Planning a summer trip to Iceland? Long days, mild temperatures, and endless outdoor adventures make June, July, and August the perfect months to explore the west and beyond. To help you make the most of your journey, here are practical Iceland travel tips for summer travelers—plus how Ourhotels.is and its welcoming inns in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður can fit seamlessly into your itinerary.
Summer in Iceland means the midnight sun, when daylight stretches late into the night and even around the clock in parts of the country. This is ideal for road trips, photography, and spontaneous detours. Still, it can be disorienting if you’re not used to it. Pack a good sleep mask and consider staying in comfortable, quiet accommodations where you can truly rest between adventures. Ourhotels.is properties, such as Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, offer cozy rooms and calm surroundings that make it easier to wind down, even when the sky is still bright.
Weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable, even in summer. You might experience sunshine, wind, and drizzle all in a single afternoon. Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots are essential, especially if you plan to explore waterfalls, lava fields, or coastal paths. When you stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the waterfalls and hot springs of the Borgarfjörður region, so having the right clothing will make your day trips far more comfortable.
Driving is one of the best ways to experience Iceland in summer. Roads are generally clear, and the long daylight hours make it easier to cover more ground safely. Still, it’s important to drive carefully: watch for sheep on the roads, respect speed limits, and check road conditions before heading into more remote areas. The west of Iceland is ideal for a relaxed road trip loop. You can start near Reykjavík, head north to Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and The Stykkishólmur Inn, and then venture further northwest to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Booking your stays through Ourhotels.is along this route gives you a comfortable “home base” at each stage of your journey.
Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, is a wonderful first stop as you leave the capital area. Hvítá Inn sits in a peaceful countryside setting, making it easy to explore nearby highlights like Deildartunguhver hot spring, the historic site of Reykholt, and the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. After a day of sightseeing, returning to a warm, welcoming inn where you can relax, enjoy the views, and plan the next day’s drive is a real advantage—especially when you’re adjusting to Iceland’s long summer days.
From there, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it offers a bit of everything: black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is ideally located in the picturesque town of Stykkishólmur. Staying here puts you within easy reach of boat tours on Breiðafjörður Bay, island-hopping excursions, and coastal hikes. In summer, the harbor area is lively yet relaxed, and you can enjoy late-evening walks with soft, golden light over the sea.
If you’re looking for a wilder, less crowded experience, continue north to the Westfjords. Ísafjörður is the region’s main town and a great base for exploring dramatic fjords, remote beaches, and steep mountain passes. Ísafjörður Inn offers comfortable accommodation right in this scenic town, making it easy to join guided tours, visit nearby villages, or simply wander the harbor and enjoy the local cafés. Summer is the best time to visit the Westfjords, as roads are more accessible and hiking trails are open. Booking ahead through Ourhotels.is is wise, as the region is remote and options can fill up quickly in peak season.
No matter where you go in Iceland, respecting nature is essential. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing bird nesting areas, and never drive off-road. The landscapes around Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords are fragile and unique; treating them with care ensures they remain beautiful for future travelers. Many guests at Ourhotels.is properties choose these regions specifically for their unspoiled nature, so a gentle footprint is part of the experience.
Food and fuel are also worth planning for. In more remote areas, gas stations and restaurants can be far apart. Fill up your tank when you can, and keep some snacks and water in the car. Inns like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are well-situated near services and local eateries, and staff can often recommend good places to try traditional Icelandic dishes or fresh seafood. Asking for local tips at your accommodation is one of the easiest ways to discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
Finally, book your accommodations early. Summer is the busiest season in Iceland, and popular regions like Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords can sell out quickly. Using Ourhotels.is, you can plan a smooth route across the west of Iceland, staying at Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. This creates a natural, scenic circuit that showcases some of the country’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, all with comfortable, friendly places to stay at the end of each day.
With thoughtful planning, flexible layers of clothing, safe driving habits, and well-chosen accommodations, your Iceland summer trip can be both relaxing and unforgettable. The west of Iceland, anchored by the inns of Ourhotels.is, offers a perfect blend of accessibility, dramatic scenery, and authentic local charm—an ideal introduction to the land of fire, ice, and midnight sun.
