Planning a family trip to Iceland is exciting—but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Long driving distances, unpredictable weather, and keeping kids entertained are all part of the adventure. With a little preparation (and the right places to stay), Iceland becomes one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for families.
Here are some practical Iceland travel tips for families, plus ideas on how to use Ourhotels.is properties—Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—as comfortable bases for exploring the west and northwest of Iceland.
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Iceland with kids: what to know before you go
Iceland is safe, clean, and easy to navigate, which makes it ideal for families. English is widely spoken, tap water is drinkable everywhere, and most attractions are outdoors and nature-based—perfect for curious children.
A few key things to keep in mind:
– Weather changes fast: even in summer, you can get wind, rain, and sun in a single day.
– Distances can be long: plan shorter driving days with plenty of stops.
– Nature is wild: cliffs, hot springs, and waves can be dangerous—always keep kids close and follow signs.
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Packing tips for family travel in Iceland
Layers are your best friend. For both adults and children, pack:
– Base layer: wool or synthetic (avoid cotton for warmth).
– Warm mid-layer: fleece or wool sweater.
– Waterproof outer layer: jacket and pants.
– Sturdy shoes: waterproof hiking shoes or boots.
– Hats, gloves, and buffs: even in summer, especially in the wind.
Don’t forget:
– Swimsuits and quick-dry towels (you’ll use them a lot in hot springs and pools).
– Reusable water bottles (Icelandic tap water is excellent).
– Snacks for the car: fruit, crackers, and simple treats keep kids happy between stops.
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Driving in Iceland with children
Self-driving is often the easiest way for families to explore Iceland. You can stop when you want, adjust plans if kids are tired, and reach less crowded spots.
Tips for a smoother road trip:
– Plan shorter legs: 2–3 hours of driving per day is ideal with younger kids.
– Check road conditions: especially in spring, autumn, and winter.
– Fuel up regularly: some stretches have long distances between gas stations.
– Download offline maps: mobile coverage is good but not perfect everywhere.
When you stay at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can break your journey into manageable segments and explore each region without rushing.
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Using Ourhotels.is as your family-friendly base in West Iceland
Ourhotels.is offers comfortable, simple, and well-located inns that work very well for families exploring the west and northwest. You can book multiple nights in each place and use them as hubs for day trips, instead of packing and unpacking every day.
Below is a suggested route using three of our locations: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
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Hvítá Inn – family gateway to Borgarfjörður and West Iceland
Located in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is an excellent first stop when you leave Reykjavík. It’s far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city, but close enough to avoid a long first driving day with kids.
Family-friendly things to do near Hvítá Inn:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls: easy walks, safe viewpoints, and beautiful blue water flowing through lava fields—great for photos and short legs.
– Deildartunguhver hot spring: one of the most powerful hot springs in Europe; kids are usually fascinated by the steam and bubbling water (viewing from a safe distance).
– Krauma geothermal baths (for older kids): relaxing hot pools fed by Deildartunguhver, with modern facilities and a calm atmosphere.
– Settlement Center in Borgarnes: an engaging museum that brings Viking history and Icelandic sagas to life in a way children can enjoy.
Staying at Hvítá Inn means you can explore these highlights at a relaxed pace, return “home” for a warm meal or rest, and avoid long drives on your first days in Iceland.
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Stykkishólmur Inn – exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with kids
From Borgarfjörður, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and check in at Stykkishólmur Inn. The town of Stykkishólmur is charming, walkable, and right by the sea—perfect for families who like to explore on foot between day trips.
Family activities around Stykkishólmur Inn:
– Boat tours from Stykkishólmur harbor: bird watching, island hopping, and sometimes seafood tasting—fun and educational for children.
– Snæfellsjökull National Park: lava fields, black sand beaches, and coastal cliffs. Djúpalónssandur and Lóndrangar are especially impressive, but keep a close eye on kids near the ocean.
– Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss: one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, with a short, easy walk to the waterfall.
– Local swimming pools: almost every Icelandic town has a pool with hot tubs and often a small slide—an easy way to end the day on a high note.
Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a comfortable base in the heart of the peninsula, so you can explore different corners of Snæfellsnes without changing hotels every night.
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Ísafjörður Inn – family adventures in the Westfjords
For families who want to go a little further off the beaten path, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords is a memorable destination. Ísafjörður Inn places you in the center of this small, friendly town, surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjords.
Family-friendly experiences near Ísafjörður Inn:
– Easy hikes and coastal walks: short trails around town and along the fjord are ideal for families who want big views without long distances.
– Boat trips and fjord excursions: depending on the season, you can join tours to nearby fjords, islands, or wildlife areas.
– Local museums: small maritime and cultural museums help kids understand life in a remote Icelandic town.
– Day trips to nearby villages: places like Suðureyri or Flateyri offer a glimpse of traditional fishing communities and quiet, scenic streets to wander.
The Westfjords feel more remote and peaceful than many other parts of Iceland. Using Ísafjörður Inn as your base lets you enjoy that sense of wilderness while still having easy access to services, restaurants, and indoor activities if the weather turns.
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General safety tips for families in Iceland
To keep your trip safe and stress-free:
– Respect the ocean: never turn your back on the waves, and keep children well away from the waterline on black sand beaches.
– Stay on marked paths: cliffs, geothermal areas, and mossy lava fields can be dangerous or fragile.
– Check the weather: strong winds and sudden changes are common; adjust your plans if conditions look challenging.
– Dress for the conditions: it’s better to have extra layers in the car than to be cold on a hike.
Staff at Ourhotels.is properties are familiar with local conditions and can often suggest family-friendly activities that match the day’s weather and your children’s ages.
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Making the most of your family trip with Ourhotels.is
By planning your route around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can:
– Break up long drives into manageable segments.
– Explore three very different regions of West Iceland.
– Enjoy comfortable, welcoming accommodation that works well for families.
With the right itinerary, a flexible mindset, and cozy bases like Ourhotels.is inns, Iceland becomes an unforgettable playground of waterfalls, hot springs, mountains, and fjords—for both kids and adults.
