Planning your first trip to Iceland is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Dramatic waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glaciers, hot springs, and endless coastal views all compete for your time. With a bit of smart planning, you can see a lot without feeling rushed, especially if you base yourself in comfortable, well-located accommodation along the way.
Here are essential Iceland travel tips for first-timers, plus how staying with Ourhotels.is—at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—can make your journey smoother, more authentic, and more relaxing.
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### 1. When to Visit Iceland
**Summer (June–August)**
– Long days and midnight sun
– Easier driving conditions
– Ideal for road trips around West Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords
– Great time to stay at Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn as you explore the coast and islands
**Shoulder Seasons (May, September–October)**
– Fewer crowds and often better prices
– Good balance of daylight and darkness (for possible Northern Lights in autumn)
– Perfect for a quieter stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes and the Golden Circle
**Winter (November–March)**
– Northern Lights season
– Snowy landscapes and cozy evenings
– Short days and more challenging driving, but magical if you’re prepared
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### 2. Getting Around: Driving vs. Tours
For first-time visitors, renting a car is often the best way to experience Iceland at your own pace.
**Driving Tips:**
– Check road conditions daily at road.is, especially in winter and in the Westfjords.
– Choose a 4×4 if you’re visiting in winter or heading to more remote areas.
– Fuel up regularly—stations can be far apart outside Reykjavík.
Staying at **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** gives you natural “stepping stones” along a classic West Iceland road trip: from Borgarfjörður to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and then up to the dramatic Westfjords.
If you’re not comfortable driving, consider:
– Day tours from Reykjavík to the Golden Circle and Borgarfjörður area
– Organized tours to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords, using Ourhotels.is properties as your overnight base
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### 3. What to Pack for Iceland
Weather in Iceland is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, you can experience sun, wind, rain, and fog in a single day.
**Essentials:**
– Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
– Warm layers (wool or fleece)
– Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots
– Hat, gloves, and scarf—even in summer for windy days
– Swimsuit and quick-dry towel for hot springs and pools
– Reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent everywhere, including at Ourhotels.is properties)
Having a warm, comfortable place to return to each night—like the cozy rooms at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—makes a big difference after a day in the elements.
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### 4. Must-See Highlights in West Iceland
Many first-timers focus only on the south coast, but West Iceland offers some of the country’s most beautiful and less-crowded experiences. Ourhotels.is locations are placed to help you explore them easily.
#### Borgarfjörður & Hvítá Inn (near Borgarnes)
Borgarfjörður is a lush, historic region with hot springs, lava fields, and rivers.
From **Hvítá Inn** you can easily reach:
– **Deildartunguhver** – Europe’s most powerful hot spring
– **Hraunfossar and Barnafoss** – unique waterfalls flowing through lava fields
– **Reykholt** – historic site of the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson
– **Borgarnes** – a charming town with beautiful coastal views and the Settlement Center museum
Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful countryside setting, making it a relaxing first or last stop on your Iceland itinerary, especially if you’re driving from or back to Reykjavík.
#### Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: volcanoes, glaciers, cliffs, black and golden beaches, and fishing villages.
Staying at **Stykkishólmur Inn** puts you in one of Iceland’s prettiest coastal towns, Stykkishólmur, with:
– Colorful old houses and a picturesque harbor
– Boat tours to nearby islands and the Breiðafjörður bay
– Easy access to **Kirkjufell**, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains
– A great base for exploring **Snæfellsjökull National Park**, lava fields, and dramatic coastlines
After a full day of exploring, you can walk around the harbor, enjoy local seafood, and return to the comfort of Stykkishólmur Inn.
#### Westfjords & Ísafjörður Inn
The Westfjords are wilder and more remote, with steep mountains, deep fjords, and fewer tourists. For adventurous first-timers, this region is unforgettable.
**Ísafjörður Inn** is located in Ísafjörður, the main town of the Westfjords, and makes a perfect base for:
– Boat trips to remote fjords and islands
– Hiking in dramatic mountain scenery
– Exploring nearby villages and quiet, scenic roads
– Enjoying local culture, cafés, and small-town life
Staying at Ísafjörður Inn lets you experience the raw beauty of the Westfjords while still having comfortable accommodation and services close at hand.
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### 5. Budget Tips for First-Time Visitors
Iceland can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs under control:
– **Book accommodation early** – Especially in summer. Ourhotels.is properties in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður are popular with road-trippers.
– **Choose flexible bases** – Staying multiple nights at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn lets you explore nearby areas without packing and unpacking every day.
– **Self-cater when possible** – Many travelers mix restaurant meals with supermarket picnics or simple dinners.
– **Use free nature** – Waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints, and many hiking trails are free to visit.
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### 6. Respecting Nature and Local Culture
Iceland’s landscapes are fragile. To help protect them:
– Stay on marked paths and roads
– Don’t drive off-road—this is illegal and damages moss and soil
– Take all your rubbish with you
– Follow safety signs at cliffs, beaches, and hot springs
In smaller towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður, you’ll find a slower pace of life. Greet people, support local businesses, and enjoy the calm atmosphere. Staff at Ourhotels.is properties are usually happy to share local tips, from the best viewpoints to lesser-known walking paths.
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### 7. Why Stay with Ourhotels.is on Your First Iceland Trip
Choosing the right places to stay can shape your entire experience. Ourhotels.is focuses on comfortable, well-located inns in West Iceland that are ideal for first-time visitors:
– **Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes)** – Great first or last stop from Reykjavík, close to waterfalls, hot springs, and historic sites.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn** – Perfect base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the islands of Breiðafjörður.
– **Ísafjörður Inn** – Your gateway to the wild beauty of the Westfjords.
By linking these three stays, you can create a memorable, manageable road trip through some of Iceland’s most beautiful regions—without long, exhausting driving days.
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If you’re planning your first visit to Iceland, consider building your route around West Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords. With Ourhotels.is as your home base along the way, you’ll have the comfort, location, and local insight you need to enjoy Iceland’s nature at its best.
