Taking the Baldur Ferry across Breiðafjörður is one of the most scenic ways to travel in West Iceland, linking the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with the southern Westfjords. With a bit of planning, you can turn this simple crossing into a highlight of your trip. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your Baldur Ferry experience, along with ideas on where to stay before and after your journey.
Start your journey rested
Because ferry days often involve early departures or late arrivals, it’s smart to base yourself nearby the day before. If you’re driving from Reykjavík or the south coast toward Snæfellsnes and Stykkishólmur, staying in Borgarfjörður is a comfortable way to break up the drive. Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is a cozy countryside stop just outside Borgarnes, perfectly placed between the capital area and the ferry port. You can enjoy a relaxed evening, good sleep, and a hearty breakfast before continuing to Stykkishólmur for your sailing.
Book your Baldur Ferry in advance
The Baldur Ferry is popular, especially in summer and during holidays. If you’re traveling with a car or camper, pre-booking is essential. Check the schedule and reserve your spot online well ahead of time. Keep in mind that departure times can vary by season, and there may be fewer sailings in winter. Booking early also helps you plan your overnight stays at places like The Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn with more certainty.
Arrive early at the harbor
Plan to arrive at the Stykkishólmur harbor at least 30–45 minutes before departure, and even earlier if you’re traveling with a vehicle. This gives you time to check in, queue in the right lane, and get settled without stress. If you’re staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn, an Ourhotels.is property right in town, you’ll be just a short drive or walk from the harbor, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed morning before boarding.
Know your route options (with or without Flatey)
One of the unique features of the Baldur Ferry is the option to stop at Flatey Island in summer. You can sail from Stykkishólmur to Flatey, spend a few hours or even a night there, and then continue to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords on a later ferry. If you’re planning this, pack a small day bag with essentials, as you’ll leave your car on the mainland. This kind of flexible routing works especially well if you’re staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn before your Flatey visit and then continuing on to Ísafjörður Inn afterward.
Prepare for changing weather
Breiðafjörður is beautiful but can be windy and chilly, even in summer. Dress in layers, bring a warm hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket so you can comfortably enjoy the views from the deck. The weather can shift quickly, so even if it’s sunny when you leave Stykkishólmur, be prepared for cooler conditions mid-crossing. When you arrive in the Westfjords and continue toward Ísafjörður, you’ll appreciate having those layers handy for scenic stops along the way.
Plan your drive on both sides of the ferry
From Stykkishólmur, many travelers arrive after exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a convenient base to see highlights like Kirkjufell, the black beaches, and Snæfellsjökull National Park before your sailing. On the Westfjords side, the ferry arrives at Brjánslækur, from where you can drive north toward Ísafjörður. The route is incredibly scenic but can be slow due to winding roads and photo stops. Plan enough time so you’re not rushed getting to your accommodation at Ísafjörður Inn, another Ourhotels.is property ideally located for exploring the town and nearby fjords.
Bring snacks, but enjoy local flavors too
There is usually a small café or snack bar on board, but it’s wise to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you’re traveling with children or have dietary preferences. Stykkishólmur has bakeries and supermarkets where you can stock up before boarding. If you’re staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn, you can easily walk into town to pick up supplies the evening before. Once you reach Ísafjörður, you’ll find excellent local restaurants and cafés within easy reach of Ísafjörður Inn.
Keep an eye on schedules and conditions
Weather in Iceland can affect ferry operations, particularly outside the summer months. Before you travel, check the Baldur Ferry website or contact them directly for any schedule changes or cancellations. It’s also wise to build some flexibility into your itinerary. Staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn gives you a reliable base at each stage of your journey, which is especially helpful if you need to adjust plans due to weather.
Use the crossing as a sightseeing opportunity
The Baldur Ferry is more than just transportation; it’s a mini-cruise through a bay dotted with countless islands and rich birdlife. Bring a camera or binoculars and spend time on deck watching for seabirds and, if you’re lucky, seals. On clear days, you’ll enjoy sweeping views back toward Snæfellsnes and into the Westfjords. Many travelers say this crossing is one of the most memorable parts of their West Iceland trip.
Connect your West Iceland itinerary with Ourhotels.is
A smooth Baldur Ferry experience often comes down to smart planning of where you stay before and after the crossing. Ourhotels.is offers a convenient chain of accommodations that align perfectly with a West Iceland and Westfjords route:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður: Ideal when driving from Reykjavík or the south coast toward Snæfellsnes and Stykkishólmur.
– The Stykkishólmur Inn: Perfect base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and catching the Baldur Ferry.
– Ísafjörður Inn: A comfortable, centrally located stay for discovering the dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and fishing villages of the Westfjords after your ferry journey.
By combining thoughtful ferry planning with well-placed accommodations from Ourhotels.is, you can turn a simple crossing into a seamless, scenic adventure through some of Iceland’s most beautiful regions.
