Iceland’s three national parks – Þingvellir, Snæfellsjökull and Vatnajökull – capture the country’s wild heart: lava fields and glaciers, thundering waterfalls and quiet birch woods, black sand beaches and steaming geothermal areas. Exploring them at an unhurried pace is one of the best ways to experience authentic Iceland, and choosing the right places to stay can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. That’s where Ourhotels.is comes in, with welcoming bases in West Iceland that make it easy to explore some of the country’s most spectacular protected areas.
Many visitors begin their journey in West Iceland, a region that offers easy access to both Þingvellir National Park and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, puts you in the perfect position for day trips into Iceland’s natural wonders while still enjoying the comfort of a cozy inn at day’s end. The surrounding Borgarfjörður area is rich in history and scenery: hot springs, lava fields, waterfalls and quiet valleys that feel far from the crowds.
From Hvítá Inn, it’s an easy drive to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most important historical and geological locations. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the Almannagjá gorge, gaze over the rift valley from the viewing platforms, and explore the site of the ancient Alþingi, Iceland’s first parliament. Clear days reveal the deep blue waters of Lake Þingvallavatn and the surrounding mountains, while early mornings and evenings are often quieter, making the experience even more special. After a day of hiking and sightseeing, returning to Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere, with easy access to local restaurants and services in nearby Borgarnes.
For many travelers, Snæfellsjökull National Park is the highlight of West Iceland. Centered around the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, this park combines dramatic coastal cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields and charming fishing villages. The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is an ideal base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stykkishólmur itself is a picturesque harbor town with colorful houses, excellent seafood and views across Breiðafjörður Bay’s countless islands.
From The Stykkishólmur Inn, you can easily spend several days exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park. Walk along the cliffs at Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where sea arches and basalt formations rise from the Atlantic. Visit Djúpalónssandur beach, with its black pebbles and shipwreck remains, and hike short trails through moss-covered lava fields. On clear days, the glacier-capped peak of Snæfellsjökull dominates the skyline, and in the right season you may even spot whales offshore. Staying in Stykkishólmur means you can enjoy the park by day and return to a comfortable room, good food and a relaxed small-town atmosphere in the evening.
While Vatnajökull National Park lies in the east and south of the country, West Iceland is also a natural starting point for journeys into the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic regions. Though not a national park, the Westfjords feel like a vast, wild sanctuary of their own, with towering cliffs, narrow fjords and quiet fishing villages. Ísafjörður, the region’s main town, makes an excellent base for exploring this rugged landscape, and Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, offers a warm welcome at the heart of it all.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can venture out to some of the Westfjords’ most iconic natural sites. The towering cliffs of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible by boat in summer, offer some of the best hiking and birdwatching in Iceland, with a true wilderness feel. Closer to town, scenic drives along the fjords reveal waterfalls, beaches and viewpoints where you’re more likely to meet seabirds and seals than other travelers. After a day in the elements, returning to Ísafjörður Inn means hot showers, comfortable beds and the chance to sample local cuisine in town.
Planning a trip that links these regions together is straightforward. Many visitors start in Reykjavík, drive north to Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður to explore Þingvellir and West Iceland, continue to The Stykkishólmur Inn for a few days on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and then head further north and west to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. This route offers a rich mix of Iceland’s landscapes: rift valleys and waterfalls, glacier-capped volcanoes and black beaches, quiet fjords and remote cliffs.
Choosing locally rooted accommodation like the inns offered by Ourhotels.is adds another layer to your national park experience. You’re close to nature, but you also have access to local knowledge: tips on lesser-known viewpoints, the best times to visit popular sites, and seasonal highlights such as bird migrations or the northern lights. Whether you’re traveling in the long days of summer or the crisp, aurora-filled nights of winter, having a comfortable, well-located base makes it easier to slow down and truly appreciate Iceland’s national parks and wild landscapes.
By combining thoughtful route planning with welcoming stays at Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can experience some of Iceland’s most remarkable natural areas in a relaxed, memorable way. Ourhotels.is brings these journeys together, helping you explore Iceland’s national parks and wild regions with comfort, convenience and a genuine connection to the places you visit.
