6 minute read
Discovering Iceland’s Wild Beauty at ÖÖD Hekla Horizon
Like many great endeavours, the story behind ÖÖD Hekla Horizon is one of “earned luck.” The journey began in 2018 when the founders were deeply involved in Iceland’s housing market. When one of their clients faced setbacks with a project, he offered them the land. A site visit and a night out in Reykjavik later, a handshake sealed the deal, and ÖÖD Hekla Horizon was born.
The name itself reflects the essence of the site: a breathtaking view opposite Hekla Volcano, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Each of the seven mirror houses offers a direct view of this majestic volcano, creating an experience that encapsulates the magic of Iceland.
The vision for Hekla Horizon is simple yet powerful: to offer travellers an allencompassing Icelandic adventure with the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. Whether marvelling at the Northern Lights from the dedicated lounge, taking in the river views, or exploring the nearby natural wonders, guests are immersed in the country’s raw beauty.
From Vision to Reality
Transforming the concept into a fully operational glamping site was a challenging yet rewarding process. What was initially envisioned as a straightforward development became a 2.5-year journey. The first 1.5 years were dedicated to securing permits and meticulously planning the site, ensuring every aspect aligned with both environmental sustainability and guest experience. The final year saw the completion of infrastructure, landscaping, and the installation of the innovative ÖÖD mirror houses.
The project also became a testing ground for new ÖÖD products. The site showcases a nearly full lineup of their mirror houses, allowing firsthand evaluation before offering them to customers worldwide. This commitment to quality and innovation ensures that every guest experiences cuttingedge design and comfort.
A Unique Stay at ÖÖD Hekla Horizon
Hekla Horizon is designed to offer unparalleled luxury while blending seamlessly with the rugged Icelandic landscape. The site consists of: n Seven Mirror Houses with nine bedrooms in total.
Three Signature Mirror Houses, providing the classic ÖÖD experience.
Two Extended Mirror Houses, featuring extra space and set to launch in the U.S. in March.
Two Big Monoliths, nearly twice the size of standard units, designed for families or small groups. These will launch in Europe in January and in the U.S. in May.
SPA/Northern Light Lounge, a specially designed communal space with a transparent glass structure for perfect Northern Light viewing.
A Reception House, serving as the operational hub.
To elevate the experience further, the two extended houses include a private sauna and hot tub, while the Big Monoliths feature private saunas. The shared SPA lounge is equipped with a larger sauna and hot tub for all guests to enjoy, making it an ideal retreat after a day of adventure.
Harmonizing with Nature and Culture
At the heart of ÖÖD Hekla Horizon is a commitment to sustainability and integration with Iceland’s natural beauty. The ÖÖD signature mirror design allows the structures to reflect and blend into their surroundings, whether it’s the volcano on the horizon, the shimmering Northern Lights, or the endless summer sun.
The site’s layout takes advantage of natural elevations to create privacy while maximizing views. Locally sourced materials, including lava stones and moss, enhance the authenticity of the landscape. Once the ground thaws, moss will be carefully placed to further enrich the Icelandic atmosphere.
A key aspect of cultural integration comes from the collaboration with local partners, Arnar and Ingibjorg Jakobsdottir. Their deep knowledge of Iceland’s environment and culture ensures that guests receive the most authentic experience possible, from navigating local attractions to understanding the land’s rich history.
Adventures Tailored to Every Traveler
Guests at Hekla Horizon are encouraged to explore the stunning surroundings at their own pace. The site’s prime location provides access to:
Waterfalls and geysers, some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders.
The famous Reynisfjara black beach, an awe-inspiring coastal landscape.
Hiking trails, perfect for those seeking adventure.
Horseback riding on Iceland’s legendary horses.
Rather than overwhelming guests with scheduled activities, Hekla Horizon promotes independent exploration, allowing visitors to craft their own adventure.
Challenges of Building in Iceland’s Harsh Climate
Building a luxury glamping site in Iceland comes with its fair share of obstacles, the most formidable being the weather. The team braved extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C and strong winds making construction particularly challenging. However, their expertise in building glamping sites across the globe—from Northern Norway to Ghana—ensured that no obstacle was insurmountable.
Logistically, careful planning was required to minimize environmental impact. The infrastructure was developed in phases, ensuring a seamless integration with the natural surroundings. The prefabricated mirror houses, built in Estonia, were shipped and installed on-site with minimal disturbance, preserving the pristine landscape.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of ÖÖD Hekla Horizon’s philosophy. The guiding principle is to change as little as possible. The design utilizes natural elements—elevations, plants, rocks—to create a seamless blend with the environment. By relying on offsite construction and prefabricated units, on-site disruption was kept to a minimum, preserving Iceland’s delicate ecosystem.
The Future of ÖÖD Hekla Horizon
The primary goal remains simple: to provide guests with an unforgettable Icelandic experience. While Hekla Horizon will remain as it is, the team has ambitious plans for future developments.
One of the most exciting upcoming projects is a new glamping site in Northeast Iceland, set to open in 2025. This location, one of the most remote the company has ever developed, is pending final permits. Beyond Iceland, ÖÖD sites are expanding globally, with scheduled openings in Scotland, Texas (near Austin), Tuscany, Latvia, Wales, and the Netherlands.
A Landmark in Glamping and Tourism
ÖÖD Hekla Horizon is set to redefine glamping in Iceland. Unlike traditional cabin-based stays, the site’s unique architectural design, thoughtful layout, and premium amenities set it apart. It is poised to become a standout attraction not only in Iceland but across the European glamping market.
Moreover, glamping sites like Hekla Horizon contribute significantly to local tourism. Unlike traditional hotels that often keep guests on-site, glamping experiences encourage travelers to explore nearby attractions, dine at local restaurants, and engage with local tour operators, creating a positive economic impact.
With a foundation built on sustainability, innovation, and cultural authenticity, ÖÖD Hekla Horizon is more than just a glamping site—it’s an invitation to experience the untamed beauty of Iceland in an unforgettable way.
