Planning a winter trip to Iceland is exciting—snow-dusted mountains, dancing northern lights, and cozy evenings in warm inns. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the magic of the season in comfort and safety. Here are essential Iceland winter travel tips, with ideas on how to base yourself at Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland for an unforgettable stay.
Winter in Iceland typically runs from November through March, bringing shorter days, colder temperatures, and a good chance of snow and ice. This is the perfect time for northern lights hunting, hot spring bathing, and exploring dramatic coastal landscapes without the summer crowds. To make the most of it, pack and plan with the season in mind.
Layering is key. Start with a warm, moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and finish with a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Sturdy, insulated boots with good grip are essential, as sidewalks and trails can be icy. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, scarf or buff, and thick wool socks. If you’re staying at places like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður or Stykkishólmur Inn, you’ll appreciate being able to peel off layers and relax in a warm, comfortable room after a day in the cold.
Driving in Iceland in winter can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires caution. Roads may be snowy or icy, and conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you set out. If you’re not used to winter driving, consider shorter routes and give yourself extra time. West Iceland is ideal for this: from Hvítá Inn, you’re within easy reach of Borgarnes and the scenic Borgarfjörður region, with waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields that are beautiful in winter light. Using Ourhotels.is as your base means you can plan day trips and return to a cozy inn each evening instead of rushing long distances.
Daylight is limited in winter, especially around December and early January, so plan your sightseeing around the available light. Use the darker hours for relaxing, dining, and northern lights watching. The good news is that West Iceland offers excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Inns in smaller towns and countryside areas, like Hvítá Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, often have darker skies than Reykjavík, increasing your chances of seeing the lights when the conditions are right.
The northern lights are never guaranteed, but winter is the best time to see them. Check the aurora forecast and cloud cover, dress warmly, and be patient—sometimes the show appears after hours of waiting. Staying at Ourhotels.is properties in quieter locations gives you the flexibility to step outside when the sky clears. In Stykkishólmur, for example, you can combine an evening walk by the harbor with aurora hunting, then return to Stykkishólmur Inn to warm up. In Ísafjörður, surrounded by fjords and mountains, the setting for a potential aurora display is spectacular.
West Iceland is rich in winter-friendly activities that don’t require long drives or extreme conditions. From Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you can explore the historic town of Borgarnes, visit nearby hot springs, and see frozen waterfalls and lava fields dusted with snow. The region is also known for its folklore and sagas, which feel especially atmospheric in winter.
Stykkishólmur Inn places you right in the heart of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes. In winter, the peninsula’s black beaches, sea cliffs, and views of Snæfellsjökull glacier are dramatic and less crowded. You can enjoy coastal walks, photograph snow-covered mountains, and visit charming fishing villages, then return to a warm, welcoming inn.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn is a great base for exploring the Westfjords in winter, when conditions allow. Ísafjörður is known for its dramatic fjord setting, colorful houses, and strong local culture. Winter here feels authentic and peaceful, with opportunities for coastal walks, local dining, and, on clear nights, northern lights above the fjords.
One of the best parts of winter travel in Iceland is the contrast between the cold outdoors and the warmth indoors. After a day of exploring, it’s a relief to come back to a comfortable room, hot showers, and a relaxed atmosphere. Ourhotels.is focuses on simple, welcoming stays in great locations, so you can spend more time enjoying Iceland and less time worrying about logistics. Whether you choose Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll have a cozy base that fits naturally into your winter itinerary.
To make your trip smoother, book your accommodation and rental car in advance, especially around holidays. Keep an eye on local travel advisories, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if the weather turns. Winter in Iceland rewards flexibility: sometimes a change of plan leads to a quiet hot spring, a peaceful walk in fresh snow, or a surprise aurora display right outside your inn.
By choosing well-located, comfortable bases like the inns offered by Ourhotels.is, you can experience the best of Iceland’s winter—northern lights, snowy landscapes, and authentic small-town life—while staying safe, warm, and relaxed throughout your journey.
