Traveling in Iceland doesn’t have to drain your budget. With a bit of planning and some smart choices, you can experience glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and charming fishing towns without overspending. Here are practical ways to save money while traveling in Iceland—especially around the beautiful west coast—plus how staying with Ourhotels.is can help keep your trip affordable and comfortable.
One of the biggest expenses in Iceland is accommodation, so choosing where you stay matters. Instead of pricey luxury hotels or remote cabins, look for comfortable, well-located inns and guesthouses that give you good value and easy access to sights. Ourhotels.is focuses on exactly that: simple, cozy stays in great locations across West Iceland, so you can spend less on your room and more on experiences.
If you’re driving the Ring Road or exploring the west, basing yourself strategically can save both time and fuel. For example, Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) is an excellent base for exploring the waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields of West Iceland without constantly changing hotels. From here, you can visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, soak in nearby hot springs, or explore the historic Borgarnes area, then return to a comfortable, budget-friendly room instead of paying premium prices in more touristy spots.
Another way to save is to focus on free or low-cost nature experiences. Iceland’s greatest attractions—waterfalls, coastlines, mountains, and fjords—are usually free to visit. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can spend entire days exploring black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and small fishing villages without paying entrance fees. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn puts you right in one of the peninsula’s most picturesque towns. From there, you can walk the harbor, take in the colorful houses, hike nearby viewpoints, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without needing expensive tours every day. Because you’re staying locally, you can time your outings for early morning or late evening, avoiding crowds and making the most of long summer days.
Food is another major cost in Iceland, but there are easy ways to cut it down. Shop at supermarkets like Bónus, Krónan, or Nettó and prepare simple meals or snacks instead of eating out for every meal. Many travelers choose accommodations that make it easy to self-cater or at least store food. By staying with Ourhotels.is properties, you can plan your days around affordable picnics, quick breakfasts, and supermarket dinners, saving restaurant visits for special occasions. Even small changes—like bringing a reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent and free) and packing your own lunch—can add up to big savings over a week.
Transportation choices also matter. Renting a car gives you flexibility and can be cost-effective if you’re traveling with others, especially in the west where public transport is limited. To save money, choose a fuel-efficient car, avoid unnecessary detours, and plan your route so you’re not backtracking. Staying multiple nights in the same area—such as at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—reduces driving and fuel costs. You can explore each region in depth instead of rushing from one end of the country to the other.
When you head further northwest, Ísafjörður and the Westfjords offer some of Iceland’s most dramatic scenery with fewer crowds. Ísafjörður Inn is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience this remote region without paying remote-luxury prices. From Ísafjörður, you can take day trips to nearby fjords, hike mountain trails, or simply wander the town and harbor. Many of the best experiences here—like scenic drives, coastal walks, and viewpoints—are free; your main costs will be fuel and food, so an affordable stay makes a big difference.
Timing your trip can also help you save. Traveling in shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) often means lower prices on flights and car rentals, plus more availability at popular spots. Ourhotels.is properties in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður are well-suited for these seasons, giving you a cozy base even when the weather is cooler and the days are shorter. You’ll still enjoy stunning landscapes, but with fewer people and often better deals.
Finally, think about what you really want from your trip. You don’t need to book every tour or chase every “must-see” to have an unforgettable experience. Choose a few key paid activities that matter most to you—maybe a boat tour from Stykkishólmur, a guided excursion in the Westfjords, or a geothermal spa visit—and keep the rest of your days focused on self-guided exploration. With comfortable, reasonably priced stays at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is, you can slow down, explore more deeply, and keep your budget under control.
By combining smart accommodation choices, self-catering, efficient driving, and a focus on Iceland’s free natural wonders, you can enjoy a rich, memorable trip without overspending. Ourhotels.is is designed to support exactly this kind of travel—simple, welcoming places to stay in some of the most beautiful parts of West Iceland, so you can experience more while spending less.
