Long drives across West Iceland can be magical—glaciers on the horizon, sweeping fjords, and tiny churches dotting the landscape—but they can also be tough on your body. Hours behind the wheel can leave your neck stiff, your lower back tight, and your legs feeling heavy. With a few simple, safe stretches (and some well‑timed breaks), you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Whether you’re road‑tripping from Reykjavík to Borgarfjörður, circling the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or heading all the way to the Westfjords, these tips will help you stretch safely on long drives—and enjoy a more comfortable journey between Ourhotels.is locations like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
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Long drives and your body: why stretching matters
When you sit for long periods, your hip flexors shorten, your hamstrings tighten, and your circulation slows. This can lead to:
– Stiff neck and shoulders
– Lower back pain
– Tight hips and hamstrings
– Swollen or heavy legs and feet
On Icelandic roads, where distances between towns can be long, planning regular stretch breaks is as important as planning fuel stops. Think of stretching as part of your travel safety routine—just like checking the weather and road conditions.
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How often should you stop to stretch?
A good rule of thumb is to stop every 60–90 minutes for 5–10 minutes of gentle movement. In Iceland, this often lines up naturally with scenic viewpoints, small towns, or your next hotel.
For example, if you’re driving from Reykjavík towards the west:
– Break 1: Near Borgarfjörður – perfect timing to stop at **Hvítá Inn** by the river, close to Borgarnes, for a stretch and a coffee.
– Break 2: Around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – pause in Stykkishólmur and unwind at **Stykkishólmur Inn** after exploring the harbor.
– Break 3: On the way to the Westfjords – when you finally reach **Ísafjörður Inn**, a short stretching routine in your room can help your body recover from the winding fjord roads.
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Safe stretching basics for drivers
To stretch safely on long drives, keep these principles in mind:
1. Warm up first
Don’t jump straight into deep stretches after sitting still. Start with a short walk around the car park or hotel, roll your shoulders, and gently swing your arms and legs. This increases blood flow and makes stretching safer and more effective.
2. Stay gentle, not forceful
You should feel a mild to moderate stretch—never sharp pain. Ease into each stretch and hold it for 15–30 seconds. Breathe slowly and avoid bouncing.
3. Focus on key areas
Long drives especially tighten:
– Neck and shoulders
– Chest and upper back
– Hips and hip flexors
– Hamstrings and calves
4. Use your surroundings
You don’t need a gym. A parking area, a quiet roadside stop, or your room at an Ourhotels.is property is enough. A wall, a chair, or even the side of your car can help you balance.
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Simple stretches you can do on the road
You can do many of these right outside your car or once you’ve checked into your hotel.
**1. Neck release (standing or seated)**
– Sit or stand tall.
– Gently tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder.
– Hold 15–20 seconds, breathing slowly.
– Repeat on the left side.
– For a deeper stretch, lightly place your hand on the side of your head (no pulling).
This is ideal after long stretches of concentrating on the road, especially when you arrive at **Hvítá Inn** after driving from Reykjavík.
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**2. Shoulder and chest opener (using your car or a wall)**
– Stand tall and place your palm and forearm against the car door frame or a wall behind you.
– Gently turn your body away from that arm until you feel a stretch across your chest and front shoulder.
– Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
This helps counter the rounded posture of driving and is easy to do in the parking area at **Stykkishólmur Inn** after a day exploring Breiðafjörður’s islands.
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**3. Seated spinal twist (great for hotel rooms)**
– Sit on the edge of a chair or bed with feet flat on the floor.
– Place your right hand on the outside of your left thigh.
– Gently twist your upper body to the left, looking over your left shoulder.
– Keep your spine tall; don’t force the twist.
– Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
This is a perfect way to unwind in your room at **Ísafjörður Inn** after navigating the dramatic fjord roads into town.
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**4. Hip flexor stretch (for tight hips)**
– Stand and take a small step back with your right foot.
– Bend your front (left) knee slightly and tuck your pelvis under, as if you’re gently pulling your tailbone forward.
– You should feel a stretch at the front of your right hip.
– Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch legs.
– Use the car or a wall for balance if needed.
Hours of sitting shorten the hip flexors; this stretch is especially helpful after the drive from Borgarnes to Stykkishólmur or Ísafjörður.
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**5. Hamstring stretch (using a low step or curb)**
– Place one heel on a low step, rock, or curb.
– Keep your leg straight but not locked, and your toes pointing up.
– Hinge forward slightly from your hips (not your back) until you feel a stretch along the back of your thigh.
– Keep your back straight; avoid rounding your shoulders.
– Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch legs.
You can do this safely in a parking area or on a quiet path near **Hvítá Inn** by the river.
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**6. Calf stretch (against a wall or car)**
– Stand facing a wall or your car, hands resting on it.
– Step one foot back, keeping the heel on the ground and the back leg straight.
– Bend your front knee slightly and lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back calf.
– Hold 20–30 seconds, then switch legs.
This is especially useful if you’ve been using the pedals for hours on Iceland’s winding roads.
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Stretching at Ourhotels.is: turning breaks into mini‑wellness moments
One of the advantages of driving in West Iceland is that your overnight stops can double as recovery time. At **Ourhotels.is**, you’ll find comfortable bases that make it easy to stretch, rest, and recharge between driving days.
– **Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes)**
Located by the Hvítá river, this inn is a peaceful stop after leaving Reykjavík. Use the open outdoor spaces for a short walk and a few stretches before checking in. The calm surroundings make it easy to loosen up after your first leg of the journey.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)**
After a day of exploring the peninsula’s beaches, lava fields, and fishing villages, Stykkishólmur Inn offers a cozy place to unwind. A gentle stretching routine in your room or a short stroll around the harbor can help your muscles recover before the next day’s drive.
– **Ísafjörður Inn (Westfjords)**
The drive into the Westfjords is one of Iceland’s most spectacular—and most demanding—routes, with curves and climbs that keep you alert. When you arrive at Ísafjörður Inn, take 10–15 minutes to stretch your hips, back, and legs. You’ll sleep better and wake up ready to explore the town and surrounding fjords on foot.
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Extra tips for staying comfortable on long Icelandic drives
Alongside stretching, a few simple habits can make a big difference:
– Adjust your seat so your knees are slightly lower than your hips and your back is supported.
– Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid leaning forward toward the wheel.
– Stay hydrated—dehydration can worsen muscle stiffness and fatigue.
– Pack a light jacket or layer so you can comfortably stretch outside, even if the wind picks up.
– Use your overnight stays at Ourhotels.is as natural “reset points” for your body: stretch, walk, and rest properly before the next leg.
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Arrive ready to explore
Long drives don’t have to leave you sore and exhausted. With regular breaks, gentle stretching, and comfortable overnight stops at places like **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn**, you can turn your journey through West Iceland into a healthier, more enjoyable experience.
Plan your route, build in stretch stops, and let Ourhotels.is be your base as you explore the west—arriving at each destination relaxed, refreshed, and ready for the next adventure.
