Staying in a hostel in Iceland is one of the best ways to meet fellow travelers, keep your budget in check, and experience the country like a local. But to make sure everyone enjoys their stay, it helps to know a bit about Iceland hostel etiquette—especially if you’re sharing spaces like kitchens, lounges, and dorm rooms.
Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, these simple tips will help you feel at home and be a considerate guest. All three are part of Ourhotels.is, a small Icelandic chain that focuses on friendly, relaxed accommodation in the west of Iceland.
**1. Quiet hours really matter (especially in Icelandic nature)**
Hostels in Iceland are often surrounded by peaceful countryside or small fishing towns, and many guests are up early for tours, hikes, or long drives. Respecting quiet hours is one of the most important parts of hostel etiquette.
– Keep voices low in hallways and dorms after evening quiet hours.
– Use headphones for music or videos.
– If you’re leaving early for a glacier tour or a drive on the Ring Road, pack your bag the night before to avoid rustling around in the dark.
At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, the calm riverside setting makes quiet evenings especially magical. Listening to the river and the wind outside is much nicer than hearing late-night door slams and loud conversations.
**2. Kitchen etiquette: leave it cleaner than you found it**
Shared kitchens are a big part of hostel life in Iceland. Groceries can be pricey, so many travelers cook their own meals. To keep things running smoothly:
– Wash, dry, and put away your dishes right after you use them.
– Wipe down counters and stovetops if you spill or splash.
– Label your food clearly with your name and departure date.
– Don’t take food that isn’t yours—even if it “looks abandoned.”
At Stykkishólmur Inn, many guests cook simple dinners after a day exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. When everyone cleans up after themselves, the kitchen stays welcoming for the next group coming in from a long day of sightseeing.
**3. Dorm room basics: be tidy and thoughtful**
Dorm rooms are shared spaces, so a little consideration goes a long way:
– Keep your belongings organized and close to your bed or locker.
– Avoid spreading your gear across the whole room.
– Use a small light or phone flashlight if you come in late or leave early.
– Pack plastic bags inside your backpack to reduce noisy rustling.
At Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, many guests are hikers, cyclists, or road-trippers. Everyone is tired at the end of the day, so keeping the dorm calm and clutter-free helps everyone rest and recharge.
**4. Bathroom and shower etiquette**
Bathrooms are shared in most hostels, so think of the next person in line:
– Keep showers short, especially at busy times.
– Take all your toiletries with you—don’t leave them scattered around.
– Wipe up any water on the floor or sink.
– Don’t hog the mirror during peak morning hours.
This is especially important in smaller properties like Hvítá Inn, where guests often head out around the same time for day trips in Borgarfjörður and the surrounding countryside.
**5. Respect local customs and the environment**
Icelanders are proud of their nature and culture, and hostel etiquette extends beyond the building itself:
– Take your shoes off indoors if requested—many Icelandic accommodations prefer this.
– Sort your trash and recycling correctly; Iceland takes waste separation seriously.
– Don’t waste hot water or heating; energy is precious, even if it’s geothermal.
– Be mindful of noise outside the hostel too—small towns like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður are quiet and residential.
Ourhotels.is properties, including Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, often provide information on local recycling, hiking safety, and how to enjoy nature responsibly. Taking a moment to read these signs helps you blend in and travel more sustainably.
**6. Social spaces: be friendly, but not intrusive**
One of the best parts of staying in a hostel is meeting other travelers. Common rooms and lounges are perfect for this:
– Say hello, ask where people are from, and share travel tips if they seem open to chatting.
– Be mindful of people reading, working, or resting—they may not want to talk.
– Don’t dominate the space with loud calls or video chats; step outside or to a quieter corner.
At Ourhotels.is hostels like Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll often find guests swapping stories about whale watching, northern lights sightings, or hidden hot springs. These shared moments are part of what makes hostel travel in Iceland so memorable.
**7. Food storage and fridges: be organized and honest**
Fridge space can be limited, especially in busy seasons:
– Use one bag or container for your food to keep it compact.
– Label everything clearly.
– Don’t leave expired food behind—throw it away before you check out.
– Never take someone else’s food, even if it looks like it’s been there a while.
Good fridge etiquette keeps the kitchen at Hvítá Inn or Stykkishólmur Inn from turning into a mystery-food zone and ensures there’s space for everyone.
**8. Check-in, check-out, and communication**
Hostel staff are there to help, and clear communication makes everyone’s life easier:
– Respect check-in and check-out times so rooms can be cleaned properly.
– If you’re arriving late, let the hostel know in advance.
– Ask at reception if you’re unsure about house rules, laundry, or local tips.
– Report any issues (like a broken light or shower) politely and promptly.
Ourhotels.is prides itself on friendly, local service at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn. Staff are usually happy to recommend nearby hot springs, viewpoints, or lesser-known attractions—just ask.
**9. Night sky and northern lights etiquette**
If you’re visiting in winter and hoping to see the northern lights, remember:
– Keep voices low when going in and out at night.
– Close doors gently so you don’t wake sleeping guests.
– Use low light or red light outside to preserve night vision and reduce disturbance.
At countryside locations like Hvítá Inn, the dark skies can be perfect for aurora watching. Being quiet and considerate means everyone can enjoy the magic without being woken up unexpectedly.
**10. Be the kind of guest you’d like to share a room with**
In the end, Iceland hostel etiquette comes down to one simple idea: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Clean up after yourself, respect quiet hours, be friendly but considerate, and take care of the shared spaces.
If you’re planning a trip to the west of Iceland, hostels and inns from Ourhotels.is—such as Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—offer a relaxed, social, and budget-friendly base for your adventures. Follow these simple etiquette tips, and you’ll not only have a smoother stay, but you’ll also help create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone traveling through Iceland.
