Iceland is a dream destination for hikers: endless trails, dramatic coastlines, glaciers, hot springs, and quiet valleys where you might walk for hours without seeing another person. To make the most of your hiking trip, it helps to know a few local tips—especially if you’re exploring the west and northwest, where Ourhotels.is has comfortable bases for your adventures.
Below are practical Iceland travel tips for hikers, along with ideas on how to use Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your “home trailheads” while you explore.
Iceland hiking basics: weather, gear, and safety
Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience sun, wind, rain, and fog in a single day, even in summer. Always:
– Check the forecast at vedur.is before you set out.
– Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof/windproof shell.
– Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support—many trails are rocky, muddy, or uneven.
– Pack essentials: hat, gloves, extra socks, a buff or scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, snacks, a fully charged phone, and a power bank.
Safety is taken seriously in Iceland. Before longer hikes, register your travel plan at safetravel.is and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Trail markings can be sparse in some areas, and fog can roll in quickly, so don’t rely solely on phone reception—offline maps or a GPS device are very helpful.
Respecting nature and local rules
Iceland’s landscapes are fragile. Moss can take decades to recover from a single footprint, and bird nesting areas are easily disturbed. Stay on marked trails, avoid stepping on moss, and follow any seasonal closures or local signs. Never cross closed-off areas, even if it looks safe—closures are usually due to erosion, nesting birds, or hidden hazards.
Wild camping rules are strict and increasingly limited; most hikers now use campsites or stay in guesthouses and inns. This is where Ourhotels.is can make your trip smoother: you can enjoy long days on the trail and return to a warm bed, hot shower, and a hearty meal instead of worrying about where to pitch a tent.
Using Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn as your hiking base
Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, is one of the best regions in West Iceland for varied, accessible hiking. Staying at Hvítá Inn with Ourhotels.is puts you within easy reach of waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs, and quiet valleys.
From Hvítá Inn, you can explore:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Short, easy walks with spectacular views of turquoise water flowing through lava. Great for a relaxed first day or a travel day stretch.
– Husafell area: A network of trails through birch woods, lava formations, and rivers, with options for both short family-friendly walks and longer day hikes.
– Grábrók crater: A relatively easy hike up a volcanic crater with panoramic views over the surrounding lava field and valley—perfect as a half-day outing.
After a day on the trail, Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere where you can unwind, plan the next day’s route, and enjoy the long evening light in summer. It’s also a convenient stop if you’re driving the ring road or heading toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Hiking the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in miniature” because it has a bit of everything: cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, mountains, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier. Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn with Ourhotels.is gives you a charming harbor town as your base, with easy access to some of the peninsula’s best hikes.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, consider:
– Coastal walks near Stykkishólmur: Gentle hikes along the shoreline and nearby hills with views over Breiðafjörður’s countless islands. Ideal for a relaxed day or evening walk.
– Kirkjufell area: While the mountain itself is steep and not recommended without experience and a guide, the area around Kirkjufellsfoss offers beautiful, easy walking and classic photo opportunities.
– Snæfellsjökull National Park: Numerous trails of varying difficulty, from short coastal walks near Djúpalónssandur and Hellnar–Arnarstapi to longer hikes in the shadow of the glacier. Always check conditions, especially early or late in the season.
Stykkishólmur Inn lets you combine serious hiking with small-town comforts: good food, a picturesque harbor, and the chance to take a boat tour among the islands on a rest day. It’s a great place to slow down, hike by day, and enjoy the calm of the evening by the sea.
Exploring the Westfjords from Ísafjörður Inn
For hikers who want wilder, more remote terrain, the Westfjords are a highlight of any Iceland trip. Ísafjörður is the region’s main town and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding fjords and mountains. Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, puts you right in the heart of this dramatic landscape.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can access:
– Local mountain trails: Several routes start near town, leading up to viewpoints over the fjord and surrounding peaks. These range from moderate to challenging, with rewarding views.
– Nearby fjords and valleys: Short drives open up a variety of day hikes—coastal paths, valley walks, and ridge routes with sweeping panoramas.
– Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (with a tour): While you typically need a boat and more planning for Hornstrandir, Ísafjörður is the main gateway. Many hikers use Ísafjörður Inn as a comfortable base before and after multi-day treks in this pristine, roadless reserve.
The Westfjords can be cooler and windier than other parts of Iceland, even in summer, so pack an extra warm layer and be prepared for changing conditions. Returning to Ísafjörður Inn after a long, remote hike means hot showers, a cozy room, and the chance to enjoy local restaurants and cafés in town.
Driving and logistics for hikers in West and Northwest Iceland
If you’re combining hiking with a road trip, plan your driving times carefully. Distances can be longer than they look on the map, and you’ll often want to stop for photos or short walks along the way. In summer, the long daylight hours give you flexibility, but it’s still wise to avoid driving when tired after a demanding hike.
Ourhotels.is locations—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—are spaced in a way that works well for a multi-day itinerary:
– Start near Borgarnes at Hvítá Inn, exploring Borgarfjörður’s waterfalls and valleys.
– Continue to Stykkishólmur Inn for Snæfellsnes hikes and coastal walks.
– Head north and west to Ísafjörður Inn for more remote mountain and fjord trails.
This route lets you experience three distinct hiking regions without rushing, with comfortable stays in between.
Seasonal tips for hikers in Iceland
– Summer (June–August): Best for most hikers. Trails are generally clear of snow, days are long, and access to remote areas is easier. Still, bring warm and waterproof layers.
– Shoulder seasons (May, September): Quieter and often beautiful, but some highland or remote trails may still be snow-covered or muddy. Check local conditions and be flexible.
– Winter: Only for experienced hikers with proper gear and often a guide. Many trails are not suitable in winter conditions. If you visit in winter, focus on short, safe walks and enjoy the scenery, hot springs, and northern lights instead of long hikes.
Food, water, and recovery
Tap water in Iceland is excellent and safe to drink, so you can refill your bottle at your accommodation and in most towns. On the trail, don’t drink from streams unless you’re certain they’re clean and uncontaminated by grazing animals upstream.
Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need—nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, and sandwiches are all good options. After a long hike, it’s worth treating yourself to a proper meal and rest. Staying at Ourhotels.is properties means you can focus on recovery: hot showers, comfortable beds, and a calm environment to recharge for the next day’s adventure.
Making the most of your hiking trip with Ourhotels.is
Using Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your bases lets you experience some of the best hiking in West and Northwest Iceland without sacrificing comfort. You can wake up close to the trails, spend your days exploring waterfalls, coastlines, and mountains, and return each evening to a warm, welcoming place to stay.
By planning your route around these three locations, you’ll see a wide variety of Icelandic landscapes—lava fields and rivers in Borgarfjörður, cliffs and glacier views on Snæfellsnes, and wild fjords and peaks in the Westfjords—while keeping your logistics simple and your focus where it belongs: on the joy of hiking in Iceland’s unforgettable nature.
