Iceland’s wild landscapes, black sand beaches and geothermal pools are some of the most photogenic places on earth—but they’re also fragile. One of the simplest ways you can help protect them while you travel is by choosing eco-safe sunscreen.
At Ourhotels.is, we welcome guests who want to experience Iceland’s nature responsibly. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, using reef‑ and river‑safe sunscreen is a small change that makes a big difference.
Why eco-safe sunscreen matters in Iceland
Most people associate reef-safe sunscreen with tropical coral reefs, but Iceland’s cold‑water ecosystems are just as sensitive. When you swim in geothermal pools, soak in hot tubs, or shower off sunscreen that then flows into rivers and the sea, certain chemicals can harm:
– Marine life and fish in fjords and coastal waters
– Algae and microorganisms that form the base of the food chain
– Delicate freshwater ecosystems in rivers and streams
Common sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene and homosalate are known to be harmful to aquatic life. Choosing mineral, eco-safe formulas helps keep Iceland’s waters cleaner for wildlife and for future visitors.
What to look for in eco-safe sunscreen
When packing for your trip to Iceland and booking your stay with Ourhotels.is, look for sunscreens that are:
– Mineral-based: Use non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient
– “Reef-safe” or “ocean-friendly”: Check that this is backed up by an ingredient list, not just a marketing claim
– Free from: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone, parabens and synthetic fragrances
– Water-resistant: So less product washes off into hot tubs, pools and the sea
– Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Iceland’s UV index can be stronger than you expect, especially with reflection from snow, ice and water
Eco-safe sunscreen and your Iceland itinerary
You’ll be outdoors a lot in West Iceland and the Westfjords, even if the weather feels cool or cloudy. UV rays still reach your skin, and reflection from the ocean, glaciers and snow can intensify exposure.
– Around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes):
Explore lava fields, rivers and waterfalls in the Borgarfjörður region, visit hot springs and walk along the Hvítá river. Apply eco-safe sunscreen before heading out, and reapply after bathing in geothermal pools so fewer chemicals enter the water.
– From Stykkishólmur Inn on Snæfellsnes:
Boat tours among the islands of Breiðafjörður, coastal hikes and sea kayaking are highlights here. Eco-safe sunscreen protects you on windy, overcast days when you might not feel the sun but still get burned, while helping keep the bay’s rich birdlife and marine life healthier.
– While staying at Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords:
The Westfjords are all about dramatic fjords, remote beaches and long days outdoors in summer. Whether you’re hiking, on a boat tour or relaxing in a hot tub after a day of exploring, mineral sunscreen reduces your impact on the pristine fjords and their wildlife.
How to use sunscreen responsibly in Iceland
To get the most protection with the least environmental impact:
– Apply 15–20 minutes before going outside so it absorbs and is less likely to wash off
– Use clothing as your first line of defense: long sleeves, hats, sunglasses and buffs
– Rinse off sweat and regular cosmetics before entering hot tubs and pools
– Avoid spraying sunscreen directly over water or on windy days where it can drift into rivers and the sea
– Reapply according to the instructions, especially after swimming or heavy rain
Ourhotels.is and responsible travel
Ourhotels.is is committed to making it easier for guests to travel responsibly in West Iceland and the Westfjords. At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, our teams are happy to share tips on local swimming spots, hot pools and outdoor activities—and how to enjoy them with minimal environmental footprint.
By choosing eco-safe sunscreen, refilling your water bottle, and respecting local nature guidelines, you help keep Iceland’s landscapes and waters as pure as you imagined them. When you plan your stay with Ourhotels.is, you’re not just booking a room; you’re supporting a style of travel that protects the very places you’ve come to see.
