Driving around Iceland isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – the journey itself is the experience. Between lava fields, waterfalls, glaciers and fjords, you’ll want to stop often, stretch your legs, and soak in the views. Choosing the right rest stops can turn a long drive into a memorable road trip, especially in West Iceland and the Westfjords.
Here are some of the best rest stops in Iceland, with a special focus on comfortable, well-located places to pause, recharge and even stay the night – including three welcoming options from Ourhotels.is: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
Iceland’s Ring Road and West Iceland: Where to Stop
The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the island and is the main route for most travelers. West Iceland is one of the easiest regions to reach from Reykjavík, yet it still feels wild and remote once you leave the city behind. As you drive north and west, rest stops become more than just gas stations – they’re your chance to experience local food, small towns, and authentic Icelandic hospitality.
In this part of the country, the best rest stops often combine:
– A scenic location
– Access to services (fuel, food, toilets)
– Nearby attractions worth a short detour
– Comfortable accommodation if you decide to break up the drive
Borgarfjörður & Hvítá Inn – Your Perfect First Stop from Reykjavík
About an hour and a half from Reykjavík, Borgarfjörður is one of the most rewarding early stops on a westbound road trip. This region is known for its rivers, hot springs, and historic sites, and it’s an ideal place to pause after leaving the capital.
Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, sits in the Borgarfjörður area, close to Borgarnes, and makes an excellent rest stop or overnight base. It’s far enough from Reykjavík that you feel you’ve truly started your journey, yet close enough to be an easy first leg of your trip.
Why Hvítá Inn is a great rest stop in Iceland:
– Location: Conveniently placed near the main route north, with easy access to Borgarnes and the surrounding countryside.
– Comfort: A calm, friendly inn where you can relax, enjoy a proper bed, and reset before heading deeper into West Iceland or towards the Westfjords.
– Nearby attractions: From Hvítá Inn you can explore Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring), the historic site of Reykholt, and the stunning Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls – all perfect short excursions between driving days.
If you’re planning to drive the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or continue north, staying at Hvítá Inn breaks the journey into manageable segments and gives you a taste of rural Iceland right at the start of your trip.
Stykkishólmur & Stykkishólmur Inn – Rest Stop on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: volcanoes, black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages. Stykkishólmur, on the northern side of the peninsula, is one of the most picturesque towns in Iceland and a natural rest stop for anyone exploring this region.
Stykkishólmur Inn, from Ourhotels.is, is ideally located for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy the town and its surroundings.
Why Stykkishólmur Inn is one of the best rest stops in West Iceland:
– Scenic harbor town: Stykkishólmur is known for its colorful houses, beautiful harbor, and views over Breiðafjörður Bay. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, walk the harbor, and take photos.
– Gateway to Breiðafjörður: From here you can join boat tours among the islands, go birdwatching, or simply enjoy the sea air before continuing your drive.
– Comfortable base: Stykkishólmur Inn offers a cozy place to rest after a day of exploring Snæfellsnes – whether you’ve been hiking near Snæfellsjökull glacier, visiting Kirkjufell mountain, or driving the peninsula’s coastal roads.
If you’re traveling between West Iceland and the Westfjords, Stykkishólmur is also a strategic stop, especially if you’re taking the ferry Baldur across Breiðafjörður. Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn lets you time your journey around the ferry schedule and avoid long, tiring driving days.
Ísafjörður & Ísafjörður Inn – Essential Rest Stop in the Westfjords
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic regions, with winding roads, steep fjords, and endless viewpoints. Driving here is unforgettable, but it can also be demanding, especially in changing weather. That makes good rest stops even more important.
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords and the natural hub for travelers in this region. Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is a welcoming place to pause, refuel, and explore.
Why Ísafjörður Inn is a key rest stop in the Westfjords:
– Central location: From Ísafjörður you can reach many of the Westfjords’ highlights, including the dramatic fjords around Súðavík and Flateyri, and the remote roads leading toward Dynjandi waterfall.
– Services and comfort: After hours of driving along fjord edges and mountain passes, Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable bed, hot shower, and a chance to unwind in a town with restaurants, shops, and local culture.
– Base for day trips: Instead of packing and unpacking every night, you can use Ísafjörður Inn as a base for day trips deeper into the Westfjords, returning each evening to rest and plan the next day’s route.
For anyone driving from West Iceland into the Westfjords, combining a stay at Hvítá Inn or Stykkishólmur Inn with a later stop at Ísafjörður Inn creates a natural rhythm to your journey: drive, explore, rest, repeat.
What Makes a Good Rest Stop in Iceland?
When planning your Iceland road trip, especially in the west and northwest, look for rest stops that offer more than just fuel. The best stops usually include:
– Safe, easy parking
– Access to toilets and food
– Scenic surroundings or nearby attractions
– Comfortable accommodation if you’re breaking up a long drive
Ourhotels.is focuses on exactly this kind of experience in West Iceland and the Westfjords. Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are all positioned to help you travel at a relaxed pace, enjoy the landscapes, and avoid exhausting, rushed days on the road.
Planning Your Route with Ourhotels.is
If you’re designing a west and northwest Iceland itinerary, you can easily build it around these three key rest stops:
– Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður: Stay at Hvítá Inn to explore waterfalls, hot springs, and historic sites.
– Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes: Continue to Stykkishólmur Inn as your base for the peninsula and Breiðafjörður.
– Snæfellsnes → Westfjords: Head north to Ísafjörður Inn for fjords, mountains, and some of Iceland’s wildest scenery.
By spacing your journey with these comfortable, well-located inns from Ourhotels.is, you turn necessary breaks into highlights of your trip. Instead of just stopping for fuel, you’ll be resting in places that showcase the best of West Iceland and the Westfjords – making every leg of your drive part of the adventure.
