Iceland is one of the best places in the world for a family adventure: safe, easy to explore, full of natural wonders, and packed with activities that kids and adults can enjoy together. From waterfalls and hot springs to whale watching and Viking history, there’s something to excite every age. Basing your trip around the west and northwest of Iceland gives you access to many of the country’s highlights—without the long drives—and Ourhotels.is offers comfortable, family-friendly stays right where you need them.
Staying with Ourhotels.is means you can choose from welcoming inns in some of the most beautiful and practical locations in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Each makes a great base for exploring nearby family attractions while enjoying cozy rooms, friendly staff, and easy parking.
One of the most family-friendly regions is Borgarfjörður, just a short drive from Reykjavík. When you stay at Hvítá Inn, you’re perfectly placed for gentle adventures that work well with kids’ schedules. Nearby, you can visit the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring, explore the historic site of Reykholt, or walk behind the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Many of these stops involve short, easy walks and good viewing platforms, making them ideal for families with younger children. After a day out, returning to Hvítá Inn gives you a peaceful countryside setting where kids can unwind and parents can relax.
For families who want a mix of nature, culture, and coastal charm, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a perfect choice. The town of Stykkishólmur is known for its colorful houses, safe harbor, and calm atmosphere—great for strolling with children. From here, you can take family-friendly boat tours to see islands, seabirds, and sometimes even playful seals. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula itself is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: black sand beaches, lava fields, dramatic cliffs, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. Many viewpoints and beaches are easy to reach by car with short walks, so you can tailor each day to your family’s energy level. Returning to Stykkishólmur Inn in the evening, you’re close to restaurants, the harbor, and local swimming pools—always a hit with Icelandic families.
If your family is ready for a slightly more adventurous route, heading to the Westfjords opens up a world of dramatic landscapes and quiet roads. Ísafjörður Inn places you right in the heart of this remote region, in the charming town of Ísafjörður. From here, you can explore calm fjords, visit small fishing villages, and take gentle hikes suitable for older children and teens. Boat trips from Ísafjörður can introduce your family to the rich birdlife and marine life of the area, and the local swimming pool offers hot tubs and warm water where kids can play, even if the air is cool. The slower pace of life in the Westfjords makes it easy to enjoy quality time together, away from crowds.
Throughout West Iceland and the Westfjords, you’ll find plenty of classic family-friendly activities. Geothermal swimming pools are everywhere, and they’re a big part of local life. Most towns near Ourhotels.is properties have pools with hot tubs and often slides or shallow areas for children. Easy coastal walks, picnic spots, and short hikes to viewpoints are common, and many roads lead directly to scenic stops, so you don’t need long treks to see something spectacular.
Wildlife experiences are another highlight. From Stykkishólmur, you can join boat tours to spot seabirds and learn about the local ecosystem. In the Westfjords, depending on the season and tour availability, you may find options for birdwatching or fjord cruises that are suitable for families. Along the way, kids can learn about Icelandic nature, fishing traditions, and the importance of protecting these fragile environments.
Cultural experiences are just as important for a family trip. Around Borgarfjörður and Borgarnes, you can explore museums and historical sites that bring Viking sagas and Icelandic history to life in an engaging way. Many exhibits are interactive or visually rich, which helps keep younger visitors interested. In towns like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, simply walking around the harbor, watching the boats, and visiting small local museums can turn into a relaxed, educational day.
When planning a family-friendly itinerary, it helps to choose accommodations that reduce driving time and offer a calm, comfortable place to rest. That’s where Ourhotels.is comes in. By staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can create a route that breaks your journey into manageable segments, with each inn serving as a base for nearby day trips. This approach keeps travel days shorter, gives kids more time to explore outside the car, and lets everyone enjoy Iceland at a relaxed pace.
Each inn under Ourhotels.is is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, making them well-suited for families. You can expect warm hospitality, practical facilities, and locations that make it easy to reach supermarkets, swimming pools, and local attractions. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Iceland or returning for a deeper exploration of the west and northwest, choosing these bases helps you focus on what matters most: spending time together and creating lasting memories.
By combining the natural wonders of West Iceland and the Westfjords with the comfort and strategic locations of Ourhotels.is properties, you can build a family-friendly Iceland itinerary that balances adventure and relaxation. From waterfalls and hot springs near Hvítá Inn, to coastal boat trips and beaches around Stykkishólmur Inn, to fjord-side exploration from Ísafjörður Inn, your family can experience the best of Iceland in a way that feels both exciting and manageable.
