Small towns in West Iceland offer a kind of quiet magic you won’t find in the city: wide-open skies, friendly faces, and nature right on your doorstep. If you’re planning a road trip around the west coast, knowing what to expect in these small Icelandic communities will help you make the most of your stay—and choose the right place to sleep, like Ourhotels.is properties in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður.
In most small towns, life moves at a slower pace. You’ll find one main street, a handful of cafés or bakeries, a local swimming pool with hot tubs, and a harbor or river never far away. Don’t expect big shopping malls or late-night bars; instead, expect cozy evenings, fresh air, and a strong sense of local culture. This is where you come to unwind, watch the weather roll in over the mountains, and feel close to Icelandic everyday life.
One of the first things visitors notice is how quickly you feel like part of the community. People greet you, chat at the bakery, and are usually happy to share tips about the best viewpoints, hiking paths, or hidden hot springs. English is widely spoken, but you’ll also hear Icelandic everywhere—at the gas station, in the pool, and in the small supermarkets that stock everything from fresh bread to fishing gear.
Because these towns are small, where you stay matters. Ourhotels.is focuses on comfortable, well-located inns that make it easy to explore the surrounding nature while still enjoying a warm bed and a good breakfast.
In Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is a great example of what to expect. It sits in a peaceful countryside setting, with views that stretch across fields and towards distant mountains. From here, you can explore the famous Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, soak in nearby hot springs, or drive into Borgarnes for museums, restaurants, and coastal walks. After a day out, you return to a quiet inn where the night sky feels huge—perfect for stargazing or, in winter, watching for the northern lights.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn puts you right in one of Iceland’s most charming fishing towns. Colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, and views over Breiðafjörður’s countless islands make Stykkishólmur feel like a postcard come to life. You can take boat tours among the islands, visit local museums, or use the town as a base for exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn means you’re within walking distance of the harbor and restaurants, yet still in a calm, relaxing environment that fits the town’s easygoing rhythm.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn brings you into the heart of the Westfjords. Ísafjörður is larger than many small Icelandic towns, but it still has that intimate, close-knit feel. Expect dramatic fjord scenery, steep mountains, and a working harbor where fishing boats come and go. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can head out on hiking trails, kayak in the fjord, or take day trips to remote villages and wild beaches. In the evening, you come back to a comfortable base where you can rest, recharge, and plan the next day’s adventures.
Across all these towns, some things are consistent. The weather can change quickly, so layers and waterproof clothing are essential. Services like gas stations and supermarkets may have shorter opening hours than in big cities, so it’s wise to plan ahead. But in return, you get quiet roads, uncrowded viewpoints, and the feeling that you’re experiencing the real Iceland, not just the busy tourist spots.
Ourhotels.is inns—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—are designed to fit naturally into this small-town experience. They offer simple comfort, good locations, and a friendly atmosphere that matches the character of the towns themselves. When you stay in these places, you’re not just passing through; you’re pausing long enough to feel the rhythm of local life.
If you’re dreaming of Iceland beyond Reykjavík—of small harbors, quiet valleys, and evenings spent under wide northern skies—then the small towns of West Iceland are exactly where you want to be. And with Ourhotels.is as your base, you can explore them at your own pace, knowing you’ll always have a warm, welcoming inn to come home to.
