Planning a winter trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the best ways to experience Iceland at its most magical: snow-dusted lava fields, dramatic coastlines, quiet fishing villages, and far fewer crowds than in summer. With a bit of preparation—and the right places to stay—you can enjoy a cozy, safe, and unforgettable adventure in West Iceland.
Start your journey in Borgarfjörður, the gateway to the west. This region is rich in history and natural beauty, with hot springs, waterfalls, and lava fields all within easy reach. Staying at Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, puts you in the perfect position to explore both the Borgarfjörður area and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. After a day of winter driving and sightseeing, returning to a warm, comfortable inn with countryside views makes all the difference.
When planning your Snæfellsnes winter itinerary, keep driving times realistic. Roads can be icy or snowy, and daylight is limited from November to February. Check the weather and road conditions daily, and allow extra time between stops. From Hvítá Inn, you can easily reach highlights like Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the historic site of Reykholt before continuing toward Snæfellsnes.
Once you reach the peninsula, consider basing yourself in Stykkishólmur, one of Iceland’s most charming coastal towns. The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, offers a cozy base right in town, so you can walk to the harbor, restaurants, and viewpoints even in winter conditions. From here, you can explore the northern side of Snæfellsnes: the dramatic coastline, small fishing villages, and views across Breiðafjörður Bay. On clear winter nights, the town’s relatively low light pollution makes it a good spot for northern lights watching—simply step outside your inn or take a short drive to a darker viewpoint.
A classic winter route around Snæfellsnes includes stops at Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, the black church at Búðir, the cliffs at Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, and of course the Snæfellsjökull glacier area itself. In winter, it’s wise to prioritize a few key stops each day rather than trying to see everything at once. Shorter days mean you’ll appreciate having a comfortable inn to return to early, with time to relax, recharge, and watch the weather for aurora activity.
If you’re extending your West Iceland journey beyond Snæfellsnes, consider heading further north and west to the Westfjords. Ísafjörður, the region’s main town, is a winter destination in its own right, with dramatic fjord scenery and a peaceful, remote atmosphere. Ísafjörður Inn, another Ourhotels.is property, offers a warm welcome after a day of exploring snowy mountain passes, coastal viewpoints, and local cafés. While the Westfjords require more careful planning in winter due to weather and road conditions, the reward is a truly off-the-beaten-path Icelandic experience.
When planning your Snæfellsnes winter trip, think in terms of stages: arrive in West Iceland, settle in at Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, explore Borgarfjörður and the approach to the peninsula; then move on to The Stykkishólmur Inn to discover the heart of Snæfellsnes at a relaxed pace. If time and conditions allow, continue to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords for a deeper dive into Iceland’s wild northwest. Booking your stays with Ourhotels.is keeps your journey simple, with comfortable, well-located inns throughout West Iceland.
A few practical tips will help your winter trip run smoothly. Rent a 4×4 vehicle with good winter tires, and always check safetravel.is and road.is before driving each day. Dress in layers with windproof and waterproof outerwear, and bring microspikes or sturdy boots for walking on icy paths. Plan your main sightseeing during the daylight hours, and keep your evenings flexible for northern lights hunting—some of your best memories may come from spontaneous late-night drives under a clear, starry sky.
By combining thoughtful planning with flexible expectations, you can enjoy the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at its most peaceful and atmospheric. With Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your bases, Ourhotels.is makes it easy to experience the best of West Iceland in winter: dramatic landscapes by day, cozy comfort by night, and the chance to see the northern lights dancing above snow-covered mountains.
