Iceland’s most unforgettable moments rarely happen in crowded parking lots or at the busiest waterfalls. They happen on quiet peninsulas, beside steaming rivers, under wide Arctic skies where you might be the only person for miles. If you’re looking for hidden gem spots in Iceland—places that still feel authentic, local, and a little bit secret—west Iceland is the perfect place to start.
Staying with Ourhotels.is puts you right in the middle of these lesser‑known treasures. With comfortable, locally run inns in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður, you can explore the west and Westfjords at your own pace, then come “home” to a warm bed, good food, and friendly Icelandic hospitality.
Below are some of the best hidden gems in Iceland’s west, and how to reach them easily from Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
West Iceland’s Quiet Heart: Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn
Just inland from Borgarnes, Borgarfjörður is a region of lava fields, hot springs, and sagas—without the heavy crowds of the south coast. Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is perfectly placed for exploring this area. Surrounded by open countryside and close to the Hvítá river, it’s an ideal base for road trips and slow, scenic days.
From Hvítá Inn, you can easily reach:
– **Hraunfossar and Barnafoss**
These side‑by‑side waterfalls are some of Iceland’s most unique. Hraunfossar isn’t a single fall but hundreds of small streams emerging from beneath a lava field, pouring into a turquoise river. Just a short walk away, Barnafoss roars through a narrow rocky gorge. They’re well known to Icelanders, but still quieter than the big-name falls in the south, especially in the evening or early morning.
– **Deildartunguhver Hot Spring**
One of Europe’s most powerful hot springs, Deildartunguhver is a geothermal giant that many visitors skip. You’ll see boiling water bubbling from the earth and feel the heat in the air. Nearby, you can soak in modern geothermal baths or simply enjoy the steam and colors of the surrounding landscape before heading back to Hvítá Inn for a cozy night.
– **Reykholt and the Saga Trails**
Reykholt is a peaceful village with a deep connection to Icelandic history. It was home to Snorri Sturluson, the medieval writer behind many of the Icelandic sagas. Wander the church, the old hot pool, and the small museum, then drive quiet backroads through Borgarfjörður’s farms and lava fields. This is a side of Iceland that feels lived‑in and real, not staged for tourism.
– **Húsafell and the Highlands Edge**
Húsafell is a forested oasis at the edge of the highlands, with hiking trails, rivers, and glacier views. From here you can join tours into the ice caves of Langjökull glacier or simply enjoy a peaceful walk among birch trees and boulders. After a day in the fresh mountain air, returning to Hvítá Inn gives you a comfortable, rural retreat with easy access to the Ring Road.
The Secret Charms of Breiðafjörður Bay: Stykkishólmur Inn
On the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur is a colorful harbor town overlooking the island‑dotted Breiðafjörður Bay. It’s a perfect base for exploring one of Iceland’s most beautiful and varied regions, and Stykkishólmur Inn from Ourhotels.is puts you right in the heart of it.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re close to:
– **Breiðafjörður’s Island Labyrinth**
Boat tours from Stykkishólmur weave through countless small islands, home to seabirds, seals, and rich marine life. Compared to the south coast, this area feels calm and untouched. You can taste fresh seafood, learn about local history, and enjoy wide, open views that change with every passing cloud.
– **Helgafell Holy Mountain**
Just a short drive from town, Helgafell is a low, sacred hill with a simple path to the top. Local tradition says that if you climb in silence without looking back, you can make three wishes at the summit. The view over the bay and islands is quietly spectacular, especially in the soft light of late evening.
– **Hidden Corners of Snæfellsnes**
Most visitors rush around Snæfellsnes in a single day, but staying at Stykkishólmur Inn lets you slow down and find the quieter spots:
– Small, unnamed black‑sand coves where you might be alone with the waves
– Lava fields and mossy hillsides with short, unmarked trails
– Fishing villages like Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík, where daily life continues alongside the scenery
You can still visit famous sights like Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull National Park, but returning to Stykkishólmur in the evening brings you back to a peaceful harbor town atmosphere, with good restaurants and a relaxed, local feel.
The Westfjords’ Wild Edge: Ísafjörður Inn
For travelers who truly want to get off the beaten path, the Westfjords are one of Iceland’s last great frontiers. Dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and tiny villages make this region feel far from the rest of the world. Ísafjörður is the cultural and practical hub of the Westfjords, and Ísafjörður Inn from Ourhotels.is gives you a comfortable base in the middle of this wild landscape.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can discover:
– **Quiet Fjords and Coastal Roads**
Drive along narrow roads that hug the coastline, passing waterfalls, beaches, and small farms. Many of these fjords see only a handful of visitors each day. Stop for photos, short walks, or simply to listen to the silence. The journey itself is the highlight here, and at the end of the day you can return to Ísafjörður Inn for a hot shower and a warm bed.
– **Remote Villages like Suðureyri and Flateyri**
These small communities offer a glimpse of traditional Icelandic life, shaped by fishing and the sea. Wander the streets, visit local cafés, and talk to people who live year‑round in this remote region. It’s a very different experience from the busier tourist centers in the south and southwest.
– **Hidden Beaches and Viewpoints**
While the famous Dynjandi waterfall is a must‑see, the Westfjords are full of lesser‑known spots:
– Pebble beaches where driftwood from distant shores washes up
– High viewpoints where you can see multiple fjords at once
– Short, unmarked trails leading to cliffs and sea views
Ask at Ísafjörður Inn for local tips—staff often know about viewpoints and walks that don’t appear in guidebooks.
Why Choose Ourhotels.is for Hidden Gem Travel in Iceland
Exploring Iceland’s hidden gems is easier and more rewarding when your accommodation is part of the landscape rather than separate from it. Ourhotels.is focuses on west Iceland and the Westfjords, with inns that are:
– **Well located** for day trips to quiet waterfalls, hot springs, fjords, and coastal villages
– **Comfortable and welcoming**, so you can relax after long drives and hikes
– **Locally connected**, with staff who can share up‑to‑date advice on road conditions, weather, and lesser‑known spots nearby
By staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes side of Breiðafjörður, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can create a west‑Iceland road trip that focuses on authenticity, nature, and space—without sacrificing comfort.
If your idea of the perfect Iceland trip includes quiet roads, uncrowded viewpoints, and evenings in small towns instead of big cities, consider using Ourhotels.is as your base. West Iceland and the Westfjords are full of hidden gems; you just need the right starting point to find them.
