Planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how you’ll manage with the language? The good news is that you can get by almost everywhere with English—but learning a few Icelandic words will open doors, spark smiles, and make your journey feel much more authentic.
Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, these language tips will help you connect more deeply with the places and people you meet.
Icelandic basics: what you really need
Icelandic can look intimidating at first glance, but you don’t need to master it to make a good impression. A handful of phrases goes a long way:
– Hello – „Halló“ or the more local „Góðan daginn“ (good day)
– Goodbye – „Bless“
– Yes / No – „Já“ / „Nei“
– Thank you – „Takk“ or „Takk fyrir“
– Please – „Vinsamlegast“ (you’ll mostly see this on signs)
– Excuse me / sorry – „Afsakið“
At Ourhotels.is properties, staff are used to helping guests pronounce these words, so don’t hesitate to ask at reception. It’s a fun icebreaker and a great way to start a conversation about local culture.
Pronunciation tips that actually help
Icelandic has a few letters you won’t see in English. You don’t need to be perfect—just close enough to be understood:
– Þ / þ – sounds like “th” in “thing” (e.g., Þingvellir)
– Ð / ð – sounds like “th” in “this”
– Á, É, Ó, Ú – usually pronounced a bit longer and clearer than in English
– LL – often sounds like “tl” or a soft “dl” (for example, Stykkishólmur is roughly “Stik-kis-hol-mur”)
When you check in at Stykkishólmur Inn, try saying the town’s name out loud. Staff will happily help you fine-tune it—and you’ll feel more confident when chatting with locals in the harbor cafés or on boat tours.
English in Iceland: how far does it get you?
You’ll find that almost everyone in Iceland speaks good English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and on tours. At Ourhotels.is locations like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can comfortably handle everything—from check-in to travel advice—in English.
Still, using a few Icelandic words shows respect and curiosity. A simple „Takk fyrir“ when you receive your room key or breakfast can turn a standard interaction into a friendly exchange.
Useful phrases for your stay
Here are some phrases that are especially handy while traveling and staying in hotels:
– „Talarðu ensku?“ – Do you speak English?
– „Hvar er…?“ – Where is…?
– „Hvað kostar þetta?“ – How much is this?
– „Get ég fengið…?“ – Can I have…?
At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, for example, you might ask:
– „Hvar er næsta sundlaug?“ – Where is the nearest swimming pool?
In Stykkishólmur, you might want to know:
– „Hvar fer báturinn?“ – Where does the boat leave from?
And in Ísafjörður, surrounded by dramatic fjords and hiking routes:
– „Hvar er gönguleiðin?“ – Where is the hiking trail?
Reading signs and menus
Most important information—road signs, safety notices, and many menus—will either be clear from context or have English translations. Still, a few common Icelandic words are worth recognizing:
– „Inngangur“ – Entrance
– „Útgangur“ – Exit
– „Lokað“ / „Opið“ – Closed / Open
– „Sundlaug“ – Swimming pool
– „Kaffi“ – Coffee
– „Veitingastaður“ – Restaurant
Around Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland, you’ll see these words on local businesses and attractions. Being able to recognize them makes wandering through Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, or Ísafjörður feel more relaxed and intuitive.
Local language, local stories
Each region has its own character, and language is part of that:
– Near Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re in the heart of saga country. Ask staff how to pronounce place names from the Icelandic sagas—you’ll hear centuries of history in just a few words.
– In Stykkishólmur, the harbor town atmosphere mixes traditional Icelandic with the easy English of a place used to welcoming travelers. Try ordering in Icelandic, then continue the conversation in English.
– In Ísafjörður, the Westfjords’ remoteness has preserved a strong local identity. Listening to Icelandic being spoken in cafés and on the streets adds a special depth to your stay at Ísafjörður Inn.
Digital tools that make it easier
Before you arrive, it’s worth:
– Downloading an offline translation app
– Saving a short list of key phrases on your phone
– Listening to a few pronunciation clips on YouTube or language apps
Then, when you’re at any Ourhotels.is property, you can practice with real people in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Why a little Icelandic goes a long way
You don’t need to be fluent. Even a few words:
– Show respect for local culture
– Make interactions warmer and more personal
– Help you feel more connected to the landscapes and communities you’re visiting
From your base at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore West Iceland and the Westfjords—armed with just enough Icelandic to enrich every day of your journey.
Ourhotels.is makes it easy to enjoy the comfort of English-speaking service while gently stepping into the world of Icelandic language and culture. Say „Halló“, add a friendly „Takk fyrir“, and let the rest of the adventure unfold.
