Icelandic nature is wild, fragile and endlessly beautiful – and that’s exactly why it needs a bit of extra care from everyone who visits. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, following a few simple guidelines will help keep Iceland pristine for the next traveler – and for the next generation.
First, always stay on marked paths and trails. The moss, lava fields and delicate vegetation can take decades to recover from a single footprint. Around Borgarfjörður, near Hvítá Inn, you’ll find beautiful riverside walks and viewpoints over the glacial river Hvítá. Even if the ground looks sturdy, avoid stepping off the trail for “just one photo.” The same applies on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near Stykkishólmur Inn, where black sand beaches, lava fields and cliffs are especially vulnerable to erosion.
Respect all fences and warning signs. They’re not there to spoil your adventure – they’re there to keep you safe from sudden waves, unstable cliffs, hot springs and glacial rivers. In the Westfjords, where Ísafjörður Inn is located, many viewpoints and coastal roads are exposed to strong winds and steep drops. If a sign says “Danger” or “Closed,” take it seriously, even if you see others ignoring it.
Driving in Icelandic nature requires special attention. Always stick to marked roads and never drive off-road, even on what looks like a simple gravel plain. Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and leaves scars that can last for generations. When you’re exploring from Hvítá Inn or Stykkishólmur Inn, use official parking areas and pull-outs, and never stop in the middle of the road for photos. In winter, check road and weather conditions before heading out from Ísafjörður Inn, as Westfjords roads can close quickly due to snow and wind.
Leave no trace of your visit. Pack out all your trash, including tissues, food scraps and cigarette butts. Iceland’s winds can carry litter far into otherwise untouched landscapes. Use toilets whenever you can – at gas stations, cafés, and at your Ourhotels.is accommodation – and avoid using nature as a bathroom, especially near rivers and popular trails. If you must, go far from water sources and bury waste properly.
Wildlife in Iceland is best enjoyed from a respectful distance. Whether you’re watching seabirds on the Snæfellsnes cliffs near Stykkishólmur Inn, sheep grazing in Borgarfjörður, or arctic foxes in the Westfjords, never chase, feed or touch animals. Keep noise down at bird cliffs and during nesting season, and follow local advice about sensitive areas that may be temporarily closed.
The same respect applies to private land and local communities. Much of Icelandic nature is close to farms and small villages. Close gates behind you, don’t walk through fields without permission, and avoid flying drones near homes, churches or guesthouses without asking. When you stay at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, the staff can point out which areas are public, which are private, and where it’s appropriate to fly a drone or take photos.
Weather in Iceland changes fast, and good behavior in nature also means being prepared. Dress in layers, bring waterproof clothing, and always carry more warmth than you think you’ll need. Before heading out from any Ourhotels.is property, check the forecast and road conditions, and let someone know your plans. If conditions worsen, turn back early rather than pushing on – the landscape will still be there tomorrow.
Hot springs, rivers and beaches are some of Iceland’s greatest attractions, but they demand caution. Never enter a hot spring or pool unless it’s clearly marked as safe for bathing; many are dangerously hot or unstable. On beaches, especially in the West and Westfjords, keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and never turn your back on the waves. Sneaker waves are powerful and unpredictable.
Finally, slow down and be present. Icelandic nature is not just a backdrop for photos; it’s a living, changing environment. Take time to listen to the river near Hvítá Inn, watch the shifting light over Breiðafjörður from Stykkishólmur Inn, or enjoy the quiet fjord views from Ísafjörður Inn. By moving gently and thoughtfully through these landscapes, you’ll have a richer experience – and a lighter footprint.
At Ourhotels.is, we’re proud to welcome guests to some of the most beautiful corners of West Iceland and the Westfjords. By following these simple guidelines on how to behave in Icelandic nature, you help us protect the places you’ve come to see: the glacial rivers of Borgarfjörður, the dramatic coastline of Snæfellsnes, and the remote fjords of the northwest. Travel kindly, tread lightly, and Iceland will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.
