Staying hydrated in Iceland is more important than many travelers realize. Between long days of exploring, brisk winds, and the dry air, you’ll find yourself reaching for your water bottle often. The good news? Iceland has some of the cleanest, freshest drinking water in the world—straight from the tap. Here are some practical water bottle tips for your trip, especially if you’re staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn.
First, you do not need to buy bottled water in Iceland. Tap water is safe, delicious, and free. At all Ourhotels.is properties, including Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you can simply fill your reusable bottle from the tap before heading out for the day. This not only saves money, but also reduces plastic waste and keeps your luggage lighter.
A reusable bottle is essential. Choose one that is sturdy, leak-proof, and easy to clean. An insulated bottle is ideal, as it will keep your water cold in summer and prevent it from freezing around winter adventures. When you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you might spend the day exploring waterfalls, hot springs and lava fields in the Borgarnes area—having cold, fresh water on hand makes those hikes much more enjoyable.
In some places, especially in the countryside, you might notice a faint sulfur smell from the hot water. This is normal and comes from geothermal heating. For drinking, always use the cold tap, which is pure spring water. At Stykkishólmur Inn, for example, you can fill your bottle from the cold tap before walking down to the harbor, joining a boat tour on Breiðafjörður bay, or exploring the charming streets of Stykkishólmur. The water is crisp and clean, and you’ll quickly understand why locals rarely buy bottled water.
If you’re planning longer day trips or hikes from Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, consider carrying a slightly larger bottle or a hydration bladder. The weather can change quickly in this region, and you may be out longer than expected while enjoying dramatic fjord views and remote trails. While many streams in Iceland are clean, it’s best to fill up at your accommodation before you go, unless you’re experienced in assessing water sources in the wild.
For road trips, keep your bottle accessible in the car. When driving between Ourhotels.is locations—say, from Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes up to Stykkishólmur Inn, or further on to Ísafjörður Inn—you’ll pass plenty of viewpoints and photo stops. Having water ready means you can stay hydrated without needing to buy drinks at every gas station. You can refill your bottle at your hotel, at many public restrooms, and often at service stations that have a cold-water tap.
In winter, remember that you may not feel as thirsty, but your body still needs water. The dry air, wind, and warm indoor heating can dehydrate you quickly. Before heading out from Ísafjörður Inn for a winter walk or northern lights hunt, fill your insulated bottle with cold water and keep it in your backpack or car. In summer, with long daylight hours and more hiking, you may want to refill your bottle whenever you pass through your hotel or a village.
If you prefer flavored drinks, consider bringing a small reusable cup and some powdered electrolytes or vitamin tablets. You can mix them with Icelandic tap water at any Ourhotels.is property. This is especially useful after a long day of hiking around Borgarfjörður, a boat tour from Stykkishólmur, or a kayaking trip in the Westfjords.
Finally, think of your water bottle as part of traveling responsibly in Iceland. By refilling at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, Ísafjörður Inn, and other Ourhotels.is locations, you help reduce plastic waste in a fragile environment. You also get to enjoy one of Iceland’s simplest natural luxuries: pure, cold water straight from the source.
Pack one good reusable bottle, use the cold tap at your hotel, and you’ll be well prepared to explore Iceland comfortably and sustainably with Ourhotels.is as your base.
