Iceland is a dream destination for nature lovers: thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier‑carved fjords, and endless lava fields. To make the most of your trip, it helps to plan with Iceland’s unique landscapes and conditions in mind. Here are practical Iceland travel tips for nature lovers, plus how to use Ourhotels.is as a comfortable base while you explore the wild west of the country.
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. Layers are your best friend: a moisture‑wicking base layer, a warm mid‑layer (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof, windproof shell. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential if you plan to walk to waterfalls, along coastal paths, or across mossy lava fields. Always pack a hat, gloves, and extra socks—conditions can change quickly, especially in the Westfjords and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
If you’re planning to chase the Northern Lights or photograph midnight sun, consider staying in smaller towns where light pollution is low and nature is right outside your door. Ourhotels.is offers exactly that kind of access. The Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, for example, sits in one of Iceland’s most geologically rich regions, with hot springs, lava fields, and rivers just a short drive away. On clear winter nights, you can often step outside and scan the sky for auroras without leaving the property.
For nature lovers, the west of Iceland is a perfect blend of dramatic scenery and manageable driving distances. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, trailheads, and hidden hot springs along the way. From Reykjavík, you can reach Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður in stages, using Ourhotels.is locations as natural waypoints on your journey.
Base yourself first at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes. This area is ideal for exploring waterfalls like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Reykholt valley. The region is less crowded than the Golden Circle but just as rewarding for hikers and photographers. After a day of exploring lava caves or walking along the Hvítá river, returning to a cozy inn with countryside views makes the experience feel complete.
From there, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: cliffs, beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, and charming fishing villages. The Stykkishólmur Inn is a great base for nature‑focused travelers. From Stykkishólmur, you can join boat tours among the Breiðafjörður islands, spot seabirds, and explore nearby hiking trails with views of Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days. Staying in town means you can walk to the harbor at sunrise or sunset, then retreat to a comfortable room when the weather turns.
If you’re drawn to wilder, more remote landscapes, continue north and west to the Westfjords. Ísafjörður is the region’s main hub and a gateway to some of Iceland’s most dramatic fjords and mountains. Ísafjörður Inn gives you easy access to day trips into the surrounding nature: steep fjord walls, quiet valleys, and coastal roads where you might be the only car for miles. From here, you can arrange boat trips, kayaking, or hikes that reveal the raw, untouched side of Iceland that many visitors never see.
When exploring Iceland’s nature, it’s important to travel responsibly. Stick to marked trails to protect fragile moss and bird nesting areas, and never drive off‑road. Respect safety barriers at waterfalls and cliffs—waves and river currents are stronger than they look. Pack out all your trash, and use designated parking areas and toilets where available. Many of Iceland’s most beautiful places are still relatively pristine; thoughtful behavior helps keep them that way.
Timing your visit can also shape your experience. Summer (June–August) offers long days, lush green landscapes, and easier driving conditions, ideal for hiking and road trips between Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds, more dramatic light for photography, and a good chance of Northern Lights on clear nights. Winter is magical for snow‑covered scenery and aurora hunting, but you’ll need to watch road and weather reports closely and be flexible with your plans.
Using Ourhotels.is as your accommodation hub in the west makes it easier to focus on what you came for: Iceland’s nature. Each inn—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—puts you close to hiking trails, viewpoints, and coastal drives, while offering a warm, comfortable place to rest between adventures. By planning your route around these bases, you can explore waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes at a relaxed pace, without long backtracking drives.
For nature lovers, Iceland rewards those who slow down, stay curious, and respect the land. With thoughtful planning, the right gear, and well‑placed stays through Ourhotels.is, you can experience the best of Iceland’s wild west—waking up each day with a new landscape on your doorstep and the freedom to explore it.
