A black house with a grass roof, nestled at the bottom of an Icelandic valley surrounded by mountains, helicopters taking off in the early morning: the image intrigues and circulates on social media. This almost invisible refuge truly exists. It’s called Deplar Farm, and it’s one of the most exclusive and secret hotels in the world, in northern Iceland. Here’s what really lies behind this extraordinary address.
- What it is: Deplar Farm, an ultra-luxurious adventure lodge operated by Eleven Experience, in a former sheep farm.
- Where: in the Fljót valley, on the Troll Peninsula, northern Iceland, an hour’s drive from Akureyri.
- The signature: heliskiing, with a million hectares of pristine terrain accessible from the lodge’s helipads.
- Number of rooms: only 13, including ten king suites · the property is often booked exclusively.
- The price: all-inclusive rates among the highest in Europe, several thousand euros per person per night.
A former sheep farm at the end of the world
Deplar Farm is not an urban palace, but a century-old farm transformed into an exceptional lodge, nestled in a remote valley on the Troll Peninsula, in northern Iceland. Around it, nothing but 1,500-metre peaks, glacial rivers, and mirror-like lakes. The place, operated by the luxury adventure collective Eleven Experience, cultivates absolute isolation: people come here to disconnect from the world, in a tundra landscape that few travellers will ever see.
Turf roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains
Viewed from the sky, the house blends into the landscape: its vegetated roofs, planted with grass in the traditional Icelandic manner, make it an almost invisible silhouette. Inside, the atmosphere shifts: floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the peaks, warm materials, mid-century furniture, and Icelandic art. A striking contrast between the ruggedness of the outside and the cocoon of the inside, which explains the visual fascination for this place.
Heliskiing: a million hectares of pristine powder
This is Deplar Farm’s main signature. From March to May, helicopters take off directly from the lodge to drop skiers onto a million hectares of pristine terrain, between fjords and mountains plunging into the Arctic Ocean. The long days of Nordic light allow guides to choose the best snow at the best time. It is this rare combination of ultimate luxury and otherwise inaccessible wild skiing that attracts wealthy clients from all over the world.
Geothermal pool, sauna, and Northern Lights
After the effort, the lodge unfolds a wellness cocoon worthy of the greatest: a geothermal pool with a swim-up bar, a sauna, a hammam, and a spa, where guests warm up facing the mountains. In winter, it’s not uncommon to observe the Northern Lights from the warm water. Additionally, there’s a gym, a yoga studio, a media room, and a lounge bar, so there’s never a reason to leave the premises.
Arctic surfing, fishing, and horses: adventure in all seasons
Deplar Farm doesn’t just live to the rhythm of skiing. When summer arrives, it’s time for surfing in the icy Arctic waters, fly fishing in salmon rivers, hiking, mountain biking, Icelandic horse riding, or whale watching. Each stay includes two guided adventures per day, supervised by a dedicated team. A way to experience wild Iceland in all its facets, without ever compromising on comfort.
How much does a night at Deplar Farm cost?
This is where the address moves into another category. The all-inclusive rates are among the highest in Europe, with several thousand euros per person per night. The price includes accommodation in one of the 13 rooms, all meals prepared by the chef, two daily guided activities with equipment, transfers from Akureyri airport, and a dedicated experience manager. Heliskiing is an additional charge. Many clients privatise the entire lodge for total exclusivity.
Why Deplar Farm is so fascinating
Between its spectacular isolation, its architecture that hides in nature, and its lifestyle reserved for a privileged few, Deplar Farm ticks all the boxes of an inaccessible dream destination. It is precisely this mystery, this impression of a secret residence lost in the mountains, that explains its viral success online. Behind the retouched images and staged scenes circulating, the reality is almost more impressive: a remote refuge where luxury is measured by space, silence, and access to nature that almost no one else will see.
