Driving Iceland’s mountain roads is one of the most memorable ways to experience the country – but it also demands respect, preparation, and a good plan. If you’re staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland, you’re already perfectly placed to explore some of the most beautiful highland and coastal routes, from Borgarfjörður to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords. Here’s how to cross Iceland’s mountain roads safely while making the most of your stay at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
Iceland’s mountain roads (often marked as “F-roads”) are usually gravel, narrow, and sometimes steep, with river crossings and rapidly changing weather. They are typically open only in summer and early autumn, and only for suitable vehicles. Before you set off from your hotel, always check road conditions on road.is and weather forecasts on vedur.is. These two sites are essential tools for safe travel in Iceland’s highlands and remote areas.
Starting your journey from Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re close to some of West Iceland’s most scenic routes. Borgarfjörður is known for its valleys, glaciers, and hot springs, and it’s a natural gateway to inland mountain tracks. Use your time at Hvítá Inn to plan your route carefully: ask the staff about current conditions, recommended roads for your vehicle type, and realistic driving times. Many visitors underestimate distances and overestimate how fast they can drive on gravel; planning from a comfortable base like Hvítá Inn helps you avoid rushing and risky decisions later in the day.
Vehicle choice is crucial for mountain roads. Many F-roads legally require a 4×4, and even where it’s not mandatory, it’s often strongly recommended. If you’re staying at Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll find that some of the most beautiful routes are gravel coastal and mountain roads with sharp bends and blind hills. A sturdy vehicle with good ground clearance will make your drive safer and more comfortable. Always reduce speed on gravel to avoid skidding, keep both hands on the wheel, and leave extra distance between you and the car ahead to avoid stone chips and dust clouds.
Weather can change quickly in Iceland’s mountains. A clear morning can turn into fog, rain, or even snow at higher elevations, even in summer. When you leave Hvítá Inn or Stykkishólmur Inn for a day of exploring, pack warm layers, waterproof clothing, snacks, and water. Even if you plan only a short drive, be prepared to wait out bad weather or slow down significantly. If the forecast looks unstable, consider adjusting your route or staying on paved roads; there are always beautiful alternatives in West Iceland that don’t require risky crossings.
If your journey takes you further north and west to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll encounter some of Iceland’s most dramatic mountain roads. The Westfjords are famous for steep passes, long gravel stretches, and tight hairpin bends overlooking deep fjords. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore these routes with the advantage of local knowledge: ask the reception about current conditions on nearby passes, which roads are paved, and which are better avoided in poor weather. In this region, it’s especially important to drive slowly downhill, use low gear instead of constant braking, and be prepared for loose gravel and occasional rockfall.
River crossings are a key feature of many highland F-roads, but they require experience and the right vehicle. If you’re not used to driving through rivers, it’s often safer to choose routes without fords, especially if you’re traveling with children or are on a tight schedule. From bases like Hvítá Inn and Stykkishólmur Inn, you can easily plan mountain and coastal drives that avoid the most challenging crossings while still giving you a sense of adventure. If you do attempt a ford, always stop first, assess the depth and current, watch other vehicles cross, and never drive into water you’re unsure about. When in doubt, turn back – it’s always the safest choice.
Another important aspect of safe mountain driving in Iceland is understanding local road signs and etiquette. Single-lane bridges, blind hills, and narrow passes are common. Slow down before blind crests, keep to the right, and be ready to yield. On single-lane bridges and narrow sections, the car closest to the bridge or passing point usually has priority, but always make eye contact and proceed cautiously. When you stay at Ísafjörður Inn or Stykkishólmur Inn, you’ll likely meet other travelers who’ve just driven the same roads you’re planning; sharing experiences over breakfast or in the evening can give you practical, up-to-date insights.
Timing your drives is also part of staying safe. In summer, Iceland’s long daylight hours give you more flexibility, but it’s still wise to avoid starting a challenging mountain route late in the day. From Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you can set off early, enjoy the highlands or mountain passes, and still return or continue to your next hotel in daylight. If you’re traveling between Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, plan your route so that the most demanding sections fall in the middle of the day, when visibility is best and you’re not tired.
Staying connected is another safety factor. Mobile coverage in Iceland is generally good but can be weak or absent in remote mountain areas. Before leaving your hotel, let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time. The staff at Ourhotels.is properties are used to helping guests plan safe itineraries and can suggest realistic schedules between Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn. Consider downloading offline maps and saving emergency numbers, including 112, Iceland’s emergency line.
Respecting nature and road conditions goes hand in hand with safety. Never drive off-road in Iceland; it’s illegal and causes long-lasting damage to fragile landscapes. Stick to marked tracks and parking areas, even if a photo opportunity looks tempting just beyond the road. From all three Ourhotels.is locations, you’ll find plenty of designated viewpoints and safe stopping places where you can enjoy glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and lava fields without putting yourself or the environment at risk.
One of the advantages of basing your trip around Ourhotels.is is the ability to break your journey into manageable, enjoyable stages. You might start at Hvítá Inn, exploring Borgarfjörður’s valleys and nearby mountain roads, then continue to Stykkishólmur Inn to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s rugged coastline and inland tracks. From there, you can head to Ísafjörður Inn and experience the Westfjords’ dramatic passes and remote fjords. This kind of itinerary lets you rest well each night, adjust plans according to weather and road updates, and avoid the fatigue that can make mountain driving dangerous.
Ultimately, crossing Iceland’s mountain roads safely is about preparation, patience, and flexibility. Check conditions before you go, choose the right vehicle, drive slowly on gravel and steep sections, and never be afraid to turn back if something feels wrong. By using Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your comfortable bases in West Iceland, you can enjoy the wild beauty of Iceland’s mountains and fjords with the reassurance of local advice and a warm, welcoming place to return to each evening. With the right approach, your journey on Iceland’s mountain roads will be not only safe, but unforgettable.
