Panorama Glass Lodge

HELLA, ICELAND

THE PERSONALITIES

Stargazers. Aurora chasers. Solitude seekers. Design enthusiasts. Romantics looking for shelter at the edge of the world. Those who find luxury in silence and vast horizons.

MOMENTS

Waking up under a glass dome as dawn paints the highlands soft pink. Soaking in a geothermal hot tub while snow falls around you. Watching the Northern Lights arc directly over your bed. Coffee on the deck with views of Mt. Hekla. The quiet hum of absolute wilderness.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Visit between October and March for prime Northern Lights hunting beneath dark polar skies, or travel from June to August to experience the surreal golden glow of the midnight sun. The shoulder months of September and April offer crisp air, softer light, and fewer travelers across the South Coast.

COST

WHY STAY

Set in the wide-open expanses of Hella in southern Iceland, the lodge sits framed by moss-draped lava fields, distant glaciers, and the towering silhouette of Mt. Hekla. The raw geography feels untouched and dramatic, offering total isolation while remaining within easy reach of the region’s most famous natural wonders. Here, nature is not just a backdrop; it envelops the entire stay, from shifting weather fronts to endless horizon lines.

The accommodation takes the form of custom glass cabins and lodges that reimagine traditional Scandinavian aesthetic principles. Crafted with a blend of glass, steel, and warm wood, the architecture features floor-to-ceiling glass bedrooms designed to melt the boundary between indoor comfort and the wild outdoors. Inside, minimal Nordic interiors feature custom timber fittings, sheepskin accents, luxury European linens, and panoramic views from every angle.

Wellness is built into the landscape itself, centered around private outdoor geothermal hot tubs and glass-walled saunas that look out over the tundra. A truly unique feature is the ability to lie in a warm bed while gazing directly up into the night sky, offering an unmatched way to view the aurora borealis. Founded as a family-run passion project, the lodge was created out of a desire to build an immersive, high-design retreat that honors the beauty and solitude of Icelandic nature.

WHY WANDER

The surrounding landscape offers a gateway to some of Iceland's most iconic geological formations. A short drive brings you to thunderous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the dramatic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the vast ice fields of Mýrdalsjökull. Exploring these sites lets you experience the volcanic power and icy stillness that define the island.

Adventures in the region range from hiking through mossy lava corridors to super-jeep tours across rugged highland tracks. You can explore hidden slot canyons, walk along glacier edges, or soak in natural geothermal hot springs tucked away in silent valleys. Every route out from the lodge leads to an encounter with the untamed elements.

Returning from a day on the trail offers its own reward, as the quiet of Hella provides a peaceful contrast to the day’s exploration. Whether you spend the late afternoon photographing the changing light over the river valley or learning about local Viking history in nearby hamlets, the region offers a deep dive into Icelandic culture and wild land.

INDULGE IN

Hearty local provisions suited for cozy nights in, including freshly baked Icelandic rye bread, cured salmon, skyr, rich local butter, and pure glacial water.

GETTING THERE

Located approximately 1.5 hours from Reykjavík along scenic Route 1, making a 4x4 rental vehicle essential for reaching the property and exploring the surrounding South Coast terrain at your own pace.

WILD INITIATIVES

The lodge operates with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, using 100% renewable geothermal energy for heating and water systems. Build footprints are kept minimal to protect the surrounding tundra and prevent soil erosion. Guests are also invited to support local reforestation projects through partners like the Acuparia Foundation, helping plant native trees to restore Iceland’s natural woodland canopy.

*Images property of Panorama Glass Lodge