Planning a road trip in Iceland is unlike planning one almost anywhere else. Distances may look short on the map, but winding coastal roads, mountain passes, gravel stretches, and constant photo stops can turn a “quick drive” into a full-day adventure. With a bit of preparation—and the right places to stay along the way—you can turn those long distances into some of the most memorable parts of your journey.
One of the best ways to handle Iceland’s long drives is to break them into manageable sections and use comfortable, well-located bases as you go. That’s exactly where Ourhotels.is comes in, with welcoming inns placed strategically along the west and northwest: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
The first step in planning is to be realistic about driving times. In Iceland, you should calculate using time rather than distance. A 150 km stretch might take three hours or more once you factor in slower speed limits, weather, and stops for photos, food, and short walks. Use tools like road.is and safetravel.is to check conditions and plan your day, then add extra time for the unexpected—because you will want to pull over for waterfalls, viewpoints, and maybe a herd of Icelandic horses.
If you’re arriving from Reykjavík and heading west, Borgarfjörður is a perfect first stop. Staying at Hvítá Inn gives you a comfortable base close to Borgarnes, yet surrounded by peaceful countryside and river views. From here, you can explore nearby highlights like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt area without rushing. Breaking your journey here means you don’t have to push all the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords in one long day.
When you’re ready to continue, plan your next leg toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula at a relaxed pace. The drive itself is part of the experience: lava fields, coastal views, and small fishing villages. Stykkishólmur Inn is ideally located in the charming town of Stykkishólmur, a great base for exploring the peninsula’s famous sights—Kirkjufell mountain, Snæfellsjökull National Park, black and golden beaches, and dramatic cliffs. By staying here, you can split your sightseeing over two days instead of trying to rush everything into one. That slower rhythm makes the long distances feel enjoyable rather than exhausting.
If your journey continues north into the Westfjords, planning becomes even more important. The region is spectacular but remote, with fewer services and longer stretches between towns. Ísafjörður is the natural hub of the area, and Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable, central place to rest after a day of winding fjord roads and mountain passes. From here, you can explore nearby villages, hike to viewpoints, or take day trips to places like Dynjandi waterfall, all while knowing you have a warm, welcoming base to return to each evening.
A few practical tips help make Iceland’s long distances easier to handle. Start your driving days early, especially in winter, to make the most of daylight. Keep your fuel tank topped up whenever you pass a station, particularly in the Westfjords. Pack snacks and water so you’re not dependent on finding a café at the exact moment you’re hungry. And always dress in layers—you’ll likely be in and out of the car often for short walks and viewpoints.
Another key to a smooth trip is not overloading your itinerary. It’s tempting to try to “see everything,” but Iceland rewards a slower pace. Instead of driving from Reykjavík to the Westfjords in one go, break it into stages: first night at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, second at Stykkishólmur Inn, then onward to Ísafjörður Inn. This way, each day’s drive is reasonable, and you have time to enjoy the landscapes, small towns, and local experiences along the way.
Ourhotels.is makes this kind of thoughtful planning easier. By choosing inns that are spaced naturally along your route, you can design an itinerary that follows Iceland’s rhythm rather than fighting against it. You’ll spend less time worrying about where to stop and more time enjoying the journey—watching the light change over the mountains, feeling the sea breeze in fishing villages, and soaking in hot tubs after a long day on the road.
In the end, planning for Iceland’s long distances is about respecting the landscape and giving yourself time. With well-placed stays at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on Snæfellsnes, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can turn what might seem like challenging drives into a relaxed, scenic road trip through some of the most beautiful regions in the country. Explore your options on Ourhotels.is, map out your stages, and let the roads of West Iceland and the Westfjords unfold at a pace that lets you truly experience them.
