Exploring Iceland without a car is not only possible – it can be one of the most relaxing and authentic ways to experience the country. With good planning, smart use of public transport and tours, and well-located accommodation, you can see waterfalls, hot springs, fjords, and charming fishing towns without ever getting behind the wheel.
Ourhotels.is offers three strategically placed inns in West and Northwest Iceland – Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – that make car‑free travel much easier and more enjoyable.
Here’s how to explore Iceland without a car, using these locations as comfortable bases along the way.
Iceland Without a Car: What to Expect
Traveling Iceland without driving usually means combining:
– Airport and city buses
– Scheduled regional buses
– Organized day tours and multi‑day tours
– Ferries (especially in West Iceland and the Westfjords)
– Occasional taxis or private transfers for short hops
The key is to stay in places that are close to bus routes, tour pick‑up points, and local services. That’s where Ourhotels.is properties come in.
Start in Reykjavík and Head West
Most visitors arrive in Reykjavík first. From here, you can:
– Take a bus from Reykjavík to Borgarnes, the gateway to West Iceland
– Join guided tours that head to Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and even the Westfjords
– Plan your route so you move westward in stages, staying at different inns along the way
Ourhotels.is inns are positioned so you can travel in a logical loop: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður (Hvítá Inn) → Snæfellsnes (Stykkishólmur Inn) → Westfjords (Ísafjörður Inn).
Staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður Without a Car
Hvítá Inn, located in beautiful Borgarfjörður near Borgarnes, is an ideal first stop once you leave Reykjavík. Borgarfjörður is rich in history, hot springs, and gentle countryside – and you don’t need a car to enjoy it.
How to get there without driving:
– Take a scheduled bus from Reykjavík to Borgarnes
– From Borgarnes, arrange a short taxi or pre‑booked transfer to Hvítá Inn
– Some tour companies offer pick‑ups in the Borgarfjörður area – check options in advance
What you can do around Hvítá Inn:
– Visit Borgarnes: Explore the Settlement Center, walk along the shoreline, and enjoy views over the fjord.
– Join guided tours: Many operators offer day trips to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area.
– Relax in nature: Hvítá Inn is surrounded by peaceful countryside, making it perfect for walks, photography, and unwinding after a day of exploring.
By basing yourself at Hvítá Inn, you can experience classic West Iceland landscapes – rivers, lava fields, and farm country – without needing to navigate Icelandic roads yourself.
Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn
From Borgarfjörður, your next stop can be the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: mountains, black sand beaches, cliffs, and the glacier‑capped Snæfellsjökull.
Stykkishólmur Inn, in the charming town of Stykkishólmur, is perfectly placed for car‑free travelers.
Getting to Stykkishólmur Inn:
– Take a bus from Borgarnes or Reykjavík to Stykkishólmur (check seasonal schedules)
– Walk or take a short taxi ride from the bus stop to Stykkishólmur Inn
What you can do without a car in Stykkishólmur:
– Explore the town on foot: Colorful houses, a picturesque harbor, small museums, and coastal viewpoints are all within walking distance.
– Join boat tours: From the harbor, you can take boat trips around Breiðafjörður Bay, known for its countless islands, birdlife, and sea views.
– Take guided Snæfellsnes tours: Many tour companies pick up in Stykkishólmur or nearby, offering full‑day trips to Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi cliffs, and Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a comfortable, central base where you can return after a day of touring – no parking worries, no winter driving, just a warm room and a quiet town to enjoy in the evenings.
Reaching the Westfjords and Ísafjörður Inn Without a Car
For many visitors, the Westfjords feel remote and hard to reach without driving. But with a bit of planning, you can still get there by bus and ferry – and Ísafjörður Inn makes an excellent base once you arrive.
How to get to Ísafjörður Inn:
– In summer, you can often combine buses and the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur across Breiðafjörður to the Westfjords, then continue by bus toward Ísafjörður.
– At other times, you may travel by bus from Reykjavík or Borgarnes toward the Westfjords, with connections depending on the season.
Once in Ísafjörður, Ísafjörður Inn is conveniently located for exploring the town and joining local tours.
What to do in Ísafjörður without a car:
– Discover the town: Walk the old streets, visit local cafés, and enjoy the harbor views surrounded by steep mountains.
– Join guided excursions: Local operators offer boat trips, hiking tours, and sometimes visits to nearby villages like Suðureyri or Flateyri.
– Experience Westfjords nature: Depending on the season, you can join tours to remote fjords, bird cliffs, or even multi‑day adventures deeper into the region.
Staying at Ísafjörður Inn lets you experience the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords while relying on local expertise for transport and guiding.
Why Ourhotels.is Works Well for Car‑Free Travel
Choosing accommodation is crucial when you’re traveling Iceland without a car. Ourhotels.is properties are especially suitable because they are:
– Well located in key regions of West and Northwest Iceland
– Close to bus routes, harbors, and tour starting points
– Comfortable bases where you can stay multiple nights and explore on day trips
By combining Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can create a seamless route through some of Iceland’s most beautiful areas without ever needing to rent a car.
Tips for Planning Your Car‑Free Iceland Itinerary
To make the most of your trip:
– Check bus and ferry schedules early: Public transport in rural Iceland is less frequent, so plan around the days and times available.
– Book tours in advance: Especially in summer, day tours from Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður can fill up.
– Stay longer in each place: Instead of rushing, spend 2–3 nights at each Ourhotels.is inn and explore the surroundings at a relaxed pace.
– Travel light: Moving between towns is easier with a smaller bag, especially when using buses and ferries.
Enjoy Iceland at a Slower Pace
Exploring Iceland without a car encourages you to slow down, connect with local communities, and let someone else handle the driving on Iceland’s sometimes challenging roads. With Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your bases, you can experience waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, and coastal villages in comfort and safety.
Visit Ourhotels.is to learn more about each inn, check availability, and start planning a car‑free journey through West Iceland and the Westfjords.
