Iceland’s changing daylight is one of the country’s most magical features—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 can turn a good holiday into an unforgettable one.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland puts you in the perfect position to enjoy every hour of daylight, whether you’re chasing the midnight sun or hoping for a glimpse of the northern lights.
In summer, the long days mean you can slow down and stretch out your adventures. Around the Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, you can explore waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields well into the evening. The low golden light of late “night” is ideal for photography, and the quieter hours mean you’ll often have viewpoints almost to yourself. After a full day outside, you can return to Hvítá Inn for a relaxed evening, watching the sky glow long after the sun dips toward the horizon.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn is a wonderful base for making the most of Iceland’s soft coastal light. The colorful harbor, nearby islands, and views across Breiðafjörður look different at every hour. Early risers can enjoy calm, pastel sunrises over the sea, while late-night wanderers can walk the harbor under a sky that never quite gets dark in midsummer. With so much daylight, you can comfortably fit in boat tours, short hikes, and village strolls all in one “day” without feeling rushed.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the dramatic Westfjords, where the light feels even more remote and wild. Here, the long evenings are perfect for scenic drives along fjords, quiet walks by the water, and lingering over dinner while the mountains are still lit by the last rays of the sun. In late summer and early autumn, the shifting daylight adds depth and mood to the landscape, making every viewpoint feel cinematic.
In winter, daylight becomes precious—and magical in a different way. With fewer hours of sun, planning your activities around the brightest part of the day is essential. Staying with Ourhotels.is helps you do just that. From Hvítá Inn, you can use the short daylight window to visit nearby natural attractions, then return to cozy surroundings as twilight settles in. The long evenings are ideal for relaxing, enjoying local food, and, when conditions are right, stepping outside to look for the northern lights.
At The Stykkishólmur Inn, winter daylight brings a soft, blue-toned glow over the harbor and surrounding islands. It’s a peaceful time for photography, quiet walks, and simply watching the changing sky from the comfort of town. As darkness returns early, you have a better chance of seeing the aurora dance above the sea—often without having to go far from your room.
In Ísafjörður, the winter light is especially atmospheric. The low sun, when it appears, paints the mountains in pink and gold, and the short days encourage a slower pace. Ísafjörður Inn offers a warm base where you can plan daytime excursions, then come back to rest as the town lights reflect off the snow. With long nights and clear skies, the Westfjords can be an excellent place for northern lights viewing.
No matter when you visit, a few simple tips will help you make the most of Iceland’s daylight:
– Check sunrise and sunset times before planning your day.
– In summer, use the long evenings for sightseeing to avoid crowds.
– In winter, focus outdoor activities around midday and keep evenings flexible for aurora hunting.
– Always keep a camera handy—the light changes quickly and dramatically.
By choosing Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you place yourself in some of West Iceland’s most beautiful light. Whether you’re walking under a midnight sun or watching the first pale glow of dawn return after a long winter night, these inns give you a comfortable, well-located base to experience Iceland’s daylight at its very best.
