✶ 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

Exploring Iceland’s Most Scenic Coastal Towns

Discover Iceland’s rugged coastal treasures from the photogenic harbor of Stykkishólmur and the dramatic fjords of Ísafjörður to the story-steeped shores of…

8 FEB

Why summer isn’t always warm

Experience Iceland’s cool summer charm with midnight sun, crisp mountain breezes and unexpected drizzles. From June through August, endless daylight beckons you…

11 MAR

Best Nature Walks in Northwest Iceland

Ready to wander among Iceland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes? Northwest Iceland delivers—from the turquoise cascades of Hraunfossar and basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi to…

20 FEB

Why travelers change subtly

Every traveler who pauses in Westfjords & West Iceland returns changed—subtly, but profoundly. Picture yourself watching the sun melt behind jagged peaks…

11 MAR

How to Experience Iceland’s Natural Wonders

Discover the best of West Iceland and the wild Westfjords with Ourhotels.is as your cozy, locally owned base. From the spouting geysers…

10 MAR

How to Discover the Beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords

Discover Iceland’s hidden Westfjords: a land of towering cliffs, emerald bays and untouched wilderness. Stay at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn or unwind…

8 FEB

How daylight affects travel planning

Experience Iceland’s ever-changing light with Ourhotels.is, where every sunrise and sunset becomes an adventure. In summer, chase the midnight sun across Westfjords…

8 FEB

How to spot black ice

Discover how to spot nearly invisible black ice on your Iceland road trip—from the best times and spots (think early mornings, bridges…

11 MAR

Exploring Iceland’s Remote Northern Fjords

Discover Iceland’s remote Northern Fjords—where towering cliffs tumble into glassy inlets and colorful fishing villages seem frozen in time. Plan a 5–7-day…

20 FEB

Why curiosity leads the way

Let curiosity be your compass as you wander Westfjords & West Iceland—chasing hidden waterfalls, secret lookouts and the warmest Icelandic hospitality. Your…

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…

11 MAR

How to Experience Iceland’s Untouched Northern Nature

Discover Iceland’s far north with Ourhotels.is: jagged fjords, shimmering glaciers and secret hot springs await. Stay at handpicked inns in Ísafjörður, Borgarfjörður…

4 MAR

How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Reykjavík: showers, rules, and unspoken norms

Discover Reykjavík’s communal pools—the perfect blend of hot tubs, steam rooms and cold plunges—and dive into true Icelandic culture. You’ll learn essential…

4 MAR

Using the SafeTravel app to send GPS location to 112 if things go wrong

Exploring the wild beauty of Westfjords and West Iceland is a dream adventure—made safer and simpler with the SafeTravel app. By sharing…

5 MAR

How to choose the calmest hot tub time in Reykjavík without sacrificing daylight sightseeing

Discover Reykjavík’s best-kept secret: quiet, crowd-free hot tub sessions at three sweet spots—early morning (7–9 AM), mid-afternoon (2–4 PM) and late evening…

18 FEB

How to avoid travel burnout

Travel burnout can sneak up on even the most enthusiastic explorers. This quick guide shows you how to spot early warning signs—persistent…

10 MAR

How to Experience Iceland’s Coastal Wilderness

Discover Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords & West coast with Ourhotels.is as your basecamp. Feel the Atlantic’s roar against rugged cliffs and explore hidden…

5 MAR

Drone flight reality check for Mývatn: protected areas, seasonal closures, and ‘ask before you fly’

Discover an unforgettable drone adventure at Iceland’s Lake Mývatn! From the steaming geothermal fields of Hverfjall to Dimmuborgir’s sculpted lava towers, this…

10 MAR

The Best Scenic Drives in the Westfjords of Iceland

Explore the Westfjords by car with three unforgettable routes—from Ísafjörður to the jewel-like Dynjandi waterfall, along the remote Strandir coast loop, to…

11 MAR

Why the Westfjords Are a Must Visit for Iceland Travelers

Discover Iceland’s most remote frontier in the Westfjords, where towering fjords carve dramatic coastlines and colorful fishing villages cling to whisper-quiet shores.…

4 MAR

Golden hour in Iceland isn’t always ‘an hour’—planning with latitude and season

Experience Iceland’s ever-changing golden hour—where summer’s endless twilight meets winter’s fleeting glow—and transform every sunrise and sunset into unforgettable photo moments. Learn…

20 FEB

Why Iceland feels grounding

Discover how Iceland’s blend of fire and ice can reset your spirit. From hiking moss-covered lava fields at dawn to soaking in…

8 FEB

Why self-drive suits Iceland perfectly

Discover the freedom of Iceland at your own pace: chase hidden waterfalls at dawn, wander black-sand beaches under the midnight sun, or…

5 MAR

VAT refund strategy for shopping in Akureyri: receipts, minimums, and departure-day timing

Discover how to save up to 15% on your Akureyri shopping trip with a simple VAT-refund strategy: spend 6,000 ISK per store…

Check rates Best rate from 13,500 ISK