Traveling solo in Iceland is one of those experiences that stays with you for life. Wide open landscapes, dramatic coastlines, friendly locals, and a strong sense of safety make it an ideal destination for independent travelers. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, road-tripping the Westfjords, or exploring small fishing towns, a bit of planning can help you get the most out of your adventure.
One of the best regions for solo travelers is West Iceland and the Westfjords. It’s less crowded than the south coast, but still easy to navigate, with plenty of authentic local experiences. This is where Ourhotels.is comes in: a small collection of welcoming inns perfectly placed for exploring the west on your own, including Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the heart of the Westfjords.
When planning your solo trip, think in “loops” rather than just a straight line from Reykjavík and back. West Iceland is ideal for this. Start by heading north from Reykjavík into Borgarfjörður, a region known for hot springs, lava fields, and peaceful countryside. Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, makes a great first base. It’s close enough to town for restaurants and services, but far enough into nature that you can enjoy quiet evenings, big skies, and, in winter, a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights away from city lights. For solo travelers, this balance of accessibility and calm is perfect: you can explore during the day and return to a cozy, familiar place at night.
From Borgarfjörður, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, small fishing villages, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn puts you in one of Iceland’s most charming coastal towns. As a solo traveler, you’ll appreciate how walkable Stykkishólmur is: cafés, the harbor, museums, and viewpoints are all within easy reach. It’s also a great place to join boat tours, meet other travelers, and enjoy fresh seafood without needing a car every minute of the day.
If you’re ready to go further off the beaten path, continue north and west into the Westfjords. This region feels wild and remote, but that’s exactly why many solo travelers love it. Ísafjörður is the cultural and practical hub of the area, and Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable base right in town. From here, you can join guided hikes, kayaking trips, and boat tours to remote fjords, or simply wander the streets, visit local bakeries, and soak up the slow pace of life. For solo travelers, having a friendly, central place to stay in such a remote region makes a huge difference in how relaxed and confident you feel.
Safety is one of Iceland’s biggest advantages for solo travelers. Crime rates are low, and locals are generally helpful and approachable. Still, nature here is powerful, so the main safety considerations are weather and road conditions. Before driving, always check the official road website and weather forecast, especially in winter. If you’re staying with Ourhotels.is, staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn can help you understand local conditions, suggest realistic routes, and recommend safe viewpoints and hikes for the day. This local insight is invaluable when you’re traveling alone and don’t have a companion to double-check plans with.
Packing smart will also make your solo trip smoother. Layers are essential: a base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer will keep you comfortable in rapidly changing weather. Good shoes with grip are important year-round, and in winter, consider small slip-on ice cleats. Because you’re on your own, it’s wise to carry a portable battery for your phone, a reusable water bottle, and some snacks in case you end up exploring longer than planned. Many solo travelers appreciate staying in places like Ourhotels.is properties, where you can spread out, repack, dry clothes, and reset between long days of exploring.
One of the joys of solo travel in Iceland is the freedom to set your own pace. You can linger at a waterfall, pull over for photos whenever you like, or spend an extra hour in a café without worrying about anyone else’s schedule. To make the most of this freedom, choose a few “anchor” bases rather than changing accommodation every night. For example, you might spend a couple of nights at Hvítá Inn exploring Borgarfjörður’s hot springs and lava caves, then move to Stykkishólmur Inn for coastal walks and boat tours, and finally head to Ísafjörður Inn for a deeper dive into the Westfjords. This style of travel reduces driving fatigue and gives you time to really get to know each area.
Meeting people as a solo traveler in Iceland is easier than you might think. Small inns and guesthouses naturally encourage conversation: breakfast rooms, shared lounges, and reception areas become informal meeting points. At Ourhotels.is properties, you’re likely to meet other travelers following similar routes, which can lead to shared day trips or at least good tips over coffee. Joining guided activities—like a boat tour from Stykkishólmur or a hiking or kayaking tour from Ísafjörður—also creates easy opportunities to connect with others while still keeping your independence.
Budget-wise, Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, but solo travelers can manage costs with a few strategies. Staying in well-located inns like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn helps you cut down on unnecessary driving and fuel costs. Many travelers also mix restaurant meals with supermarket picnics or simple dinners. Because tap water in Iceland is excellent, you can avoid buying bottled water entirely. Booking your stays through Ourhotels.is in advance can help you secure better rates and ensure you have a comfortable place waiting for you at the end of each day.
Finally, remember that solo travel is as much about how you feel as what you see. Choosing welcoming, human-scale places to stay can make all the difference. Ourhotels.is focuses on exactly that: small, friendly inns in great locations across West Iceland and the Westfjords. Hvítá Inn gives you peaceful countryside close to Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn places you in a picturesque harbor town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn connects you to the wild beauty of the Westfjords. Together, they form a natural route for solo travelers who want to experience Iceland’s west in a safe, flexible, and deeply rewarding way.
If you’re planning your own solo trip to Iceland, consider using these three inns as your stepping stones through the region. With thoughtful preparation, respect for the weather, and a willingness to slow down and explore, you’ll find that West Iceland and the Westfjords are not just beautiful—they’re perfectly suited to solo adventure.
