Traveling in Iceland means getting close to powerful natural forces—glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and sometimes earthquakes. While most earthquakes here are small and cause no damage, it’s wise to know a few simple safety tips so you can relax and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
At Ourhotels.is, guest safety and comfort are always a priority, whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Here are practical earthquake safety tips tailored for travelers exploring West Iceland.
Earthquake basics in Iceland
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two tectonic plates meet. This means small tremors are relatively common, but serious damage is rare—especially in the west and north. Most guests who feel an earthquake describe it as a brief shaking or rumbling that’s over in seconds.
Still, understanding what to do before, during, and after a quake can make your stay safer and more relaxed.
Before an earthquake: simple preparation
When you check into your room at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, take a minute to:
– Locate exits: Note the nearest emergency exits and stairwells. Avoid elevators in any emergency.
– Secure your space mentally: Look around your room and identify safe spots—under a sturdy table or desk, or next to an interior wall away from windows.
– Keep essentials handy: Store your phone, charger, passport, and a warm layer (hat, sweater, or jacket) in an easy-to-grab place. Iceland’s weather can be cold even in summer.
– Learn local contacts: Save the Icelandic emergency number (112) in your phone. Ourhotels.is staff can help you with any local information you need.
During an earthquake: “Drop, Cover, Hold On”
If you feel shaking while staying at any of our inns, follow the internationally recommended steps:
1. Drop
Get down on your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and lets you move if needed.
2. Cover
– If you’re indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk.
– If no shelter is nearby, move next to an interior wall, away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall.
– Protect your head and neck with one arm and hand.
3. Hold On
– Hold on to your shelter (table/desk) and be prepared to move with it if it shifts.
– Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Most Icelandic earthquakes are short.
If you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow, unless you’re under a heavy light fixture or something that could fall. In that case, move quickly to a safer spot.
If you’re outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and anything that could fall. Once in an open area, drop, cover your head and neck, and stay low until the shaking stops.
If you’re driving, pull over safely, away from bridges, tunnels, and overpasses. Stay in the car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
After an earthquake: stay calm and check in
Once the shaking stops:
– Take a breath and stay calm: Small aftershocks are possible but usually weaker.
– Check for hazards: Watch for broken glass, loose objects, or anything that may have shifted. Avoid using elevators.
– Follow staff instructions: At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, our team is trained to guide guests in emergencies. Listen for announcements or instructions at reception.
– Use your phone wisely: Check for updates from local authorities, but avoid unnecessary calls to keep networks free for emergencies.
– Be prepared to move: If staff advise you to leave the building, take your essentials (passport, phone, warm clothing) and follow the marked exit routes calmly.
Earthquake safety while exploring West Iceland
Many guests at Ourhotels.is use our inns as bases for road trips and outdoor adventures. A few extra tips for when you’re out and about:
– On the road from Hvítá Inn: If you’re driving around Borgarfjörður—perhaps to Hraunfossar or Deildartunguhver—and feel shaking, slow down and pull over safely. Avoid stopping under cliffs or near rockfall areas.
– Around Stykkishólmur Inn: When exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, be aware of your surroundings on coastal cliffs or lava fields. If you feel a tremor, move away from steep slopes or loose rocks.
– From Ísafjörður Inn: In the Westfjords, many roads run beneath steep mountainsides. If you feel an earthquake, be cautious of potential rockfalls and avoid stopping directly under slopes.
Why Ourhotels.is is a safe base in West Iceland
Ourhotels.is properties are located in some of the most scenic yet relatively stable regions of Iceland. Each inn is chosen and maintained with guest safety and comfort in mind:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður: A peaceful countryside setting near Borgarnes, ideal for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields, with staff ready to assist if nature gives a little shake.
– Stykkishólmur Inn: In a charming harbor town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a great base for boat tours and day trips, with clear emergency information available for guests.
– Ísafjörður Inn: In the heart of the Westfjords’ main town, close to services and local authorities, offering a secure and cozy place to return to after your adventures.
Travel confidently in Iceland
Earthquakes are a natural part of life in Iceland, but with a few simple safety habits, they don’t need to be a source of worry. By knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” staying aware of your surroundings, and following local guidance, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
When you stay with Ourhotels.is—whether at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—you’re choosing comfortable, welcoming bases in some of West Iceland’s most beautiful regions, with teams ready to help you feel informed, safe, and at home.
