Keeping kids warm in Iceland is less about braving the cold and more about smart planning. With the right layers, a few local tricks, and family‑friendly bases like Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland, your children can stay cozy and happy while you enjoy waterfalls, hot springs, and coastal villages together.
Iceland’s weather changes quickly, especially in the west and north. A sunny moment by Borgarfjörður can turn into wind and drizzle by the time you reach Stykkishólmur or Ísafjörður. Instead of worrying about the forecast, focus on a simple rule: dress your kids like locals—layered, windproof, and ready for anything.
Start with a good base layer. Soft wool or technical thermal underwear keeps children warm even when they’re running around or if a sleeve gets a little damp. Cotton is best avoided as a first layer; once it’s wet, it stays cold. Over this, add a warm mid‑layer such as a fleece or wool sweater, then finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. This three‑layer system works in Borgarfjörður’s valleys, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and along the fjords of the Westfjords.
Don’t forget the small but important details: a warm hat that covers the ears, waterproof mittens, and thick wool socks. Icelandic wool socks are easy to find in local shops and make a big difference on chilly days. For younger children, a one‑piece snowsuit or insulated overall is ideal, especially in winter or on windy days by the sea.
Footwear matters just as much as jackets. Waterproof boots with good grip keep little feet dry on wet grass, black sand, or snowy sidewalks. In places like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, where you’ll likely be walking around harbors and viewpoints, dry, warm feet mean kids can stay outside longer without complaints.
When you stay with Ourhotels.is, it’s easier to manage all this gear and keep everyone comfortable. At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, you’re perfectly placed for day trips to hot springs, lava fields, and waterfalls. After a day out, you can come back, hang up damp clothes to dry, and warm up together indoors. This is especially helpful for families traveling with younger children who may need a quick change after playing in puddles or snow.
The Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a cozy base on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the weather can shift from calm to windy in minutes. Having a comfortable room to return to means you can plan shorter outings between warm‑up breaks. Explore the colorful harbor, take a short walk to viewpoints, then head back to add an extra layer or swap mittens before your next adventure. Knowing you’re close to your accommodation makes it easier to let kids explore without worrying about the cold.
Further north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, where crisp air and dramatic landscapes are part of the charm. Here, layering is essential, even in summer. Mornings can be cool, afternoons milder, and evenings chilly again. Being able to adjust layers in your room, pack a small day bag with spare hats and gloves, and return to a warm, welcoming space at the end of the day helps keep the whole family comfortable and relaxed.
Warmth isn’t just about clothing; it’s also about how you plan your days. In colder months, think in “bursts” of outdoor fun: a walk to a viewpoint, a visit to a beach or waterfall, then a warm‑up stop for hot chocolate or soup. Many cafés in towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður are used to families and make it easy to take a break and thaw out. When you’re staying at an Ourhotels.is property, you can also schedule midday rests, letting kids nap or play indoors before heading out again.
Hydration and food help keep kids warm too. Pack snacks that are easy to eat with gloves on—nuts, dried fruit, or simple sandwiches—and bring a thermos with a warm drink. Even in cool weather, children can get tired and chilly faster than adults, especially if they’re excited and running around. Regular snack breaks keep energy up and moods positive.
If you’re visiting in winter or early spring, consider timing your outdoor activities for the warmest part of the day, usually late morning to mid‑afternoon. Use early mornings and evenings for indoor time at your hotel: reading, playing games, or simply watching the changing light outside. Ourhotels.is locations like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn offer calm, comfortable spaces where families can slow down and enjoy being together between excursions.
Finally, involve your kids in the process. Let them help choose their hat or pick out a pair of Icelandic wool socks as a souvenir. Explain that Iceland’s weather is part of the adventure, and that layering up is how explorers and locals enjoy it. When children feel prepared rather than restricted, they’re more likely to embrace the experience.
By combining smart clothing choices with flexible planning and family‑friendly stays at Ourhotels.is—whether you’re based at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—you can keep your kids warm, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every moment of your Icelandic journey.
