Honest notes from people who live here.
Driving, weather, food, and what's actually open. Written by the team that runs the four hotels — and re-checked when conditions change.
SIM cards and mobile data
Explore Westfjords and West Iceland without missing a moment online. Grab a local SIM or eSIM for fast 4G coverage, affordable data…
Birdwatching at Andakíll: Ramsar Wetlands Where Geese Stage
The Andakíll wetlands near Hvanneyri in West Iceland are a Ramsar-protected staging ground for Greenland white-fronted geese each spring and autumn, about…
A non-obvious packing list for summer in Highlands: items locals actually use
Discover the Highlands of Iceland like a local this summer—no overstuffed bags required. From microfleece neck gaiters and waterproof gaiters to ultralight…
How to reduce your footprint
Explore Westfjords and West Iceland the green way with Ourhotels.is. From the energy-smart Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður to the locally sourced fare…
How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Reykjavík: showers, rules, and unspoken norms
Discover Iceland’s pool culture from the moment you step under the communal shower—nude, fragrance-free soap rinse required—through quiet soaks, personal-space norms and…
How to avoid overplanning
Embrace the unexpected in Westfjords and West Iceland by swapping rigid itineraries for open-ended days filled with spontaneous detours. Plan just one…
Understanding Icelandic road numbers
Discover Iceland at your own pace by mastering its road-numbering system: the 1,332 km Route 1 Ring Road, two- and three-digit connectors,…
Borgarnes: The Ring Road’s Unofficial Halfway Stop
Why almost every West Iceland road trip passes through Borgarnes: fuel, food, and the point where Route 1 splits toward Snæfellsnes and…
Gas pollution forecasts: how to plan outdoor days if air quality warnings pop up
Planning a trip to Westfjords or West Iceland? Stay flexible with daily gas pollution forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office, and swap…
Driving in fog in Iceland
Discover the dreamlike allure of Westfjords and West Iceland as mist-draped mountains and coastal roads beckon you into an otherworldly adventure. Our…
How to plan scenic driving days
Discover the dramatic landscapes of West Iceland on a scenic road trip where every turn reveals thundering waterfalls, hidden hot springs and…
Do you need cash in Iceland?
Discover the freedom of exploring Westfjords & West Iceland without the burden of a bulky wallet—most places accept contactless cards, from gas…
Glymur Waterfall Hike: Iceland’s Second-Tallest Falls in Hvalfjörður
A practical guide to the Glymur waterfall hike in Hvalfjörður: the 198 m falls, the loop trail, the cave, and the seasonal…
How to Experience Authentic Icelandic Hospitality
Discover the magic of Iceland at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, where friendly hosts, cozy rooms and farm-fresh breakfasts make you feel instantly…
Why fewer stops can feel richer
Travel doesn’t have to be a checklist of mile-high sights and midnight ferry dashes. In fact, the magic often happens when you…
Traveling with seniors in Iceland
Discover Iceland’s stunning Westfjords and West Iceland at a relaxed pace—ideal for travelers 60 and over. Plan a 7–10-day escape during the…
Winter black-ice detection: reading temperature, shade, and bridge decks
Experience Iceland’s winter wonderland safely with our top tips for spotting invisible black ice—watch freezing temperatures, shaded stretches, and bridge decks—and pack…
Why staying multiple nights matters
Discover why extending your stay with Ourhotels.is in Westfjords and West Iceland turns a quick trip into an unforgettable journey. With two…
What to pack in your car at all times
Discover how a few simple additions—warm layers, emergency gear, high-energy snacks and basic tools—can turn any Iceland road trip into a stress-free…
How to Experience Iceland’s Untamed Landscapes
Experience Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty from cozy, family-run inns perfectly placed for adventure. Whether you’re chasing midnight sun or the Northern Lights,…
Why Iceland feels peaceful even in summer
Discover the serene magic of an Icelandic summer under the midnight sun. Picture yourself wandering uncrowded fjords and moss-covered lava fields, soaking…
What Makes Iceland’s Tap Water the Purest in the World
Taste crystal-clear Icelandic tap water straight from the tap at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður—no filters, no fuss. Meltwater from the Langjökull glacier…
Fuel stations in rural Iceland
Discover reliable fuel stops across rural West Iceland and the Westfjords—whether it’s the friendly service pumps at Hvítá Inn and Truck Inn…
How to behave in public pools
Discover the magic of Iceland’s geothermal pools with our essential guide. From pre‐soak shower etiquette and quiet soaking rituals to the best…