Staying safe while you travel is just as important as choosing the right hotel or planning the perfect road trip. If you’re visiting Iceland and staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland, it’s good to know exactly what to do – and who to call – in case of an emergency.
The most important number in Iceland is **112** – this is the **single national emergency number** for:
– Police
– Fire
– Ambulance
– Search and Rescue
You can call **112** from any phone, free of charge, 24/7, anywhere in Iceland. You can also use the **112 Iceland app**, which sends your location to the emergency services when you call, making it especially useful if you’re driving in remote areas, hiking, or exploring the Westfjords.
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### When to call 112 in Iceland
Call **112** if you experience or witness:
– A medical emergency (chest pain, difficulty breathing, serious injury, etc.)
– A fire or smoke
– A traffic accident
– Someone in danger at sea, on a glacier, in the mountains, or in bad weather
– Any situation where you or someone else is in immediate danger
If you’re unsure whether it’s serious enough, it’s better to call and let the professionals decide. The operators speak English and are used to helping travelers.
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### Medical help and health services
For **non‑life‑threatening medical issues**, you have a few options:
– **Local health clinics (Heilsugæsla)**: Available in towns and larger villages.
– **Out‑of‑hours medical service**: In many areas, there is a doctor on call outside normal clinic hours.
– **Pharmacies (Apótek)**: Staff can often advise on minor issues and over‑the‑counter medicine.
If you’re staying at one of the Ourhotels.is locations, the staff can help you find the nearest clinic or pharmacy and assist with directions or calling ahead if needed.
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### Staying safe in West Iceland and the Westfjords
West Iceland and the Westfjords are some of the most beautiful – and sometimes wildest – parts of the country. Weather can change quickly, roads can be narrow or icy, and distances between services can be long. Knowing the emergency number and a few safety basics will help you relax and enjoy your trip.
Before you head out on a drive or a hike, always check:
– **Weather**: vedur.is
– **Road conditions**: road.is
– **Travel alerts and safety tips**: safetravel.is
If something goes wrong on the road or in nature and you need urgent help, call **112** immediately.
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### Emergency numbers and Ourhotels.is locations
Ourhotels.is has several welcoming bases in West Iceland and the Westfjords, each perfectly placed for exploring – and each ready to help you if you need assistance.
#### Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)
Hvítá Inn is located in the beautiful Borgarfjörður region, a great starting point for exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields in West Iceland. From here, you’re within reach of both quiet countryside and the main Ring Road.
If you have an emergency while staying at **Hvítá Inn**:
– Call **112** for any urgent situation.
– Then contact the reception or on‑call number for Hvítá Inn; the staff can help guide emergency services, translate if needed, or assist with logistics.
For minor issues – like needing a doctor’s appointment, finding the nearest pharmacy in Borgarnes, or getting advice about road conditions – the team at Hvítá Inn can point you in the right direction.
#### Stykkishólmur Inn – on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur Inn is in the charming town of Stykkishólmur, a perfect base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes.
If you’re staying at **Stykkishólmur Inn**:
– Use **112** for any emergency, whether it’s a medical issue, an accident on the peninsula, or a problem at sea.
– Inform the Stykkishólmur Inn staff as soon as you can; they know the local area, services, and routes, and can help coordinate with emergency responders or advise you on the nearest clinic.
Because many guests here go on boat tours, hikes, or winter drives, it’s especially wise to have the **112 Iceland app** installed before you set out.
#### Ísafjörður Inn – in the Westfjords
Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the dramatic Westfjords, where steep mountains, narrow fjords, and remote roads create unforgettable scenery – and demand a bit of extra respect for nature.
While staying at **Ísafjörður Inn**:
– Call **112** right away in any emergency, especially if you’re involved in a road incident, a hiking accident, or a situation in remote areas.
– Contact the Ísafjörður Inn staff after calling 112; they can help with local knowledge, directions, and practical support.
In the Westfjords, conditions can change quickly, especially in winter. Always check road.is and vedur.is before driving, and let someone know your plans if you’re heading into more isolated areas.
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### Useful non‑emergency contacts and tips
While 112 is the key number to remember, a few additional tips can make your stay safer and smoother:
– **Roadside assistance**: Many car rental companies provide their own emergency numbers; keep them handy in your vehicle.
– **Travel insurance**: Make sure you have coverage that includes medical care and rescue if needed.
– **Keep your phone charged**: Especially on longer drives or hikes.
– **Share your travel plan**: You can register your travel plan on safetravel.is, which helps search and rescue if something goes wrong.
If you’re unsure who to call or what to do, the staff at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** are there to help. They can advise you on local conditions, point you to the nearest services, and support you if an unexpected situation arises.
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### Your safety, our priority
Ourhotels.is wants your trip to West Iceland and the Westfjords to be memorable for all the right reasons. Knowing that **112** is the single emergency number in Iceland – and that you have friendly, local support at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn – means you can explore with more confidence.
Before you set off on your next adventure from one of our inns, take a moment to:
– Save **112** in your phone
– Install the **112 Iceland app**
– Check the weather and road conditions
With these simple steps, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy Iceland’s wild beauty, knowing help is always just a call away.
