Planning an Iceland multi-day trip is all about balancing adventure with comfort, and nowhere is that easier than in West and Northwest Iceland. With dramatic fjords, glacier-fed rivers, black beaches, and charming fishing towns, this region is perfect for a 4–7 day itinerary that feels rich without being rushed.
By basing yourself at welcoming, well-located stays like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can explore widely while still coming “home” to a cozy room each night. Here’s how to plan a memorable, stress-free multi-day trip in Iceland.
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### 1. Decide How Many Days You Have
Before you map out your route, be realistic about how much time you have:
– **4 days**: Focus on West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
– **5–6 days**: Add a taste of the Westfjords.
– **7+ days**: Explore West Iceland, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords at a relaxed pace.
West Iceland is ideal for a first or second trip to Iceland: it’s less crowded than the South Coast, yet full of classic sights—waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, and coastal villages.
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### 2. Choose Your Base Locations Wisely
Instead of packing and unpacking every night, choose a few strategic bases and explore from there. Ourhotels.is offers exactly this kind of flexibility in West and Northwest Iceland.
**Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)**
Perfect as your first stop after arriving in Keflavík or Reykjavík. Located in the scenic Borgarfjörður region, Hvítá Inn gives you easy access to:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
– Deildartunguhver hot spring
– Reykholt historical area
– The scenic road towards the Highlands (seasonal)
Staying at Hvítá Inn lets you start your trip with shorter drives and plenty of nature right on your doorstep.
**Stykkishólmur Inn – Snæfellsnes Peninsula**
Stykkishólmur is one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns, and Stykkishólmur Inn is an ideal base for exploring the “miniature Iceland” of Snæfellsnes:
– Snæfellsjökull National Park
– Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall
– Arnarstapi and Hellnar coastal cliffs
– Black and golden sand beaches
From here you can also join boat tours in Breiðafjörður Bay, known for its countless islands and rich birdlife.
**Ísafjörður Inn – Westfjords**
For travelers who want to go beyond the usual routes, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords’ largest town:
– Day trips to Dynjandi waterfall
– Scenic drives along dramatic fjords
– Hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching
– Local culture, cafés, and museums
Using these three inns as your anchors, you can build a multi-day trip that feels both adventurous and comfortable.
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### 3. Plan a Logical Route Through West Iceland
A popular and efficient route for a multi-day trip might look like this:
**Day 1–2: Borgarfjörður & West Iceland (Stay at Hvítá Inn)**
– Arrive in Iceland and drive towards Borgarfjörður.
– Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, then relax in a nearby geothermal pool.
– Explore Deildartunguhver and Reykholt, or take a scenic drive through the countryside.
– Enjoy a quiet evening at Hvítá Inn, surrounded by nature.
**Day 3–4: Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Stay at Stykkishólmur Inn)**
– Drive to Stykkishólmur, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
– Spend a full day circling Snæfellsnes: Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi, and Snæfellsjökull National Park.
– Join a boat tour from Stykkishólmur to see islands, birdlife, and unique coastal scenery.
– Return to Stykkishólmur Inn each night for a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
**Day 5–6+: Westfjords (Stay at Ísafjörður Inn)**
– Continue north to Ísafjörður, one of Iceland’s most charming and remote towns.
– Take a day trip to Dynjandi, often called the jewel of the Westfjords.
– Explore nearby villages, hike coastal trails, or join a kayaking tour.
– Unwind at Ísafjörður Inn after long days of exploring rugged landscapes.
You can adjust this outline based on how many days you have, but this structure keeps driving times reasonable and experiences varied.
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### 4. Balance Driving Time and Sightseeing
Iceland’s roads are scenic, but distances can be deceptive. When planning your multi-day trip:
– Aim for **3–4 hours of driving per day** on average.
– Use your stays at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as hubs for **loop drives** and **shorter day trips**.
– Check road conditions daily, especially in shoulder seasons and winter.
By staying multiple nights in each place, you can choose each morning whether you want a full adventure day or a slower, more relaxed schedule.
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### 5. Consider the Seasons
Your Iceland itinerary will look different depending on when you visit:
– **Summer (June–August)**: Long days, easier driving, access to more remote areas in the Westfjords. Ideal for combining all three regions in one trip.
– **Spring & Autumn**: Fewer crowds, changing colors, and a chance to see the northern lights. Some highland or remote roads may be limited.
– **Winter**: Short days, snow-covered landscapes, and northern lights potential. Focus on shorter driving days and check conditions carefully.
Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are well-suited for all seasons, offering warm, comfortable stays after a day in the elements.
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### 6. Book Accommodation in Advance
West Iceland and the Westfjords are popular, especially in summer. To keep your multi-day trip smooth:
– Reserve your rooms at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** early, especially if you’re traveling in June–August.
– Plan at least **two nights per location** to avoid constant packing and unpacking.
– Use your confirmed stays as anchors, then fill in activities around them.
Booking with Ourhotels.is gives you a consistent standard of comfort and service across different regions, which is especially valuable on a longer trip.
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### 7. Mix Iconic Sights with Local Experiences
A great Iceland multi-day trip combines famous landmarks with quieter, local moments:
– Pair big-name stops like Kirkjufell and Dynjandi with small village cafés, local swimming pools, and short walks off the main road.
– Ask staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn for their favorite nearby viewpoints, hot pots, or lesser-known trails.
– Leave some flexibility in your schedule for spontaneous stops—waterfalls, viewpoints, and photo opportunities are everywhere.
This balance keeps your trip from feeling rushed and helps you experience Iceland beyond the guidebooks.
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### 8. Pack Smart for a Multi-Day Road Trip
For a comfortable journey through West Iceland and the Westfjords, bring:
– Layered clothing for changing weather
– Waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes
– Swimsuit and towel for hot springs and pools
– Reusable water bottle and snacks for longer drives
– Offline maps or navigation
Staying at well-equipped inns like those in the Ourhotels.is family means you can travel lighter, knowing you’ll have a warm, comfortable place to return to each night.
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### 9. Let Your Bases Be Your “Home in Iceland”
The key to a successful Iceland multi-day trip is feeling grounded even as you explore new landscapes every day. By choosing a few well-placed bases—such as Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—you can:
– Reduce daily driving time
– Explore more deeply in each region
– Enjoy consistent comfort and hospitality
– Experience Iceland at a more relaxed, authentic pace
Ourhotels.is brings these stays together into a natural route through some of Iceland’s most beautiful and less crowded regions, making it easier to plan a trip that’s both adventurous and restful.
With a thoughtful route, a few well-chosen bases, and time to slow down and enjoy the landscapes, your Iceland multi-day trip can be as memorable as the scenery itself.
