Iceland’s ever-changing daylight is one of the country’s greatest natural wonders—and one of the most important things to understand when planning your trip. From endless summer evenings to soft winter twilight, knowing how to use the light to your advantage can transform your experience. Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland puts you in the perfect position to enjoy every hour of it, whether you’re chasing the midnight sun or the northern lights.
In summer, the long days invite you to slow down and stretch your adventures well beyond “normal” sightseeing hours. Around the Borgarfjörður area, where Hvítá Inn is located, you can wander by rivers and waterfalls late into the evening without worrying about darkness falling. Imagine checking into Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, enjoying a relaxed dinner, and then heading out for a golden-hour walk that lasts for hours. The soft, low-angle light makes the surrounding mountains, farms, and the glacial river Hvítá look almost unreal—perfect for photography and quiet reflection.
Further out on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn offers a front-row seat to some of Iceland’s most beautiful coastal light. Stykkishólmur is known for its colorful houses, harbor views, and island-dotted bay, all of which look different as the light shifts through the day and late into the night. With the long summer evenings, you can take a late boat tour, climb the hill by the lighthouse after 10 pm, or simply sit by the harbor watching the sky slowly change color. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn means you’re just a short stroll from these views whenever the light is at its best.
If you’re venturing further northwest, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the dramatic Westfjords, where the interplay of light and landscape is especially striking. Here, the sun hangs low over steep mountains and deep fjords, casting long shadows and painting the sea in shades of silver and gold. In summer, you can hike, kayak, or simply drive the winding fjord roads late into the evening, knowing that daylight will linger. Ísafjörður’s compact town center and harbor are particularly atmospheric in the soft evening light, and from Ísafjörður Inn you can easily step out for a late walk or a quiet moment by the water.
Winter brings a different kind of magic. The days are shorter, but the light is often more dramatic—pale blues, pinks, and golds that can make even a simple drive unforgettable. Around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, the low winter sun can turn the snowy fields and mountains into a glowing landscape, especially around sunrise and sunset. Planning your outdoor activities around these hours lets you see the region at its most beautiful, then return to the inn to warm up and relax.
In Stykkishólmur, winter daylight has a calm, almost cinematic quality. The Stykkishólmur Inn makes it easy to step outside during the brightest hours to explore the harbor, visit nearby viewpoints, or take a short drive along the coast. When the sun dips below the horizon, the darkness opens up the possibility of northern lights. With less light pollution than the city, you have a better chance of seeing the aurora dance above the bay on clear nights.
In Ísafjörður, winter light is especially atmospheric. The mountains rise steeply around the town, and the low sun often creates dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can plan your day to make the most of the limited daylight—perhaps a morning walk through town, a midday excursion along the fjord, and then a cozy evening indoors watching the sky for northern lights. The long nights here are ideal for aurora hunting, and the quiet of the Westfjords makes the experience feel even more special.
No matter the season, a few simple strategies help you make the most of Iceland’s daylight. In summer, don’t be afraid to shift your schedule later—sleep in a bit, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Ourhotels.is property, and then explore into the evening when the light is softer and many places are quieter. In winter, plan your main activities around the middle of the day, and use the mornings and evenings for shorter walks, scenic drives, or simply enjoying the view from your inn.
Choosing where you stay has a big impact on how you experience the light. Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður near Borgarnes, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—are all located in areas where the landscape and the sky are constantly interacting. From river valleys and coastal villages to dramatic fjords, each inn offers its own way to connect with Iceland’s unique daylight.
By understanding the rhythm of the light and basing yourself in the right places, you can turn every hour of your trip into part of the adventure. Whether you’re watching the midnight sun hover over the horizon or waiting for the first glow of dawn on a winter morning, Ourhotels.is gives you a comfortable, well-placed base to enjoy Iceland’s changing skies to the fullest.
