Driving Iceland’s Ring Road is one of the most unforgettable road trips in the world: glaciers on one side, black sand beaches on the other, steaming geothermal fields, tiny fishing villages, and endless ocean views. With a bit of planning—and the right places to stay—you can turn this legendary route into a relaxed, comfortable adventure rather than a rushed checklist.
Ourhotels.is offers a collection of welcoming inns and hotels in West and Northwest Iceland that fit perfectly into a Ring Road itinerary, especially if you want to explore beyond the standard “Route 1 only” plan and include the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the dramatic Westfjords.
Below is a simple guide to navigating Iceland’s Ring Road, with ideas on where to stop, what to see, and how to use Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your cozy bases along the way.
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Iceland’s Ring Road in a Nutshell
The Ring Road (Route 1) loops around Iceland for about 1,300 km (800 miles). Most travelers drive it in 7–10 days, but you can easily spend longer if you add detours to peninsulas and fjords. The west and northwest are especially rewarding, with fewer crowds and a more authentic, local feel.
Key tips before you start:
– Rent a reliable car suitable for the season (4×4 is recommended in winter).
– Check road conditions daily (road.is) and weather forecasts (vedur.is).
– Book your accommodation in advance, especially in summer and over holidays.
– Plan shorter driving days so you can actually enjoy the stops.
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Starting in the West: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður
Many Ring Road journeys begin in Reykjavík and head north via Borgarfjörður, a region rich in history, hot springs, and lava fields. This is where Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, becomes an ideal first or second night stop.
Located near Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful countryside setting with easy access to:
– Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring, with steaming vents and vivid colors.
– Hraunfossar & Barnafoss – a series of waterfalls pouring out of a lava field into a turquoise river.
– Reykholt – a historic site linked to the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson.
– The road to Húsafell and the Langjökull glacier area.
Staying at Hvítá Inn lets you slow down after your arrival, adjust to Iceland’s pace, and explore West Iceland without rushing. It’s also a great base if you want to drive a scenic loop: Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes Peninsula → back to the Ring Road.
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Detour Worth Taking: Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Stykkishólmur Inn
While the Ring Road itself doesn’t go around Snæfellsnes, this peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: volcanoes, cliffs, black and golden beaches, charming villages, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Stykkishólmur, a picturesque harbor town on the north side of the peninsula, is a perfect overnight stop—and Stykkishólmur Inn from Ourhotels.is puts you right in the heart of it.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can:
– Explore the town’s colorful houses, harbor, and local restaurants.
– Take in panoramic views from Súgandisey Island lighthouse.
– Drive the peninsula loop to see Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi cliffs, and the Snæfellsjökull National Park area.
– Connect to the Westfjords via the Baldur ferry (in summer), if you want to combine Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords in one route.
By integrating Stykkishólmur Inn into your Ring Road plan, you add a highlight that many travelers later say was their favorite part of Iceland.
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Heading North and Beyond: Why Add the Westfjords?
Most classic Ring Road itineraries skip the Westfjords, but if you have a few extra days, this region turns a good trip into a great one. Rugged mountains, deep fjords, tiny villages, and some of the quietest roads in the country make it feel like a world apart.
You can reach the Westfjords either:
– From Snæfellsnes (via ferry from Stykkishólmur in season), or
– From the north side of the Ring Road, turning off toward the fjords.
Either way, Ísafjörður is the natural hub of the region—and Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is a comfortable, centrally located base for exploring.
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Ísafjörður Inn: Your Base in the Westfjords
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords, yet it still feels intimate and authentic. Staying at Ísafjörður Inn gives you easy access to:
– The town itself – with its old timber houses, harbor, and local cafés.
– Nearby fjords – like Súðavík and Flateyri, each with its own character and scenery.
– Hiking and viewpoints – short walks to panoramic lookouts or longer hikes for experienced walkers.
– Day trips – to places like the dramatic cliffs of Látrabjarg (in season) or the remote fjords of the north.
After a day of winding roads and wild landscapes, returning to a warm, welcoming inn makes all the difference. Ísafjörður Inn offers that sense of comfort while keeping you close to everything that makes the Westfjords special.
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Rejoining the Ring Road and Continuing the Loop
From the Westfjords, you can rejoin the Ring Road in the north and continue your journey around Iceland. Many travelers choose a route like this:
– West Iceland & Borgarfjörður – stay at Hvítá Inn.
– Snæfellsnes Peninsula – stay at Stykkishólmur Inn.
– Westfjords – stay at Ísafjörður Inn.
– North Iceland – continue to Akureyri, Mývatn, and the waterfalls of the north.
– Eastfjords & South Coast – follow the Ring Road past glaciers, black sand beaches, and coastal villages.
– Return to Reykjavík.
By weaving Ourhotels.is properties into your itinerary, you create a natural rhythm to your trip: drive, explore, relax, repeat. Each inn offers its own atmosphere, but all share a focus on comfort, good locations, and a friendly, local feel.
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Practical Tips for a Smooth Ring Road Trip
To make the most of your journey:
– Plan realistic driving days: 3–5 hours of driving plus sightseeing is usually enough.
– Fuel up often: distances can be long between gas stations, especially in the Westfjords.
– Pack layers: weather changes quickly, even in summer.
– Respect nature: stick to marked roads and paths, and follow local guidance.
– Book ahead: especially Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn in peak season, as these areas are popular yet have limited accommodation.
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Turning a Drive into an Experience
The Ring Road is more than a line on a map—it’s a chance to experience Iceland’s changing landscapes, small communities, and quiet moments between the famous sights. Choosing the right places to stay shapes that experience.
With Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, Ourhotels.is helps you turn a long drive into a series of memorable stops, each with its own character and charm. Whether you’re chasing midnight sun, northern lights, or simply the feeling of being far from the everyday, these inns give you a warm, welcoming base as you navigate Iceland’s legendary Ring Road.
