Summary
Introduction to Panorama Glass Lodge
The four lodges in Hella, Iceland are constructed from glass, steel, and wood — each featuring a private hot tub. There’s no need to get out of bed when the view is this surreal. Located in a secluded corner of southern Iceland’s town of Hella, the Panorama Glass Lodge is a collection of four lodges with glass ceilings and walls, ensuring that the mesmerizing landscape is always in sight.
Experience in the Lodges
Couple Sabrina and Andreas Dedler opened the first lodge in 2017, aiming to create the ultimate romantic escape, complete with a private hot tub. However, as time went on, they observed a diverse range of visitors yearning for an opportunity to disconnect and immerse themselves in the enchanting surroundings. While the location is remarkable throughout the year, there’s also the unique chance to witness the Northern Lights from bed during the peak season from September through March.
Accommodations and Prices
“The most important point was for our guests to have an amazing, comfortable, and unforgettable experience with sufficient privacy in the spectacular Icelandic scenery,” they explain on their site. The Dedlers drew inspiration from Scandinavian homes, with the custom-made units combining wood details with glass and steel. “We decided to build just a few houses on a huge piece of land instead of many houses on a tiny piece of land to avoid the feeling of staying in a resort,” they continued.
While the location is not staffed, there is a dedicated team behind the scenes ensuring that every stay goes smoothly. Both pet- and family-friendly, the couple plans to add a family lodge by the end of this year.
Each of the four lodges — Freya, Alva, Odin, and Thor — features one king-size bed in a 237-square-foot space with a private bathroom and outdoor hot tub, along with breathtaking views of the mountains, river, and the Hekla Volcano. Stays start at €499 (about $543), but they are currently booked up through April.
Escape Tour Details
An enhanced way to enjoy the glass lodges is through Off the Map Travel‘s newly launched three-night Panorama Glass Lodge Escape tour. This package includes a two-night stay at Panorama Glass Lodge, alongside essential Icelandic experiences.
The itinerary starts with a jeep tour of the Golden Circle, encompassing visits to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall before arriving at the glass lodge. The following day includes a trip to an ice cave, and the third day offers an optional snowmobiling tour of Eyjafjallajökull glacier, followed by a final night in Reykjavik, where you can visit the Blue Lagoon before heading home. Several meals are included in the package, with prices starting at £3,199 (approximately $4,199) per person.
“These lodges are the epitome of escapism,” stated Off the Map Travel founder Jonny Cooper. “The remote area guarantees no light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing and experiencing the incredible midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter.” He further mentioned that this is the first instance these lodges have been featured in an itinerary due to their unique experiential attribute.
Additional Information
The Hella area is also home to other glass homes, including Glass Cottages on a lava desert, additionally featured as vacation rentals.
