Hiking in Iceland with kids is one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild beauty at a relaxed, family‑friendly pace. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you can slow down, explore short trails, and let your children discover waterfalls, mossy lava fields, and black‑sand beaches up close. With the right planning, it’s not only doable with kids – it’s unforgettable.
Iceland’s West is especially good for family hiking: distances are manageable, the scenery is incredibly varied, and there are plenty of easy trails close to comfortable accommodation. Staying with Ourhotels.is gives you a perfect base in three key areas: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
Here’s how to make the most of hiking in Iceland with kids, and how to use these three locations as your “home bases” for adventure.
—
Iceland hiking with kids: what to expect
Iceland’s trails range from flat coastal paths to more rugged mountain routes. For families, the focus is on:
– Short distances (1–5 km round trip)
– Clearly marked paths
– Interesting “rewards” at the end: waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints, hot springs
– Easy access from your accommodation
Weather changes quickly, even in summer, so layers, waterproofs, and good footwear are essential. But the payoff is huge: wide‑open landscapes, almost no crowds once you leave the main road, and endless opportunities for kids to explore safely under your supervision.
—
Family hiking from Hvítá Inn, Borgarfjörður
Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, sits in the beautiful Borgarfjörður region, a short drive from Borgarnes. This area is ideal for families who want gentle hikes mixed with history and hot springs.
Family‑friendly hikes near Hvítá Inn:
– **Hraunfossar and Barnafoss**
A classic family stop. From the parking area, short, easy paths and viewing platforms lead you along the river to see Hraunfossar – hundreds of small waterfalls streaming out of a lava field – and the more dramatic Barnafoss. The walk is short but full of viewpoints, bridges, and safe spots for photos.
– **Grábrók Crater**
Just off the main road, this is a great “first volcano” for kids. A well‑maintained staircase and path lead up to the crater rim. It’s a short but slightly uphill walk, with rewarding views over lava fields and lakes. Children usually love the idea of standing on top of a volcano.
– **Borgarnes coastal paths**
In and around Borgarnes, there are easy coastal walks with playgrounds, grassy areas, and views over the fjord. This is perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll after a morning drive.
Why Hvítá Inn works well for families:
– Central location in West Iceland, reducing long driving days
– Comfortable rooms and a peaceful countryside setting
– Easy access to both short hikes and other attractions like hot springs and caves
Using Hvítá Inn as your base, you can combine short hikes with visits to geothermal baths or historical sites, keeping each day varied and manageable for younger children.
—
Exploring Snæfellsnes with kids from Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: mountains, lava fields, black‑sand beaches, cliffs, and a glacier. Stykkishólmur Inn, another Ourhotels.is property, is perfectly placed to explore the northern side of the peninsula and beyond.
Kid‑friendly hikes and walks near Stykkishólmur Inn:
– **Stykkishólmur harbor and islands**
Start right from town. Short walks around the harbor and up to viewpoints give you great scenery without needing to drive. Older kids may enjoy boat tours to nearby islands, but even a simple walk along the waterfront is exciting with all the boats and birdlife.
– **Kirkjufell area**
One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. While the mountain itself is not a family hike, the area around it offers easy walking paths and viewpoints. Kids can enjoy the waterfalls and the dramatic shape of Kirkjufell rising above them.
– **Coastal and beach walks on Snæfellsnes**
The peninsula is full of short coastal trails and beaches where kids can explore rocks, driftwood, and tide pools. Many of these walks are flexible: you can turn back whenever the youngest hikers get tired.
Why Stykkishólmur Inn is a great base:
– Located in a charming town with services, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere
– Easy day trips to multiple short hikes and viewpoints on Snæfellsnes
– Comfortable, family‑friendly accommodation so you can return to a warm, cozy room after a windy coastal walk
Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn lets you experience a wide variety of landscapes without long, demanding hikes – ideal for families with mixed ages and energy levels.
—
Westfjords adventures from Ísafjörður Inn
For families who want a wilder, more remote feel, the Westfjords are a dream. Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, places you in the heart of this dramatic region, surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords.
Family‑friendly hikes near Ísafjörður Inn:
– **Ísafjörður town and fjord walks**
Start with easy walks around town and along the fjord. The scenery is spectacular even on flat ground, and there are plenty of spots to stop, throw stones in the water, and take photos.
– **Valleys and short trails near Ísafjörður**
Several nearby valleys offer gentle hiking options, often following rivers or old tracks. These are great for families who want to feel “out in nature” without committing to long or technical routes.
– **Waterfall and viewpoint walks**
The Westfjords are full of small waterfalls and viewpoints accessible by short walks from the road. Ask at Ísafjörður Inn for current recommendations suited to your children’s ages and the day’s weather.
Why Ísafjörður Inn suits active families:
– Central location in the main town of the Westfjords, with services and activities
– Access to both easy walks and more adventurous routes as your kids grow in confidence
– Staff who know the local area and can suggest safe, suitable trails for your family
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can build days that mix short hikes with cultural stops, boat trips, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Westfjords.
—
Practical tips for hiking in Iceland with kids
– **Dress in layers**: Base layer, warm mid‑layer, and waterproof outer layer. Weather can change quickly, even in summer.
– **Good footwear**: Sturdy shoes or boots with good grip; trails can be wet or uneven.
– **Keep it short and fun**: Choose hikes with clear goals – a waterfall, a crater, a beach – and don’t be afraid to turn back early.
– **Snacks and breaks**: Frequent snack stops keep energy and morale high.
– **Safety first**: Stay on marked paths, keep a safe distance from cliffs and fast rivers, and always check the weather forecast before heading out.
– **Use your bases wisely**: Plan your days around your accommodation. With Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your hubs, you can explore in different directions without packing and unpacking every night.
—
Making Ourhotels.is your family hiking base in West Iceland
Choosing the right places to stay can make or break a family hiking trip. Ourhotels.is offers a simple way to plan your route through West Iceland:
– Start in **Borgarfjörður at Hvítá Inn** for waterfalls, craters, and gentle countryside walks.
– Continue to **Stykkishólmur Inn** to explore the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
– Head north to **Ísafjörður Inn** for a taste of the wild Westfjords and quiet, scenic trails.
Each inn gives you comfortable, welcoming accommodation close to family‑friendly hikes, so you can focus on making memories instead of logistics.
If you’re dreaming of hiking in Iceland with kids, West Iceland is a perfect place to begin – and Ourhotels.is is ready to be your family’s home away from home along the way.
