Staying connected while traveling in Iceland is easier than ever, but using public Wi‑Fi safely still takes a bit of know‑how. Whether you’re planning your route around the Westfjords, checking the weather before a glacier tour, or uploading photos of waterfalls and lava fields, it’s worth understanding how to use public Wi‑Fi securely and efficiently.
Public Wi‑Fi is widely available in Iceland. You’ll find free or open networks in cafés, gas stations, visitor centers, and many attractions. In the west of Iceland, towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður all offer multiple hotspots, and most accommodations – including Ourhotels.is properties – provide free Wi‑Fi for guests.
At Ourhotels.is, we know that a reliable connection is part of a comfortable stay. Our inns in West Iceland – Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn – all offer complimentary Wi‑Fi so you can plan your adventures, stay in touch with home, or get some work done between exploring fjords and fishing villages.
When you’re on the road, you’ll often see open networks with names like “Free WiFi” or “Guest.” Before connecting, check that the network belongs to the place you’re in. Ask staff at a café, museum, or hotel to confirm the correct network name and whether there’s a password. At Ourhotels.is properties, you’ll find the official Wi‑Fi name and password clearly displayed at reception or in your room information, so you can be sure you’re on the right network.
For extra safety, avoid accessing sensitive accounts – like online banking – on completely open, unsecured networks. If you need to log in to important services, wait until you’re back at your accommodation, where the network is password‑protected, or use a VPN. Many travelers use their room at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn as a “base” for handling bookings, payments, and other private tasks, and then use public Wi‑Fi on the road only for lighter browsing, maps, and social media.
It’s also smart to keep your devices updated before your trip. Make sure your phone, tablet, and laptop have the latest security updates installed. Turn off automatic file sharing and AirDrop, and set your device so it doesn’t automatically connect to any open network it finds. When you stay with Ourhotels.is, you can use the stable Wi‑Fi in your room to run any updates you need, so you’re protected before heading out to more public hotspots.
In West Iceland, public Wi‑Fi is especially useful for navigation and weather checks. Conditions can change quickly, and having a good connection helps you travel safely. Many guests at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður use the hotel Wi‑Fi in the morning to check road conditions and plan their route along the Ring Road or into the highlands. From The Stykkishólmur Inn, travelers often look up ferry schedules and boat tours around Breiðafjörður Bay. At Ísafjörður Inn, guests rely on the connection to check Westfjords road closures, book activities, and share photos of dramatic cliffs and remote beaches.
If you’re working remotely while traveling, you’ll appreciate a more stable and secure connection than typical public hotspots. Ourhotels.is inns in West Iceland are designed to be comfortable bases for digital nomads and working travelers. Many guests choose to do video calls, upload large files, or handle work emails from their room or common areas at Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, then use public Wi‑Fi only for quick checks while exploring.
Battery life is another thing to keep in mind. Public Wi‑Fi can drain your phone faster, especially if the signal is weak. Download offline maps and key information (like booking confirmations and directions) while you’re on a strong connection at your hotel. That way, if you lose signal on the road, you still have what you need. Guests at Ourhotels.is often download entire routes, hiking maps, and local guides before setting off for the day.
When you’re connected to any public Wi‑Fi in Iceland, remember a few simple habits: log out of websites when you’re done, avoid saving passwords in shared browsers, and disconnect from networks you’re no longer using. Back at your hotel, you can review your settings in a calmer environment. Ourhotels.is staff are always happy to help you find the Wi‑Fi details, suggest useful local apps, or point you to the best spots in town for a strong connection and a good coffee.
Using public Wi‑Fi in Iceland doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing trusted networks, limiting sensitive activity on open hotspots, and using your hotel’s secure Wi‑Fi for important tasks, you can stay connected and protected throughout your trip. With comfortable bases like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, Ourhotels.is makes it easy to combine Iceland’s wild landscapes with modern connectivity – so you can focus on enjoying the journey while staying safely online.
