It doesn’t get more off-the-grid than the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. This remote area is a gateway for adventures ranging from skiing to sea kayaking. Located on a converted sheep farm, Deplar Farm blends into the natural landscape with its black timber cladding and living roof.
Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property embrace the surrounding peaks. The winter season, from November through mid-March, may be short on sunlight, but days are still packed with adventures, like whale watching in the surrounding fjords and fat biking groomed trails around the valley.
Back at the lodge, many guests choose to spend entire days in the spa, hopping from the geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool to the Isopod flotation tanks and outdoor Viking sauna. And this time of year, the pool provides front-row seats to view the ghostly Northern Lights.
Iceland’s unique geologic history has created an environment that is truly stunning. Mountains rise up from the sea along the fjords on the Troll Peninsula. The island is full of geothermal vents below the surface which form numerous hot springs throughout the country.
The proximity to the Arctic Circle allows for views of the Northern Lights from October to April, and long days in the summer mean more time to adventure and explore. Popular summer activities include fishing for Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, hiking, sea kayaking and horseback riding.
In the spring, surfing and heli-skiing can be done in the same day. Deplar is a converted sheep farm, situated in the remote Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland.
Today’s modern structure celebrates a rugged past, and honors authentic Icelandic architecture with 13 en suite bedrooms. It is a one-stop-shop for adventure, solitude, mystery, and high-end amenities. The Fljót Valley sees some of the highest average snowfall on the planet.
As a result, the eastern route to Deplar is closed all winter, making its remote locale all the more raw and wild. Strategically located between Europe and the States, Iceland and Deplar offer easy access to otherworldly landscapes without hours of traveling. New York and London-based clients can be fishing or skiing on the same day of travel.
Decked out in sheepskin, Moroccan wools, and textured walls, Deplar Farm’s 13 bedrooms are a cozy contrast to the raw landscape outside. Grettir, the master bedroom, has a mezzanine
loft with a spacious seating area. The four gallery suites all have mezzanine-style lofts with hammocks and day beds for lounging or additional guests.
One of four Gallery Suites, Aður is located on the main floor between the bar and the dining area. In addition to a king bed,
there’s a double bed and hammock in a lofted living space. Aður faces southeast with dramatic mountain views.
The bunkroom is a signature room found at nearly every Eleven property. Perfect for kids who want to have an Icelandic slumber
party, Álfahóll has four double beds (a 5th can be added), a small living area, private deck, and a double en suite.
Flóki is located on the second floor of old Deplar Farm. One of the largest rooms and full of character, Flóki has a king bed,
living area, windows on three sides, and slanted ceilings.
One of four Gallery Suites, Freyja is located on the main floor between the bar and the dining area. In addition to a king bed,
there’s a double bed and hammock in a lofted living space. The room faces northwest with lake and rivers views.
One of four Gallery Suites, Frigg is located on the main floor between the bar and the dining area. In addition to a king bed,
there’s a double bed and hammock in a lofted living space. Frigg faces southeast with dramatic mountain views.
Gísli is one of the king spa rooms, located on the lower floor between the media room and spa.
Expect a cozy, countryside feel with dramatic, southern-facing mountain views.
Named after Iceland’s best-known outlaw, Grettir is located on the main floor and is the largest guest room in the house, with a king bed, living area, fireplace, and a mezzanine loft.
A spacious bathroom features a double vanity, private sauna, steam shower and soaking tub. Guests love the room’s private deck for its expansive northerly views.
Located in old Deplar Farm, Guðrún honors the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Icelandic farmhouses, yet no detail
is spared. Guðrún has a king bed and views to the east and south.
Gunnar is one of the king spa rooms, located on the lower floor between the media room and spa.
Expect a cozy, countryside feel with dramatic, eastern-facing mountain views.
Odin is an intimate second story room in old Deplar Farm with a queen bed, and slanted ceilings.
The room has a great northern view towards both the lake and river.
One of four Gallery Suites, Skaði is located on the main floor between the bar and the dining area. In addition to a king bed,
there’s a double bed and hammock in a lofted living space. Skaði faces northwest with lake and river views.
Located in old Deplar Farm, Snorri honors the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Icelandic farmhouses, yet no detail
is spared. Snorri has a king bed and views to the east and south.
Thor has a queen bed and a northern view toward the lake. Thor is designed for guests with mobile impairments and allows
for easy flow of wheelchairs.
The basic Icelandic diet hasn’t changed much since the Viking days. Arctic char, north Atlantic salmon, lamb, and skyr are still staples, but the chef, Iceland’s 2018 chef of the year, Garðar Garðarsson, prepares them with modern techniques and a dash of international flavor. Neighboring farmers and fishermen make regular deliveries, so menus are always source-to-table.
The staff buy products from local farmers, and the mission is to eventually harvest the own vegetables and become truly source-to-fork. The chef, Iceland’s 2018 chef of the year, Garðar Garðarsson, prepares customized traditional Icelandic meals with modern techniques for all guests. Upon arrival, guests receive drinks and welcome appetizers.
The dining room is framed by beautiful views during the day and takes on a romantic glow at night with a fireplace and dimmed lighting. Expect blueberry-topped pancakes, langoustine soup, and pasture-raised lamb, as well as craft beers from local brewers and wines from Deplar’s extensive cellar. The Deplar Farm serve food and drinks that celebrate the surroundings.
The fish is sourced locally, and sustainably, and the lamb is pasture-raised. Snacks are served après any activity, during all seasons. All common areas are loaded with snack bars and house-made goodies. Dinner is a chance for the chef’s creativity to shine. Icelandic craft brews and wines from Deplar’s extensive cellar can be paired with any meal.
The wellness offerings at Deplar Farm are a highlight of any stay. The spa features an indoor/outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, sauna and steam shower, lounge area, three massage rooms, two isopod flotation tanks, and changing rooms. A therapist is always
on call and various massage and spa treatments are available to combat jet lag, sports fatigue, or stress. Hang out at the outdoor pool bar, swim under the sunlit nights, or spy the Northern Lights from the built in lounge area in this dramatic landscape.
A gym is equipped with cardio machines and weights and staff can pre-arrange personal training and CrossFit workouts.
The indoor/outdoor geothermal pool, set at a soothing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is where the guests spend the most free time.
Yoga classes and stretch classes can be organized year-round in the yoga room.
For centuries, Iceland has been attracting the best anglers of the world to fish its famous rivers. Angling in Iceland is 100% catch and release and fly fishing only with a maximum of two rods per day.
Heli-skiing on the Troll Peninsula is known for its beautiful rolling descents and steep couloirs taking you all the way to the ocean.
Snowmobilers can explore the valley surrounding Deplar Farm. Climb the pass and discover the terrain high up and enjoy spectacular snowy views below.
Hiking, fat biking, kayaking (lake, river or sea), horseback riding, whitewater rafting, archery, laser tag, skeet shooting and frisbee golf.
Access some of Iceland's best swells from the town of Ólafsfjörður. Yes, it's cold. Yet outfitted in the 6/5/4 mm wetsuits, you'll be comfortable in the line up.
A large bar area provides endless entertainment, including an oversized TV, pool table, foosball, darts, and, of course, cocktails.
Anglers can dig into the fishing book collection while taking in the alpine scenery.
Located at the back of the bar, this stylish room is anchored by a large fireplace and framed by windows that soak in the surrounding mountain views.
Relax into the oversized couch and watch customized screenings from the projector, or your favorite shows on TV.
The other worldly landscape of Eyjafjordur is prime spot for viewing white beaked dolphins and humpback, blue, and orca whales.
DEPLAR FARM
Troll PeninsulaIceland