✶ Field notes from people who live here — honest, local hotels in Iceland.
Field notes

Honest notes from people who live here.

Driving, weather, food, and what's actually open. Written by the team that runs the four hotels — and re-checked when conditions change.

Region
Topic
10 MAR

How to Experience Iceland’s Arctic Coast

Explore Iceland’s dramatic Arctic Coast, where soaring mountains tumble into glacial fjords and picturesque fishing villages brim with authentic charm. Witness the…

20 FEB

Why nature feels protective

Discover Westfjords & West Iceland, where towering cliffs, glacial rivers and restless seas cradle you in nature’s protective embrace. Hike through emerald…

9 FEB

How tourism reshaped rural towns

Across the windswept fjords and rolling farmlands of West Iceland, tiny fishing villages are waking up to a new rhythm: the steady…

10 MAR

Top Reasons to Visit Iceland’s Northern Coast

Iceland’s rugged north coast is a playground of dramatic fjords, charming fishing villages and unforgettable outdoor thrills. Watch whales breach off Húsavík,…

4 MAR

Glacier walk reality check: why crevasse maps matter and when you need a guide

Discover West Iceland’s glaciers safely: learn why crevasse maps are a must, when to hire a professional guide, and what gear you…

20 FEB

Why nature feels welcoming

Discover the gentle magic of Iceland’s northwest, where every breath of crisp, flower-scented air and every footstep on soft, emerald moss feels…

11 MAR

Best Scenic Routes in Northwest Iceland

Discover Northwest Iceland’s most breathtaking drives—from the volcanic shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and its iconic Kirkjufell peak to the hidden waterfalls…

9 FEB

How locals picnic in any weather

Icelanders believe there’s no such thing as bad picnic weather—rain or shine, drizzle or midnight sun, a simple meal outdoors becomes a…

ICELAND-WIDE · AURORA
25 MAY

How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Discover the Northern Lights like never before—with Ourhotels.is as your cozy home base in West Iceland and the Westfjords. From late September…

Stay nearby: The Hvítá Inn by Ourhotels · from 13,500 ISK
5 MAR

Tipping and paying in Ísafjörður: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful

Discover hassle-free payments in Ísafjörður—tap your contactless card at cafés, shops and tours, or keep small króna bills handy for remote farm…

20 FEB

Why hospitality feels sincere

Experience the true warmth of Icelandic hospitality in West Iceland and the Westfjords with Ourhotels.is. From the moment you arrive—whether at Hvítá…

11 MAR

How to Discover Iceland’s Dramatic Fjord Coast

Discover the untamed beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords with Ourhotels.is as your guide. Picture yourself waking up in the cozy Ísafjörður Inn, steps…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
23 MAY

How to Discover Iceland’s Hidden Northern Fjords in the Westfjords

Discover Iceland’s untamed northern fjords—where secluded bays, puffin-dotted cliffs, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas await. Hike remote trails, soak in geothermal pools, and…

Stay nearby: The Ísafjörður Inn by Ourhotels · from 17,500 ISK
8 FEB

What to expect from Icelandic winter weather

Winter in Iceland is a snow-dusted fairytale: imagine chasing the Northern Lights across frost-tipped lava fields by day and warming up beside…

8 FEB

Why less driving can mean more seeing

Discover Iceland’s Westfjords at a relaxed pace: base yourself at Hvítá Inn (or another gem from Ourhotels.is) and swap endless driving for…

18 FEB

Understanding quiet hours

Discover how embracing quiet hours (22:00–07:00) at Ourhotels.is properties in Westfjords & West Iceland turns a good trip into a truly restorative…

ICELAND-WIDE · PRACTICAL
26 MAY

Winter Travel in Iceland: How to Embrace Snow, Ice, and Short Days

Embrace Iceland’s winter wonderland with snow-topped mountains, glittering ice caves and the ever-dancing northern lights. From November through March, plan a 5–7…

Stay nearby: The Hvítá Inn by Ourhotels · from 13,500 ISK
4 MAR

Remote pools tip: planning a dip around opening times and weather exposure

Few experiences rival the magic of slipping into a hidden geothermal pool after a day of Icelandic adventures. With Ourhotels.is as your…

19 FEB

Why return trips happen

Fall in love all over again with Westfjords & West Iceland—each visit reveals fresh surprises. In summer, kayak fjords beneath the midnight…

8 FEB

Why winter isn’t always white

Discover a winter beyond white. In Westfjords and West Iceland, emerald moss–clad lava fields, crystal ice caves and fiery sunsets set the…

8 FEB

How to enjoy the journey, not just the destination

Travel in Westfjords and West Iceland isn’t about rushing from A to B—it’s about lingering on hidden fjords, listening to seabirds overhead…

19 FEB

How to experience towns like a local

Discover Iceland’s charming towns like a local—sip single-origin coffee in hidden cafés, stroll cobblestone streets in Borgarnes or Stykkishólmur, and shop handmade…

10 MAR

How to Spend a Weekend in Ísafjörður Iceland

Experience a weekend getaway in Ísafjörður—where glacier-sculpted fjords meet colorful rooftops and Icelandic charm. Stay at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn (bookable through…

8 FEB

Snow conditions by region

Discover Iceland’s wild west under a fresh blanket of snow—where dramatic fjords and volcanic hills become a winter playground. In the Westfjords,…

Check rates Best rate from 13,500 ISK