Exploring Iceland’s wild landscapes is a dream for many travelers, but it comes with a responsibility: understanding how to respect private land. In Iceland, most of the countryside is privately owned, even when it looks like untouched wilderness. Knowing how to behave on farms, trails, and open fields helps protect nature, supports local communities, and ensures that visitors remain welcome.
When you stay with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland – whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður near Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the country’s most beautiful regions. You’re also staying with hosts who care deeply about the land and can guide you on how to enjoy it respectfully.
In Iceland, the general rule is simple: if you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to go somewhere, ask. Farmers and landowners are usually happy to help when approached politely. Many popular natural sites now have marked paths, parking areas, and viewing platforms. Stick to these whenever they’re provided. Walking off-trail can damage fragile moss and vegetation that may take decades to recover, especially in volcanic and highland areas.
Driving is another key issue. Off-road driving is strictly illegal in Iceland, even if the ground looks solid or “just like gravel.” Always stay on marked roads and tracks. If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, for example, you’ll find plenty of scenic drives along legal roads that lead to waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields. Your hosts can point you toward safe routes and explain where you should not drive, especially in spring and autumn when the ground is softer.
Gates and fences are there for a reason. If you pass through a gate on a country road or walking path, leave it exactly as you found it: closed if it was closed, open if it was open. This is crucial for keeping sheep and horses where they belong. Around Stykkishólmur Inn, you’ll see many small farms and grazing areas on your way to viewpoints and coastal walks. Respecting fences, gates, and signs helps maintain good relations between visitors and local farmers.
Camping is another area where respecting private land is essential. Wild camping rules have become much stricter in recent years. In most cases, you should use designated campsites rather than pitching a tent or parking a campervan on private land. If you’re unsure, ask the landowner or choose an official camping area. When you base yourself at Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll find well-maintained campsites and facilities nearby, making it easy to explore the fjords by day and rest comfortably at night without disturbing private property.
Litter is more than just an eyesore in Iceland’s pristine nature; it can harm wildlife and livestock. Always take your rubbish with you, including food scraps, tissues, and cigarette butts. Use toilets where available, and if you’re in a remote area without facilities, follow Leave No Trace principles. The staff at Ourhotels.is properties are happy to advise you on the nearest services, rest stops, and viewpoints with proper facilities.
Hot springs, rivers, and coastal areas are often on or next to private land. Even if there’s no fence, the land may belong to a farmer or a local community. If there are signs asking for a small fee or donation for parking or access, paying it helps maintain paths, changing areas, and safety measures. Around Borgarfjörður and Stykkishólmur, for example, many natural attractions are cared for by local landowners who invest time and money into keeping them accessible.
Respecting Iceland’s private land also means respecting peace and quiet. Avoid flying drones near farms, homes, or guesthouses without permission. Keep noise levels low, especially at night and early in the morning. When you return to Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn after a day of exploring, you’ll appreciate the calm atmosphere that comes from everyone following the same unwritten rules of courtesy.
By choosing to stay with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland, you’re already supporting local communities that live close to the land. Your hosts can share up-to-date advice on where to hike, which roads are safe, and how to behave around animals and farm areas. A quick conversation at reception can help you avoid accidental trespassing and ensure your trip is both memorable and respectful.
Iceland’s landscapes are part of people’s daily lives, livelihoods, and heritage. Treating private land with care – staying on marked paths, closing gates, using designated campsites, and asking when in doubt – allows you to experience the country’s natural beauty while helping to preserve it for future travelers. From the green valleys near Hvítá Inn to the coastal views around Stykkishólmur Inn and the dramatic fjords by Ísafjörður Inn, respecting the land is the key to a truly authentic Icelandic adventure.
