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.
Why simplicity brings clarity
Discover the quiet magic of West Iceland, where gentle landscapes and secluded villages strip away the noise of everyday life. Stay in…
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss: The Iconic Mountain 40 Minutes from Stykkishólmur
Kirkjufell mountain and its Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall are about 40 minutes from the Stykkishólmur Inn. Read honest driving times, the best photo spot,…
Best Road Trip Stops Near Ísafjörður Iceland
Discover the hidden gems of Iceland’s Westfjords on an unforgettable road trip from Ísafjörður. Marvel at Dynjandi’s cascading tiers, hike the remote…
The Best Scenic Drives in the Westfjords of Iceland
Explore the Westfjords by car with three unforgettable routes—from Ísafjörður to the jewel-like Dynjandi waterfall, along the remote Strandir coast loop, to…
Tungudalur: Waterfall, Forest and Ski Slope in Ísafjörður’s Backyard Valley
Tungudalur is the forested valley just outside Ísafjörður with a waterfall, planted woodland and the town's winter ski area. Here is how…
What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland in Any Season
Experience Iceland’s ever-changing beauty with smart packing and flexible planning. No matter the season—whether you’re chasing summer’s midnight sun or winter’s Northern…
Þingvellir via Uxahryggir: A Summer Back Road from the Hvítá Valley
Reach Þingvellir National Park, Iceland's UNESCO rift-valley parliament site, via the summer-only Uxahryggir mountain road from Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður. Book direct…
Sturlaugsá & the Bjarnarhöfn Area Hot Water: Where to Soak Near Stykkishólmur
Where can I soak near Stykkishólmur? A practical guide to the town pool, the tiny natural pot at Landbrotalaug, and the saga-linked…
The ‘one-lane bridge’ practice loop near Ísafjörður: how to get comfortable early in your trip
Master Iceland’s iconic single-lane bridges just north of Ísafjörður on a relaxed loop road that builds your confidence—away from busier routes and…
A realistic ‘plan B’ day in Keflavík Airport when wind shuts down your original itinerary
Stuck at Keflavík Airport? Don’t let fierce winds ground your Icelandic adventure. After a quick coffee and snack, choose between the steamy…
The ‘one-lane bridge’ practice loop near Snæfellsnes Peninsula: how to get comfortable early in your trip
Warm up for Iceland’s iconic one-lane bridges with a gentle 30–45 minute practice loop just outside Snæfellsnes. With almost no traffic, you’ll…
The ‘one-lane bridge’ practice loop near Snæfellsnes Peninsula: how to get comfortable early in your trip
Before you dive into Iceland’s wildest drives, build your confidence on a low-stress one-lane bridge loop just off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Heading…
Northern Lights over Ísafjörður: Aurora Hunting from a Westfjords Town
Plan an aurora night from Ísafjörður: best season, how fjord walls shape the view, and short drives toward Tungudalur for darker skies.…
Víðgelmir Lava Cave: Touring Iceland’s Biggest Cave
A Vidgelmir lava cave tour takes you into Iceland's largest lava cave, about 45 minutes up the Hvítá valley from the Hvítá…
What it’s like driving at midnight sun
Experience the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun on a self-drive adventure: endless golden light, quiet winding roads and dramatic coastal vistas beckon…
How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Vík: showers, rules, and unspoken norms
Discover the soothing magic of Vík’s geothermal swimming pool—just remember to shower before you swim, keep noise to a minimum, and respect…
The Agricultural Museum at Hvanneyri: Tractors, Turf and Wool
Ten minutes from the Hvítá Inn, the Agricultural Museum of Iceland at Hvanneyri holds the country's largest farm-machinery collection, plus the Ullarselið…
Best Scenic Drives Near Ísafjörður
Discover Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords at your own pace—base yourself at the cosy Ísafjörður Inn (book via Ourhotels.is) and tackle three unforgettable drives:…
Why comfort is found in basics
Discover the unadorned charm of Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland with Ourhotels.is, where genuine comfort means fresh air, warm linens and a…
Kaldidalur (Road 550): The Highland Gravel Drive Without an F-Road Permit
Kaldidalur Road 550 is Iceland's most approachable highland gravel drive, linking Húsafell toward Þingvellir past Langjökull and the Ok volcano. It's not…
Why expectations fade quickly
Arrive in West Iceland expecting sunshine and smooth roads—and soon you’ll discover that the real magic lies in the unexpected. Trade rigid…
Sturlureykir Horse Farm: Rye Bread Baked in Hot Ground
Sturlureykir horse farm near Reykholt bakes hverabrauð rye bread in geothermal ground and serves it warm while you meet Icelandic horses. About…
Grábrók Crater: A 30-Minute Volcano Hike Off Iceland’s Ring Road
Grábrók is a 3,600-year-old crater with a staircase to its rim, right beside the Ring Road 20 minutes from Hvítá Trucks (book…
Watching Salmon Leap at Laxfoss on the Norðurá
In July and August, wild Atlantic salmon hurl themselves up Laxfoss on the Norðurá, one of Iceland's top salmon rivers. Watch for…