Iceland’s wild, windswept landscapes are part of what makes a trip here unforgettable – but they also demand respect. Strong winds can arrive quickly, change direction in seconds, and turn a relaxed drive or short walk into a real challenge if you’re not prepared. With a few simple wind safety tips, you can enjoy Iceland’s dramatic weather comfortably and confidently.
At Ourhotels.is, our team lives with this weather every day. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, we’re here to help you travel safely in Iceland’s famous winds.
First, always check the weather and road conditions before you set out. The Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) and the road administration (road.is) are essential resources. Look not only at rain and temperature, but especially at wind speed and wind gusts along your route. Around Borgarfjörður and Borgarnes, where Hvítá Inn is located, winds can funnel through valleys and over bridges, making some short stretches of road much more exposed than others. Our staff at Hvítá Inn are happy to help you interpret the forecast and suggest the safest times and routes for your day trips.
When driving in windy conditions, keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and reduce your speed. Sudden gusts can push your car sideways, especially when you pass open areas, river bridges, or when a large vehicle overtakes you. On the way to The Stykkishólmur Inn, for example, you’ll cross open stretches of road with little shelter from the sea winds. Take it slow, leave extra distance between you and the car ahead, and be prepared for stronger gusts when you exit sheltered areas like tunnels or forests.
One of the most important wind safety tips in Iceland is learning how to handle car doors. Strong gusts can rip a door from your hand, causing serious damage to the car and potential injury. Always open doors with one hand on the handle and the other bracing the edge of the door, and open them against the wind slowly. If possible, park with the car facing into the wind or use buildings and natural features as windbreaks. At Ourhotels.is properties like Ísafjörður Inn, located in a fjord where winds can accelerate between the mountains, our team can advise you on the best parking spots on particularly windy days.
When you’re out exploring on foot, dress for the wind, not just the temperature. A windproof outer layer, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes make a huge difference to your comfort and safety. In coastal towns like Stykkishólmur, the wind can make a mild day feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. Secure loose items such as scarves, hats, and camera straps, and keep a firm grip on phones and cameras near cliffs, harbors, and viewpoints. If the wind is strong enough that you struggle to walk in a straight line, it’s time to turn back and seek shelter.
Cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls are some of Iceland’s most beautiful – and most wind-exposed – locations. Gusts can be unpredictable near edges and viewpoints, especially when the wind is funneled by the landscape. Always stay well behind safety barriers and never step close to cliff edges, even if others seem to be doing so. Around Borgarfjörður, many popular sites are near rivers and waterfalls; in the Westfjords near Ísafjörður Inn, viewpoints can be high and exposed. If the wind feels too strong, enjoy the view from a safer distance or from inside your car.
If you’re traveling with luggage or equipment, be mindful when loading and unloading your car. Strong winds can catch suitcases, bags, and even lighter tripod legs. Place items on the ground quickly rather than balancing them on the car, and avoid opening the trunk fully if the wind is directly behind you. At Ourhotels.is locations, our staff can help you bring luggage inside if the weather is particularly rough.
One of the advantages of staying with Ourhotels.is is having local advice on hand. At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, our team knows which nearby routes are most exposed and when it’s better to choose a sheltered valley drive instead of a high plateau. At The Stykkishólmur Inn, we can suggest wind-friendly walking routes around town and recommend the best times to visit nearby viewpoints and beaches. At Ísafjörður Inn, in the heart of the Westfjords, our staff can guide you on when to drive the mountain passes and when it’s wiser to wait for calmer conditions or choose an alternative plan.
Flexibility is key to safe and enjoyable travel in Iceland. If the wind forecast looks severe, consider adjusting your plans: explore a nearby town, visit museums, soak in a hot pool, or enjoy a slower day at your hotel. Ourhotels.is properties are well placed for “plan B” days – from cozy lounges and local dining to short, sheltered walks that still let you experience Iceland’s nature without battling the strongest gusts.
By respecting the wind and planning with it in mind, you’ll discover that Iceland’s weather is not just a challenge, but part of the adventure. With simple precautions, local guidance from Ourhotels.is, and comfortable bases like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can enjoy the raw beauty of West Iceland and the Westfjords safely, in every season.
