer
Bar Bar
Restaurant Restaurant

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of amenities.

Location

How to Get There

By Air
  • (AEY) Akureyri Airport: nearest gateway; ~1.5–2 hours by road (≈50–55 km).
  • (KEF) Keflavík International Airport: Iceland’s main international; ~5 hours by road (≈400 km), or connect via Reykjavík Domestic (RKV) to AEY then drive ~1.5–2 hours.
By Road
  • From Akureyri: ~1.5–2 hours (≈50–55 km); conditions permitting.
  • From Reykjavík: ~4.5–5 hours (≈360–400 km); mountain passes—drive cautiously in winter/dark.
By Helicopter/Charter
  • Helicopter transfers available (seasonal); typical private flight from KEF ~1 h 45 min; prior arrangement and weather permitting.

Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic and season.

Nearby Places & Attraction

Troll Peninsula Backcountry (Around Deplar Farm)
  • Mountainous valley landscape around the lodge with rivers, peaks, and wide-open views ideal for guided outdoor activities.
  • Distance: ≈0–5 km (immediate surroundings)
  • Mode: Walk, 4x4, snowmobile or horseback; ~5–30 min from the lodge
  • Best time: Late Jun–Sep for hiking; Feb–Apr for snow-based activities
  • Tip: Plan activities with local guides from the lodge to match weather and season.
Siglufjörður Fishing Town & Harbor
  • Historic harbor town on a narrow fjord, known for colorful waterfront houses and the Herring Era Museum.
  • Distance: ≈25–35 km
  • Mode: Car; ~30–45 min, traffic and tunnel conditions permitting
  • Best time: Jun–Sep for open attractions and easier driving; winter for ski area access.
  • Tip: Check museum and ski area opening hours in advance, especially outside peak summer.
Dalvík & Eyjafjörður Coastline
  • Small coastal town on Eyjafjörður, with a working harbor, sea views, and seasonal whale-watching departures.
  • Distance: ≈35–50 km
  • Mode: Car; ~40–60 min via coastal roads, conditions permitting
  • Best time: May–Sep for whale watching and coastal walks; winter for fjord views in snow.
  • Tip: For whale tours, reserve ahead and allow extra time for weather-related changes.
Héðinsfjörður Fjord & Tunnel Viewpoints
  • Remote, uninhabited fjord between tunnels linking Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður, with marked hiking routes and viewpoints.
  • Distance: ≈20–30 km to main trailhead
  • Mode: Car to rest area; ~25–40 min, then walk or hike inside the valley
  • Best time: Jul–Sep for clear trails and longer daylight.
  • Tip: Carry layers and check local advice on trail and avalanche conditions before hiking.
Akureyri Town & Eyjafjörður Hub
  • Regional center for North Iceland with shops, restaurants, a small old town, church on the hill, and botanical garden.
  • Distance: ≈70–90 km
  • Mode: Car; ~1–1.5 hours via Route 82/1, conditions permitting
  • Best time: Year-round; Dec–Mar for winter ambience, Jun–Sep for easier driving and longer days.
  • Tip: In winter, allow extra time for snow and use paid parking areas near the center.
Lake Mývatn & Geothermal Area
  • Volcanic lake region with lava formations, pseudocraters, geothermal fields, and hot-spring bathing options.
  • Distance: ≈110–130 km via Akureyri
  • Mode: Car; ~2–2.5 hours total from Deplar Farm, conditions permitting
  • Best time: Jun–Sep for easier access and full trail network; Feb–Mar for snowy landscapes with limited daylight.
  • Tip: In summer, midges can be intense near the lake—pack eye protection or a head net.

General Tip: Weather, daylight, and road conditions in North Iceland change quickly—always check the latest forecast and road reports before driving, and build in extra time for winter travel.

Seasonality Overview

Peak
  • Jun–Aug brings mild weather and very long daylight.
  • Busiest period; booking windows tighten and policies often stricter.
Super-peak
  • Mar–Apr is prime heli-skiing; limited inventory; plan early.
  • Late Dec–Jan sees holiday demand; short days; firmer policies.
Shoulder
  • Sep–Oct turns cooler; fewer crowds; outdoor adventures still run.
  • May–early Jun offers longer days; late snow conditions vary.
Low/Off
  • Nov–early Dec is storm-prone; plans often change with forecasts.
  • Quieter weeks; spa time and aurora watches become priorities.

Note: Month windows are indicative and may change year to year.

Other Information

Theme: Mountain, Wilderness
Check-in time: After 3:00 PM
Check-out time: Until 10:00 AM
Number of rooms: 13

Explore More Hotels