Planning a family trip to Iceland is exciting—but doing it with kids means you’ll want things to be easy, safe, and fun. The good news is that Iceland is one of the most family‑friendly destinations in the world: clean, safe, full of nature, and packed with adventures that work just as well for curious children as they do for adults.
Here are some practical Iceland travel tips for kids, plus ideas on how to use Ourhotels.is properties—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—as comfortable bases for your family road trip in West Iceland.
Iceland Travel Basics With Kids
Iceland is very child‑friendly. You’ll find high‑quality tap water everywhere, baby changing facilities in many public places, and locals who are used to traveling with children in all seasons. Still, a bit of planning goes a long way:
– Pack layers, not bulk: Weather changes quickly, even in summer. Think thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers, hat, and gloves for each child.
– Choose sturdy shoes: Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are ideal, even for short walks to waterfalls or viewpoints.
– Bring swimwear year‑round: Hot springs and swimming pools are a huge part of Icelandic culture and a highlight for kids, even when it’s cold outside.
– Plan shorter driving days: Distances look small on the map, but you’ll stop often for views, animals, and snacks. Aim for 3–4 hours of driving per day with children.
Why West Iceland Works So Well for Families
West Iceland offers dramatic landscapes without the long drives of the full Ring Road. You can combine waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and charming fishing towns in a compact area—perfect for kids who need variety and regular breaks.
Ourhotels.is has three family‑friendly inns in the region that make planning simple: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Staying at these three locations creates a natural loop through some of the most beautiful parts of Iceland, with manageable driving times between each stop.
Family‑Friendly Tips Around Hvítá Inn, Borgarfjörður
Hvítá Inn is located in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, and works perfectly as your first stop after leaving Reykjavík. The area is rich in Viking history, waterfalls, and gentle outdoor activities that suit children of all ages.
Kid‑friendly ideas near Hvítá Inn:
– Visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes: Interactive exhibits tell the story of Iceland’s early settlers in a way that’s engaging for kids.
– Explore Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: These side‑by‑side waterfalls are easy to reach via short, well‑marked paths and viewing platforms—ideal for little legs.
– Warm up at Krauma Geothermal Baths: While some pools are hotter than others, there are quieter areas where families can relax together.
– Look for horses and sheep: The drive around Borgarfjörður is full of farms, and Icelandic horses are always a hit with children.
Staying at Hvítá Inn gives you a peaceful countryside base with easy access to these sights, plus the comfort of returning to a warm, welcoming inn at the end of the day.
Snæfellsnes With Kids: Base Yourself at Stykkishólmur Inn
From Borgarfjörður, it’s a scenic drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: lava fields, black sand beaches, cliffs, and a glacier. Stykkishólmur Inn, in the charming harbor town of Stykkishólmur, is a great base for exploring the peninsula with children.
Family‑friendly activities near Stykkishólmur Inn:
– Wander around Stykkishólmur harbor: Colorful houses, boats, and short walks up to viewpoints keep kids entertained without long hikes.
– Take a boat tour (seasonal): Many tours are suitable for families and offer a chance to see birds and sometimes even whales.
– Visit Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss: One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, with a short, easy walk to the waterfall—perfect for family photos.
– Explore Djúpalónssandur beach: Kids love the black pebbles and rock formations, but keep them away from the water’s edge, as waves can be strong.
Stykkishólmur Inn offers a comfortable place to unwind after a day of exploring, with the convenience of staying in a small town where you can easily find food, snacks, and a playground for the kids.
Westfjords Adventure With Kids: Ísafjörður Inn
For families who want to go a bit further off the beaten path, the Westfjords are a fantastic option. The roads are more winding, but the rewards are huge: dramatic fjords, quiet villages, and plenty of space to explore. Ísafjörður Inn, in the town of Ísafjörður, is an ideal base for discovering this remote region with children.
Kid‑friendly experiences near Ísafjörður Inn:
– Stroll around Ísafjörður town: Safe streets, a small harbor, and local cafés make it easy to explore at a child’s pace.
– Visit local museums: Small maritime or heritage museums can be surprisingly engaging for kids, especially when combined with stories about fishing and life in the fjords.
– Take short coastal walks: There are gentle trails and viewpoints that don’t require long hikes but still deliver big scenery.
– Look for birds and seals: Bring binoculars—spotting wildlife can turn a simple stop into an adventure.
Ísafjörður Inn gives you a cozy home base in the heart of the Westfjords, so you can enjoy the wild landscapes by day and return to comfort in the evening.
Safety Tips for Traveling in Iceland With Kids
Iceland is very safe, but nature here is powerful. A few simple rules help keep your family secure:
– Always follow signs and barriers: They’re there for a reason, especially around cliffs, hot springs, and waterfalls.
– Keep a close eye near water: Waves, rivers, and hot springs can be unpredictable.
– Check the weather and road conditions daily: Use official sites like safetravel.is and road.is, especially in winter.
– Use car seats and seat belts: Icelandic law requires proper child restraints, and you’ll want them on winding or gravel roads.
– Stay on marked paths: This protects both your family and the fragile Icelandic nature.
Making the Most of Your Family Stay With Ourhotels.is
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break a family trip. Ourhotels.is focuses on comfortable, welcoming inns in great locations across West Iceland, making it easier to plan a kid‑friendly itinerary without long, exhausting drives.
By combining:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) for waterfalls, history, and countryside,
– Stykkishólmur Inn for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and
– Ísafjörður Inn for a taste of the wild Westfjords,
you can create a varied, memorable Iceland road trip that works beautifully for children.
Each inn offers a relaxed atmosphere where families can rest, recharge, and get ready for the next day’s adventures. With shorter driving distances between these locations, you can keep travel days manageable and focus on what matters most: sharing Iceland’s waterfalls, hot springs, and wild landscapes with your kids.
For more details, availability, and to plan your route, you can explore all three properties at Ourhotels.is and start building your family‑friendly Iceland itinerary today.
