Using ferries in Iceland is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore the country, especially the wild and beautiful Westfjords and the islands off the west coast. Whether you’re planning a self-drive adventure or a slow-travel escape, combining ferry routes with comfortable local stays can turn a simple journey into a memorable experience. That’s where Ourhotels.is comes in, with welcoming inns perfectly placed along some of Iceland’s most interesting ferry connections.
One of the most popular ferry routes in West Iceland is the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. This route crosses Breiðafjörður Bay, famous for its countless small islands, rich birdlife, and dramatic coastal views. Many travelers use this ferry to cut driving time and add a scenic “mini-cruise” to their itinerary. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, makes catching the Baldur ferry especially easy. You can wake up in the heart of Stykkishólmur, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, stroll to the harbor, and board the ferry without rushing. After a day on the water and exploring the Westfjords, you can continue your journey north to Ísafjörður and unwind at Ísafjörður Inn, another Ourhotels.is property ideally located for exploring this remote region.
Ferries in Iceland are generally car-friendly, allowing you to bring your rental vehicle on board. This is particularly useful if you’re driving from the west coast into the Westfjords. Instead of taking the long road around, you can sail across Breiðafjörður and arrive closer to your next destination. Booking your ferry in advance is highly recommended, especially in summer, and it’s wise to check schedules carefully, as departure times can vary by season and weather. Planning your overnight stays around these ferry times is easy when you have comfortable bases like The Stykkishólmur Inn before departure and Ísafjörður Inn after arrival.
The Westfjords themselves are a paradise for travelers who love quiet roads, towering cliffs, and authentic fishing villages. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore highlights like Dynjandi waterfall, the remote beaches of Rauðisandur, and the bird cliffs around Látrabjarg. Using the ferry to reach this region not only saves time but also adds a unique perspective on Iceland’s coastline that you simply don’t get from the road. After long days of driving and sightseeing, returning to a cozy room at Ísafjörður Inn gives you a chance to rest, recharge, and plan the next leg of your journey.
Even if you’re not heading all the way into the Westfjords, ferries and coastal routes pair beautifully with a stay in West Iceland’s countryside. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes, is a peaceful stopover that fits naturally into a west-coast itinerary. Many travelers start their trip by driving from Reykjavík into Borgarfjörður, staying at Hvítá Inn to explore nearby attractions like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic sites around Reykholt. From there, it’s an easy and scenic drive north to Stykkishólmur, where you can catch the Baldur ferry or simply enjoy the charming town and its views over Breiðafjörður.
Using ferries in Iceland also helps you experience the country at a slower pace. Instead of rushing from one landmark to another, you can sit on deck, breathe in the fresh sea air, and watch the coastline drift by. This style of travel pairs well with smaller, locally run accommodations where you can get tips from staff who know the area. Ourhotels.is focuses on exactly this kind of experience: simple, comfortable inns in great locations, run by people who understand the rhythm of travel in West Iceland and the Westfjords.
When planning your route, consider a loop that combines road and ferry travel: start in Reykjavík, head to Borgarfjörður and stay at Hvítá Inn, continue to Stykkishólmur and spend a night at The Stykkishólmur Inn, then take the Baldur ferry across Breiðafjörður and drive on to Ísafjörður, staying at Ísafjörður Inn while you explore the Westfjords. This kind of itinerary lets you see more of Iceland’s varied landscapes without backtracking, and it makes the most of the ferry network in the west.
Weather is always a factor in Iceland, and ferry schedules can be affected by strong winds or rough seas, especially outside the summer months. It’s smart to build some flexibility into your plans and to stay in places that make it easy to adjust if needed. With multiple properties in the region, Ourhotels.is gives you options: if you need to shift a ferry day, you can often adjust your stays between Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn to keep your trip running smoothly.
For travelers searching for “how to use ferries in Iceland,” “Baldur ferry tips,” or “Westfjords travel by ferry,” the key is simple: book ahead, check schedules, and choose overnight stops that fit naturally with your route. By combining Iceland’s ferry network with well-located inns from Ourhotels.is—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes side, and Ísafjörður Inn in the heart of the Westfjords—you can turn practical transport into one of the highlights of your Iceland adventure.
