Watching the sun rise in Iceland is like seeing the world wake up for the very first time. The soft Arctic light, the wide‑open landscapes, and the ever‑changing weather create a sunrise experience that feels almost otherworldly. If you’re planning a trip to West Iceland and want to catch some of the best sunrise views, there are a few locations you absolutely shouldn’t miss—many of them perfectly placed near Ourhotels.is properties, so you can roll out of bed and straight into the golden glow.
One of the most beautiful sunrise areas in West Iceland is Borgarfjörður, a region of rivers, hot springs, and gentle mountains. Staying at Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, puts you right in the middle of this peaceful countryside. In the early morning, the sky often turns soft pink and orange over the Hvítá river and the surrounding fields. Step outside with a warm drink and watch the light slowly reveal distant mountains, farmhouses, and winding streams. Because this area is less crowded than the south coast, you can often enjoy the sunrise in complete silence—just you, the birds, and the sound of the river. For photographers, the combination of low morning mist and calm water can create mirror‑like reflections that are perfect for sunrise shots.
Borgarnes itself is also a wonderful sunrise spot. The town sits on a peninsula, surrounded by sea and mountains, which means you get wide, open views to the east. From Hvítá Inn, it’s a short drive into town, where you can walk along the shoreline paths or down by the harbor as the first light hits the water. On clear mornings, the mountains across the bay glow with soft pastel colors, and the calm sea often reflects the sky. If you’re traveling in winter, the late sunrise time makes it easy to enjoy the show without waking up too early.
Further north, the charming town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another top sunrise destination. The Stykkishólmur Inn is ideally located for exploring this colorful harbor town and its surrounding viewpoints. In the early morning, head up to Súgandisey Cliff, the small island hill with a lighthouse overlooking the harbor. From here, you can watch the sun rise over Breiðafjörður Bay, lighting up the scattered islands and the fishing boats below. The combination of bright houses, calm sea, and distant mountains makes Stykkishólmur one of the most photogenic sunrise locations in Iceland.
Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn means you can easily explore more sunrise spots along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula as well. Drive a little out of town to find quiet viewpoints over lava fields, black beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The low angle of the morning sun brings out textures in the landscape—perfect for landscape photography. On partly cloudy days, the light can be especially dramatic, with sunbeams breaking through gaps in the clouds and painting the ocean in streaks of gold.
If you’re heading even farther west, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords offers a completely different kind of sunrise experience. Surrounded by steep fjord walls and deep blue water, the town feels tucked into nature. Ísafjörður Inn gives you a comfortable base right in the heart of this dramatic region. In summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, and the “sunrise” can feel like a long, glowing twilight that lasts for hours. The sky shifts through soft shades of pink, purple, and gold, reflecting off the calm fjord.
For one of the best sunrise views in Ísafjörður, walk along the shoreline just outside town or head to one of the nearby viewpoints overlooking the fjord. As the light grows, you’ll see the layered cliffs and snow patches (often still visible in early summer) slowly come into focus. In winter, when the sun stays low in the sky, the entire day can feel like an extended sunrise and sunset, bathing the fjord in a constant, gentle glow. From Ísafjörður Inn, it’s easy to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and watch the colors change over the water.
When planning your sunrise adventures in Iceland, it’s important to remember that sunrise times change dramatically with the seasons. In June and July, you’ll experience the midnight sun, where the “sunrise” and “sunset” blend into one long, magical golden hour. In December and January, the sun rises late and sets early, giving you a short but incredibly beautiful window of soft light. Checking local sunrise times and weather forecasts the night before will help you make the most of your morning.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland makes it easy to catch these unforgettable moments. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður offers peaceful countryside views and quick access to Borgarnes and the surrounding nature. The Stykkishólmur Inn places you right by one of Iceland’s most picturesque harbors and the island‑dotted Breiðafjörður Bay. Ísafjörður Inn immerses you in the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords, where the interplay of light and mountains creates some of the most striking sunrises in the country.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a nature lover who wants to start the day in silence and beauty, or a traveler simply looking for a special moment to remember, the sunrise in West Iceland is something you shouldn’t miss. By choosing comfortable, well‑located stays like those offered by Ourhotels.is, you can wake up close to the action, step outside, and watch Iceland’s landscapes slowly come alive with the first light of day.
