Planning a trip to Iceland and want to keep your footprint as light as possible? Carbon‑friendly travel here isn’t just doable – it can actually make your experience richer, slower, and more authentic. At Ourhotels.is, we’re based in West Iceland, surrounded by glaciers, fjords, and lava fields that remind us daily why responsible travel matters.
Below are practical, easy ways to reduce your impact while still enjoying the best of Iceland’s nature and culture, with suggestions for where to stay along the way: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
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One of the simplest ways to cut your carbon footprint in Iceland is to slow down and explore one region at a time instead of racing around the entire Ring Road. West Iceland and the Westfjords are perfect for this: dramatic landscapes, charming fishing towns, hot springs, and fewer crowds.
Base yourself in one area for several nights and take day trips instead of constantly packing up and driving long distances. For example, you can:
– Start in Borgarfjörður, staying at **Hvítá Inn** near Borgarnes. From here, you can explore the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area without long drives.
– Move on to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and stay at **Stykkishólmur Inn**. Use it as a base for visiting Snæfellsjökull National Park, Kirkjufell mountain, coastal hikes, and boat tours in Breiðafjörður Bay.
– Continue north to the Westfjords and stay at **Ísafjörður Inn**. From there, you can explore nearby fjords, hiking trails, and small villages without constantly changing accommodation.
By choosing a few well‑located bases through Ourhotels.is, you naturally reduce driving distances, fuel use, and overall emissions.
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Driving is often necessary in Iceland, but there are many ways to make it more carbon‑friendly. When you rent a car, look for a hybrid or electric vehicle if available. Iceland’s electricity is almost entirely renewable, so charging an EV is a particularly climate‑friendly option.
Once you’re on the road, plan your routes to avoid backtracking and combine sights into logical loops. For example, from **Hvítá Inn**, you can plan a circular day trip that includes waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields in one go, instead of multiple separate drives. From **Stykkishólmur Inn**, you can group coastal viewpoints, small villages, and short hikes into a single scenic route around the peninsula.
Whenever possible, park once and walk between nearby attractions. Many Icelandic towns, including Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, are compact and walkable. Exploring on foot not only cuts emissions but also lets you discover cafés, local bakeries, and viewpoints you’d miss from the car.
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Iceland’s landscapes are fragile, and staying on marked paths is one of the most important ways to protect them. Off‑road driving is strictly illegal and causes long‑lasting damage to moss and soil. Even walking off‑trail in sensitive areas can leave scars that last for decades.
Choose established hiking routes and viewpoints, and follow local signs and guidance. Around Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords, there are plenty of marked trails that offer incredible views without harming the environment. Staff at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** can recommend nearby walks that match your fitness level and the day’s weather, helping you enjoy nature responsibly.
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What you eat and buy on your trip also affects your carbon footprint. Iceland has a strong tradition of using local ingredients: fresh fish, lamb, dairy, and seasonal produce. Choosing local food reduces transport emissions and supports small businesses in the communities you visit.
Look for restaurants and cafés that highlight local or seasonal menus. In towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður, you’ll find places that serve fish caught in nearby waters and products from regional farms. Ask the staff at Ourhotels.is properties for recommendations; they know which spots focus on local sourcing and sustainable practices.
When shopping for souvenirs, consider items made in Iceland rather than mass‑produced imports. Wool products, handmade ceramics, and local art not only have a smaller transport footprint but also carry a real connection to the places you’re visiting.
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Energy use in accommodation is another area where small choices add up. Iceland’s electricity and heating are largely renewable, but using less energy still reduces overall demand and environmental impact.
During your stay at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, or **Ísafjörður Inn**, simple habits help: turn off lights when you leave the room, unplug chargers, and avoid leaving windows open while the heating is on. Reuse towels and linens for several days instead of requesting daily changes. These small steps are easy to adopt and make your stay more carbon‑friendly without sacrificing comfort.
Ourhotels.is focuses on practical, everyday sustainability measures in our properties, from efficient heating systems to mindful housekeeping routines. By staying with us, you’re already supporting accommodation that takes environmental responsibility seriously.
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Waste management can be challenging in remote areas, so reducing what you throw away is especially important. Bring a reusable water bottle – Iceland’s tap water is exceptionally clean and safe to drink, so there’s no need to buy bottled water. A reusable coffee cup and shopping bag also go a long way in cutting single‑use plastics.
When you’re out exploring, pack out everything you bring in, including small items like snack wrappers and tissues. Use the recycling options available at Ourhotels.is properties and in local towns whenever possible. In places like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, you’ll often find clearly marked recycling points; if you’re unsure, ask the hotel staff how best to sort your waste.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of low‑impact travel is connecting with local culture. Slowing down, staying longer in each place, and choosing locally owned services all help reduce your footprint while enriching your experience.
Spend time walking through Borgarnes and the surrounding Borgarfjörður area, learning about Icelandic history and sagas. In Stykkishólmur, visit the harbor, local museums, and viewpoints above town. In Ísafjörður, explore the old town streets, talk to locals, and learn about life in the Westfjords. By using **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** as your bases, you have time to get to know each community instead of just passing through.
Supporting local guides for activities like hiking, boat tours, or cultural walks also helps ensure that tourism income stays in the region and encourages long‑term, sustainable development.
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Carbon‑friendly travel in Iceland doesn’t mean giving up comfort or adventure. It means choosing a slower pace, making thoughtful decisions about transport, accommodation, food, and activities, and respecting the landscapes and communities you visit.
Ourhotels.is is here to help you do exactly that in West Iceland and the Westfjords. By staying at **Hvítá Inn** in Borgarfjörður, **Stykkishólmur Inn** on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and **Ísafjörður Inn** in the Westfjords, you can explore some of Iceland’s most beautiful regions in a way that’s both memorable and mindful of the environment.
Plan your route, pack your reusable essentials, and let Iceland’s clean air, clear water, and wild landscapes inspire a lighter way of traveling.
