Exploring North Iceland is like stepping into another world: volcanic landscapes, Arctic coastlines, charming fishing towns, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re chasing the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, a bit of planning will help you make the most of your trip. Here are some practical North Iceland travel tips, plus how to weave a stay at Ourhotels.is properties into a seamless West–to–North Iceland itinerary.
North Iceland Travel Tips: When to Go
North Iceland is a year‑round destination, but your experience will vary a lot by season:
– **Summer (June–August):**
Long days, mild temperatures, and open mountain roads. Ideal for road trips, whale watching, hiking, and exploring the Diamond Circle (Dettifoss, Mývatn, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík).
– **Autumn (September–October):**
Fewer crowds, beautiful colors, and the first chances to see the northern lights. Some highland roads may close, but main routes remain accessible.
– **Winter (November–March):**
Snowy landscapes, ice caves, skiing, and prime aurora season. You’ll need to be flexible with weather and road conditions.
– **Spring (April–May):**
Quieter, with lingering snow in the mountains and gradually lengthening days. Great for those who like a slower pace and fewer tourists.
If you’re planning to drive from West Iceland to the north, consider breaking up the journey with comfortable, well‑located stays. Ourhotels.is offers a convenient chain of inns that make it easy to explore both regions without rushing.
Starting in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður
Before heading north, many travelers begin their journey in West Iceland. Staying at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, part of Ourhotels.is, is a smart way to ease into your trip:
– **Perfect base near Borgarnes:**
Close to Route 1, Hvítá Inn is ideal for exploring the Borgarfjörður region—hot springs, lava fields, waterfalls, and historic sites—without long detours.
– **Nearby highlights:**
– **Deildartunguhver:** Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
– **Hraunfossar & Barnafoss:** Unique waterfalls streaming out of a lava field.
– **Reykholt:** A historic village tied to Icelandic sagas.
Spending a night or two here lets you recover from your arrival, adjust to the time zone, and enjoy some of Iceland’s most underrated scenery before you continue north.
Driving North Iceland: Road & Safety Tips
North Iceland is best explored by car, but conditions can change quickly:
– **Check road conditions daily:**
Use websites like road.is and vedur.is for up‑to‑date information on closures, wind, and visibility—especially in winter.
– **Rent the right vehicle:**
In summer, a standard car is usually fine on main roads. In winter, a 4×4 with good winter tires is strongly recommended.
– **Fuel up often:**
Distances between towns can be long. Don’t wait until your tank is low to look for a gas station.
– **Respect the weather:**
If conditions are bad, delay your plans. It’s common and completely acceptable in Iceland to adjust your itinerary for safety.
From Borgarfjörður, you can either head directly toward North Iceland via Route 1 or take a scenic detour around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, staying in Stykkishólmur before continuing north.
A Scenic Stopover: The Stykkishólmur Inn
If you want to add coastal charm and dramatic fjord views to your route, consider staying at **The Stykkishólmur Inn**, another Ourhotels.is property:
– **Gateway to Breiðafjörður:**
Stykkishólmur is a picturesque harbor town with colorful houses, ocean views, and easy access to boat tours among the islands of Breiðafjörður.
– **Ideal for slow travel:**
Spend a day exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its mix of beaches, cliffs, lava fields, and glaciers—then return to a cozy base at The Stykkishólmur Inn.
– **Convenient onward travel:**
From Stykkishólmur, you can continue by road toward the north, enjoying a more relaxed pace and fewer crowds than the direct highway route.
Key Places to Visit in North Iceland
Once you reach North Iceland, you’ll find a mix of natural wonders and lively small towns:
– **Akureyri:**
The “Capital of the North,” with cafes, restaurants, botanical gardens, and a scenic harbor. A good place to stock up on supplies and enjoy urban comforts.
– **Mývatn Area:**
Geothermal landscapes, pseudocraters, lava formations, and hot springs. Don’t miss places like Dimmuborgir, Hverir, and the Mývatn Nature Baths.
– **Húsavík:**
Often called the whale watching capital of Iceland. Summer boat tours offer excellent chances to see humpbacks and other species.
– **The Diamond Circle:**
A classic route that includes Dettifoss (one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls), Ásbyrgi canyon, Mývatn, and Húsavík.
– **Siglufjörður & Tröllaskagi:**
Mountain roads, tunnels, and dramatic fjord scenery, plus a fascinating herring museum in Siglufjörður.
For those who want to go even further off the beaten path, continuing west along the northern coast leads you toward the Westfjords—where another Ourhotels.is property awaits.
Extending Your Journey: Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords
Many travelers combine North Iceland with the remote and rugged **Westfjords**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** (also part of Ourhotels.is) is a natural choice for exploring this region:
– **Base in the heart of Ísafjörður:**
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords, with a charming old center, good restaurants, and easy access to outdoor activities.
– **Perfect for nature lovers:**
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore dramatic fjords, hike in the surrounding mountains, or take boat trips to remote areas.
– **Smooth connection from the north:**
Driving from North Iceland into the Westfjords gives you a complete picture of Iceland’s wild northern and western coasts, with Ísafjörður Inn as a comfortable, welcoming stop at the end of the journey.
Packing Tips for North Iceland
Weather in North Iceland can change quickly, even in summer. Pack with layers and flexibility in mind:
– **Clothing:**
– Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
– Warm mid‑layers (wool or fleece)
– Thermal base layers in colder months
– Hat, gloves, and scarf year‑round
– Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots
– **Extras:**
– Swimsuit and quick‑dry towel for hot springs and pools
– Reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent)
– Sleep mask in summer (for the midnight sun)
– Crampons or ice grips in winter if you plan to walk on icy paths
Respecting Nature & Local Culture
North Iceland’s landscapes are fragile, and local communities are small. A few simple guidelines go a long way:
– Stay on marked paths to protect moss and vegetation.
– Never drive off‑road—this is illegal and causes lasting damage.
– Take your trash with you and use facilities where available.
– Support local businesses in the towns you visit—cafes, bakeries, museums, and tours.
Staying with Ourhotels.is: A Connected Way to See West & North Iceland
One of the easiest ways to structure a West and North Iceland itinerary is to link your stays through Ourhotels.is:
– **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður:**
Start your adventure in West Iceland, explore waterfalls, hot springs, and sagas, and rest up after your arrival.
– **The Stykkishólmur Inn:**
Add a scenic coastal stop on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with access to Breiðafjörður and charming harbor views.
– **Ísafjörður Inn:**
Finish your journey in the dramatic Westfjords after exploring North Iceland, enjoying a comfortable base in the region’s main town.
By choosing these inns, you create a natural route that connects West Iceland, North Iceland, and the Westfjords, with reliable comfort and local character at each stop. Ourhotels.is makes it easy to plan a multi‑region trip without sacrificing convenience or atmosphere.
With thoughtful planning, flexible driving, and well‑placed stays, North Iceland becomes not just a destination, but a memorable journey through some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes.
