Planning a trip to West Iceland is even more rewarding when you time it around Icelandic holidays. From long, bright summer nights to cozy winter celebrations, local holidays shape everything from opening hours to road conditions—and they offer some of the most authentic experiences you can have.
Staying with Ourhotels.is makes it easy to enjoy these special times of year, with comfortable bases in three great locations: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
Icelandic holidays fall into a few main seasons, each with its own character.
In winter, Christmas (Jól) and New Year’s (Gamlársdagur and Nýársdagur) are the big events. Towns and villages glow with lights, and you’ll find traditional food, bonfires, and fireworks. This is also prime Northern Lights season. If you’re exploring West Iceland at this time, Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is a peaceful countryside base, with dark skies that are ideal for aurora hunting, yet still within easy reach of Borgarnes for festive dinners and last‑minute shopping. Many shops and services close early on the main holiday dates, so plan fuel stops and grocery runs in advance.
Spring brings days like Bolludagur (Cream Bun Day), Sprengidagur, and Öskudagur, followed by the official First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti) in April. Despite the name, it can still be chilly, but locals celebrate the lengthening days with outdoor events and parades. This is a lovely time to stay at Stykkishólmur Inn, where you can enjoy a quieter Snæfellsnes Peninsula before the main summer rush. Check local holiday dates when planning boat tours or museum visits, as some may have reduced hours.
Summer is dominated by the midnight sun and a series of public holidays that often turn into long weekends. The most important for travelers is Verslunarmannahelgi (the Merchants’ Weekend) in early August, when many Icelanders head out of town for festivals, camping, and concerts. Roads and campsites can be busy, but the atmosphere is lively. Booking accommodation early is essential at this time, especially in popular areas like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður. Stykkishólmur Inn is perfectly placed for exploring Snæfellsnes’ beaches, lava fields, and coastal villages, while Ísafjörður Inn puts you in the heart of the Westfjords’ dramatic fjords and hiking routes.
Autumn and early winter bring quieter roads and a more relaxed pace, along with holidays like Menningarnótt (Culture Night in Reykjavík) and various local cultural events. This shoulder season is ideal if you want fewer crowds and better chances of seeing the Northern Lights again. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore the rugged Westfjords in a more tranquil atmosphere, while Hvítá Inn offers easy access to waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields in Borgarfjörður with fewer visitors around.
When planning around Icelandic holidays, keep a few practical points in mind. Public holidays can affect opening hours for supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and attractions, especially in smaller towns. It’s wise to check dates in advance, stock up on essentials, and build some flexibility into your itinerary. On the plus side, holidays are a chance to see Icelandic traditions up close—parades, bonfires, local concerts, and community gatherings that you might otherwise miss.
Ourhotels.is makes it simple to structure your route around these special days. You can, for example, start your journey at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður to explore West Iceland’s waterfalls and hot springs, continue to Stykkishólmur Inn for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s iconic landscapes, and finish at Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords for remote fjords and peaceful coastal villages. This west‑to‑northwest route works beautifully in both summer and winter, and can be adjusted around key holidays for the experiences you’re most interested in—whether that’s midnight sun hikes, New Year’s fireworks, or quiet autumn nights under the stars.
By aligning your travel dates with Icelandic holidays and using Ourhotels.is as your base, you’ll not only see more of West Iceland—you’ll also experience more of Icelandic life.
