Iceland’s wild beauty is more than a backdrop for photos; it’s a living, fragile ecosystem that needs careful protection. From moss‑covered lava fields and black sand beaches to bird‑cliff fjords and geothermal rivers, every step we take as visitors has an impact. At Ourhotels.is, we believe that exploring Iceland and protecting it must go hand in hand, and we’ve shaped our stays at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn around that idea.
Iceland’s ecosystems are young and delicate. The soft green moss that carpets lava fields can take decades to recover from a single footprint. Coastal bird habitats are easily disturbed during nesting season. Arctic and sub‑Arctic plants grow slowly and are vulnerable to erosion. That’s why staying on marked paths, respecting closures, and following local guidance is not just a suggestion—it’s essential for keeping Iceland’s nature intact for future generations.
In West Iceland, Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and fertile farmlands shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. Here, protecting the environment starts with simple choices: using refillable water bottles (Iceland’s tap water is among the purest in the world), sorting waste correctly, and keeping to designated walking trails along the riverbanks. From Hvítá Inn, you can explore the Borgarfjörður region—Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, and the historic sites around Reykholt—while minimizing your footprint by car‑sharing, joining small‑group tours, or planning efficient routes instead of multiple short drives.
Further north on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn offers access to one of Iceland’s most diverse coastal ecosystems. The Breiðafjörður bay is rich in birdlife, marine species, and countless small islands. Responsible travel here means choosing boat tours that follow strict wildlife‑watching guidelines, keeping a respectful distance from birds and seals, and never leaving litter behind on islands or shorelines. At Stykkishólmur Inn, we encourage guests to explore on foot within the town, use local services, and support small businesses that share a commitment to sustainable tourism.
In the Westfjords, Ísafjörður Inn places you at the heart of dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and some of Iceland’s most pristine wilderness. This region is especially sensitive to erosion and disturbance, with narrow trails and fragile vegetation clinging to steep slopes. When hiking from Ísafjörður or visiting nearby nature reserves, staying on marked paths, avoiding off‑road driving, and following seasonal restrictions helps protect bird nesting areas and fragile cliffside habitats. The Westfjords are also home to rich marine life, so choosing responsible kayaking or boat operators and respecting no‑go zones is a key part of traveling lightly.
Across all Ourhotels.is locations, we focus on small, practical steps that add up: energy‑saving measures in our properties, encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens, providing information on local recycling, and sharing up‑to‑date advice on safe and responsible travel in each area. We also highlight lesser‑known spots and off‑peak travel times, helping to spread visitor numbers more evenly and reduce pressure on the most popular sites.
As a guest, you can help protect Iceland’s fragile ecosystems by:
– Staying on marked trails and respecting closed areas
– Never driving off‑road, even on apparently “empty” land
– Packing out all waste, including food scraps and tissues
– Using refillable bottles and minimizing single‑use plastics
– Choosing small‑group, locally run tours that follow nature‑friendly guidelines
– Keeping a safe distance from wildlife and never feeding animals
By choosing to stay with Ourhotels.is—whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—you’re not just finding a place to sleep. You’re joining a shared effort to keep Iceland’s landscapes wild, clean, and alive. Together, we can ensure that the waterfalls, fjords, lava fields, and bird cliffs that make Iceland so special remain unspoiled for the travelers who come after you.
