Once a sheep farm, now an exclusive lodge for modern adventurers, Deplar Farm offers not only spectacular nature, but also the rare feeling of having arrived. Not in the classic sense of a hotel with a lobby and room key - but in a temporary home that feels like a well-kept secret.
Around 32 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, in the middle of a secluded valley in northern Iceland, you can ask yourself: How comfortable can adventure be?
Even the journey there is part of the adventure: we take a domestic flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri - we hope for good weather and a window seat, because the view of Iceland's rugged coastline, volcanic craters and glaciers is simply spectacular. From Akureyri, the transfer continues along the dramatic north coast to the lodge - a drive that is no less impressive than the flight: black beaches, moss-covered slopes, wide fjords and the sea always in sight.
Deplar Farm itself blends almost seamlessly into the landscape with its grass-covered roof. The architecture is impressive and restrained at the same time, deliberately chosen so as not to push itself into the foreground, but to allow nature to take effect.
The interiors? Scandinavian-inspired, with lots of wood, stone, linen and warm light. Everything looks well thought out, cozy, high-quality and genuine. Particularly noteworthy: most of the furniture, materials and details come directly from the founding couple, who designed the lodge with a great deal of personal commitment and a clear aesthetic standard - not an "off-the-peg" concept, but absolutely individual.
The rooms and suites at Deplar Farm are spacious, clearly designed but rich in detail. The room furnishings are cozy, high-quality but minimalist. Televisions are rightly absent, but there is a shower with steam sauna function and a stereo system in every room.
The concept is striking and very clear: open house. You can meet other guests in the cozy communal areas with table football and pool table, at the bar or at the communal dinner. Chatting with other guests in the evening is just as much a part of the experience as the day itself.
Another central element is the music. In addition to the aforementioned music system, the hotel has a simply spectacular recording studio on the premises. Well-known musicians have recorded here, but you will search in vain for names. And here, too, a communal element is used: The detailed questionnaire, which is filled out before arrival and also discussed again on site with an experience manager from the hotel, is not just about allergies or preferred activities on site, no, favorite artists are explicitly asked about. Adapting the music selection in your own room to your personal wishes may be seen as attentive, but the Deplar Farm approach goes far beyond this: your own favorites are incorporated into the playlist selection throughout the hotel, so that the daily playlist forms an individual mixtape for all guests on site, which changes its character with every departure and arrival.
At Deplar Farm, food is less about staging and more about craftsmanship. Instead of a long menu or classic fine dining, a communal menu awaits you - new every day, with a regional flavor and a seasonal twist. The cuisine is creative, but not complicated. The focus is on high-quality products, not their presentation. The fact that the menu is presented to the group is part of the open concept - but individualization is still possible at any time. Food preferences are discussed in advance. This ensures that the relaxed atmosphere is maintained during dinner - without any compromises at the table.
Another highlight: the spa area. Between snow-capped mountains and endless expanses, we immerse ourselves in the steaming geothermal pool, let ourselves drift away with a massage or sweat with a view of the wild valley in the panorama sauna (alternatively, there is a Viking sauna, more atmosphere, but less view). The fitness area is small but equipped to a high standard - and if you're honest, you'll hardly need it anyway between ski tours, hiking routes and helicopter flights.
What makes Deplar Farm special is not just its location and design, but above all the adventure program. In winter, guided ski tours through untouched deep snow slopes are on the program - you can reach remote spots by helicopter, often without a single foreign track in the snow. The guides are excellently trained and the equipment is state of the art.
In summer, the Troll Peninsula is transformed into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: hikes through barren mountain landscapes, kayak tours on crystal-clear lakes, fishing for Atlantic salmon, horseback rides and super jeep trips to remote highland areas are all on offer. If you like, you can go whale watching or fly fishing on the river. Depending on the season, glacier hikes, fat biking and surfing in the North Atlantic are also possible. Each program is individually tailored and ranges from sporty and challenging to nature-oriented and relaxed.
To come back to the question of how much comfort a real adventure can tolerate in order to still be called one: Soft-bedded adventure perhaps fits the bill, at least between sunrise and sunset. But that's fine, because in the meantime you're busy conquering steep slopes on skis or a bike, crossing icy landscapes on a snowmobile or paddling through the Arctic Ocean in a kayak.
Those who define luxury in terms of the number of award-winning restaurants, the size of the spa area or all-encompassing privacy will probably not get their money's worth. However, if you are looking for a quality experience and want adventure without compromising on accommodation or food, you will definitely find it here. You are sure to meet like-minded people from all over the world who come together every day in search of adventure in one of the most remote spots in Iceland. So perhaps Deplar Farm is the best hostel in the world.