Planning a trip to Iceland is exciting—but the country’s unique weather, roads, and culture can surprise even experienced travelers. Avoiding a few common mistakes will help you enjoy the landscapes, hot springs, and small towns without stress. Here are the key pitfalls to avoid, plus how staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn can make your journey smoother and more memorable.
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating Icelandic weather. Conditions can change from calm sunshine to strong wind and rain in an hour, even in summer. Many visitors pack as if they’re going on a standard European city break and end up cold, wet, and uncomfortable. Instead, think in layers: a base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell, plus a hat, gloves, and good shoes. When you stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re perfectly placed to experience the countryside in all its moods—from misty mornings by the river to clear evenings with wide-open skies—so having the right clothing makes a huge difference.
Another common mistake is trying to see “all of Iceland” in just a few days. Distances are longer than they look on the map, and you’ll want time to stop for waterfalls, viewpoints, and small towns. Rushing the Ring Road in four or five days often leads to fatigue and missed experiences. A better approach is to focus on regions. The west and northwest of Iceland are ideal for this: base yourself at Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to explore dramatic coastlines, black beaches, and charming fishing villages at a relaxed pace. Then continue to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, where you can slow down even more and enjoy fjord views, local cafés, and hiking without watching the clock.
Driving in Iceland is another area where visitors often run into trouble. People underestimate gravel roads, wind gusts, and changing conditions, or they don’t check road closures and weather warnings. Before you set out, always check road.is and vedur.is for up-to-date information, and never assume that a road that looks fine on a map is suitable for your rental car. From Hvítá Inn, you can easily reach popular sights in Borgarfjörður—like Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver—on good roads, making it an excellent base if you’re not used to driving in rough conditions. Staff can also point you toward safe, scenic routes that match your comfort level.
Many travelers also underestimate driving times and end up arriving late at their accommodation, stressed and tired. In Iceland, you’ll often want to stop for photos, short walks, or a quick soak in a hot spring. Build this into your schedule. For example, when traveling from Borgarnes to Stykkishólmur Inn, allow extra time to enjoy viewpoints along the way and perhaps a detour on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. When you reach Stykkishólmur, you’ll appreciate having chosen a cozy inn right in town, so you can walk to the harbor, restaurants, and local attractions instead of getting back in the car.
Another mistake is focusing only on the most famous sights and missing the quieter, more authentic experiences. The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are popular for a reason, but Iceland’s charm is also in its small towns, local pools, and everyday life. Staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður lets you experience rural Iceland—river valleys, farms, and local hot springs—without the crowds. In Stykkishólmur, you can join a boat tour, visit the local museum, or simply wander the colorful streets. Ísafjörður Inn puts you in the heart of the Westfjords, where you can explore nearby villages, try local seafood, and enjoy the slower pace that many visitors say becomes the highlight of their trip.
Packing mistakes are also common. People often bring too much of the wrong thing and not enough of what they really need. You don’t need formal clothes, but you do need a swimsuit and towel for hot springs and local pools, a reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent), and sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground. At all Ourhotels.is properties—Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—you’ll find comfortable, practical bases where you can dry clothes, repack, and get organized between travel days.
Some visitors also misjudge the daylight. In summer, the midnight sun can make it hard to sleep if you’re not prepared; in winter, short days require careful planning so you don’t end up driving long distances in the dark. Bring an eye mask in summer and plan your main activities during daylight hours in winter. The advantage of staying with Ourhotels.is is that each inn is well located: from Hvítá Inn you can easily reach Borgarnes and nearby sights in a single daylight window; from Stykkishólmur Inn you can explore the peninsula without long drives; and from Ísafjörður Inn you can enjoy fjord views right outside your door, even if daylight is limited.
Another frequent disappointment is unrealistic expectations about the Northern Lights. They are never guaranteed, even in winter. You need dark, clear skies and some solar activity. Instead of planning your entire trip around them, treat the aurora as a bonus. Choose places where, if the lights appear, you can step outside quickly. Hvítá Inn’s countryside location, Stykkishólmur Inn’s coastal setting, and Ísafjörður Inn’s fjord surroundings all offer good conditions when the sky cooperates—without you needing to drive far at night.
Finally, many travelers underestimate how helpful local knowledge can be. Online guides are useful, but they can’t replace up-to-date, on-the-ground advice. Staying with Ourhotels.is means you have local teams in three different regions of West and Northwest Iceland. At Hvítá Inn, staff can recommend hidden hot springs and scenic drives in Borgarfjörður. At Stykkishólmur Inn, you can get tips on boat tours, hikes, and the best viewpoints on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. At Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll benefit from local insight into Westfjords roads, weather, and lesser-known spots that don’t make it into every guidebook.
By avoiding these common Iceland travel mistakes—underestimating weather, rushing your itinerary, misjudging driving conditions, overpacking or packing the wrong things, and relying only on famous sights—you’ll have a safer, richer experience. Choosing comfortable, well-located bases like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords through Ourhotels.is helps you slow down, explore more deeply, and enjoy the best of West Iceland at your own pace.
