Avoiding crowds in Iceland is easier than many people think—if you know where to go and when. While the Golden Circle and Reykjavík are deservedly popular, there’s a quieter side to Iceland that offers the same dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and coastal views, without the tour buses and long queues. By choosing the right regions, seasons, and places to stay, you can experience Iceland in a more authentic, relaxed way.
One of the best strategies is to base yourself outside the busiest hubs and explore from there. West Iceland and the Westfjords are ideal for this: they’re close enough to Reykjavík for an easy drive, yet far enough from the main tourist corridors to feel peaceful and local.
A natural first stop is Borgarfjörður, a region rich in history, hot springs, and lava fields, but often overlooked by visitors rushing north. Staying at Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, puts you in the heart of this quieter countryside. From here, you can visit the bubbling Deildartunguhver hot spring, the historic site of Reykholt, and the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls—often with far fewer people than you’d find at more famous sites. In the evenings, you can return to a calm riverside setting, away from the traffic and noise of the city, and if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll have darker skies and better chances of seeing the northern lights without light pollution.
Continuing north and west, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes called “Iceland in miniature” because it has a bit of everything: glaciers, black sand beaches, fishing villages, and dramatic cliffs. Yet, compared to the south coast, it still feels pleasantly uncrowded, especially outside peak summer. The Stykkishólmur Inn is a great base here. The town of Stykkishólmur itself is charming and walkable, with colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, and views over Breiðafjörður Bay. From the inn, you can explore the peninsula’s quieter corners—like the less-visited side roads, hidden coves, and coastal viewpoints—early in the morning or later in the evening, when day-trippers have gone. This slower pace lets you enjoy the scenery on your own terms, whether you’re photographing Kirkjufell from a less crowded angle or simply sitting by the harbor watching the changing light.
If you truly want to escape the crowds, the Westfjords are where Iceland feels wild and remote. Ísafjörður, the region’s main town, is still small by any standard, and it’s an excellent base for exploring this dramatic landscape of steep fjords, bird cliffs, and quiet beaches. Ísafjörður Inn offers comfortable accommodation right in town, so you can walk to local cafés, the harbor, and hiking trails, then head out by car or boat to explore the surrounding fjords. Compared to the south coast, you’ll find far fewer tour buses here, even in high season. Places like the remote beaches near Flateyri, the calm waters of Önundarfjörður, or the hiking routes above Ísafjörður often feel like they’re yours alone, especially if you go early or late in the day.
Timing your trip also makes a big difference. Traveling in the shoulder seasons—late spring (May–early June) and early autumn (September–early October)—helps you avoid the busiest months while still enjoying good daylight and generally manageable road conditions. Winter can be wonderfully quiet too, especially in West Iceland and the Westfjords, as long as you’re comfortable with shorter days and variable weather. Staying with Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn during these times means fewer crowds at breakfast, more personal space, and a calmer atmosphere overall.
Even in summer, you can avoid crowds by adjusting your daily rhythm. Thanks to long daylight hours, you can visit popular spots early in the morning or late in the evening, then spend the middle of the day relaxing at your accommodation or exploring lesser-known areas. For example, you might enjoy a quiet breakfast at Hvítá Inn, visit Hraunfossar before most tours arrive, then spend the afternoon on a scenic drive through Borgarfjörður’s valleys. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can explore Stykkishólmur’s harbor and nearby islands when others are on the main ring road, and in Ísafjörður, you can time your hikes or boat trips to avoid the occasional cruise ship rush.
Choosing locally run accommodations also helps you discover quieter places. The teams at Ourhotels.is properties know their regions well and can suggest less-visited viewpoints, hot pots, and walking routes that don’t appear on every standard itinerary. Whether it’s a peaceful riverside walk near Hvítá Inn, a hidden shoreline near Stykkishólmur, or a scenic detour off the main road in the Westfjords, these local tips can transform your trip from “standard sightseeing” into a more personal experience.
Avoiding crowds in Iceland isn’t about missing out on the highlights—it’s about seeing them differently and balancing them with quieter moments. By staying in well-located, comfortable inns like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you place yourself in some of the country’s most beautiful yet less crowded regions. With thoughtful timing and a willingness to explore just a little off the beaten path, you can enjoy Iceland’s waterfalls, fjords, and coastal villages in a more relaxed, authentic way, returning each evening to the warm, calm atmosphere of Ourhotels.is.
