Icelandic coffee culture is woven into everyday life, from windswept fishing villages to cozy city corners. Here in the west of Iceland, coffee isn’t just a drink – it’s a warm pause in a wild landscape, a reason to gather, and a comforting ritual that follows you from breakfast to late-night conversations.
At Ourhotels.is, we see this every day in our own lounges and breakfast rooms. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you’ll quickly notice that a good cup of coffee is never far away.
In Iceland, coffee breaks are frequent and unhurried. Locals might drink several cups a day, often black and strong, sometimes with a splash of milk, and almost always paired with something sweet. At Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes in the beautiful Borgarfjörður region, mornings often begin with the smell of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the dining area. Guests linger over their cups while planning a day of exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields. It’s a simple but essential part of the Icelandic travel experience: taking a moment to warm up, look out at the landscape, and enjoy the quiet.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn offers another glimpse into Icelandic coffee culture. The town of Stykkishólmur is known for its colorful houses, harbor views, and relaxed pace of life. After a day out on the fjord or visiting nearby natural attractions, many guests return to the inn ready for an afternoon or evening coffee. This is when you’ll see how Icelanders use coffee as a way to slow down. People chat, read, or simply watch the changing light over Breiðafjörður Bay with a hot mug in hand. It’s easy to understand why coffee is such a central part of daily life here: it brings warmth and connection to a place defined by dramatic weather and long winter nights.
Further north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, where rugged mountains and deep fjords shape both the landscape and the rhythm of life. In this remote region, coffee has long been a companion for fishermen, travelers, and locals alike. At Ísafjörður Inn, guests often gather in the common areas in the late afternoon, sharing stories from the road over a pot of coffee. It’s a chance to experience the social side of Icelandic coffee culture – friendly, informal, and welcoming. Even if you arrive as a solo traveler, it’s easy to find conversation around the coffee table.
Across all Ourhotels.is locations, you’ll notice a few constants that reflect Iceland’s love of coffee. Refills are common, and there’s no rush to move on. Coffee is available early and late, recognizing that travelers keep their own schedules. And there’s usually something sweet nearby – a slice of cake, a cookie, or a traditional treat – because in Iceland, coffee and “something with it” go hand in hand.
For visitors, embracing Icelandic coffee culture is one of the easiest ways to feel at home. Start your day at Hvítá Inn with a strong cup before heading into the Borgarfjörður countryside. Pause in the afternoon at Stykkishólmur Inn to warm up after a boat tour or a coastal walk. End your evening at Ísafjörður Inn with a final cup as you watch the sky shift from midnight sun to soft twilight or, in winter, keep an eye out for the northern lights.
By choosing to stay with Ourhotels.is, you’re not just booking a room; you’re stepping into the everyday rituals that define life in Iceland. Coffee is one of those rituals – simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in the culture. Take your time, savor each cup, and let the rhythm of Icelandic coffee culture become part of your journey through the west of Iceland.
