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.
What makes Iceland different from other Nordic countries?
Discover Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty—from geysers and glacier-carved canyons to hidden hot springs—and dive into authentic culture with handpicked stays like the…
How to Experience Iceland’s Quiet Northern Coast
Discover Iceland’s serene northern coast—a landscape of rugged fjords, dramatic cliffs and quaint fishing villages far from the crowds. Hike remote trails…
One-night rule nuance: when you can pitch a tent and when you can’t
Discover the essentials of Iceland’s “one-night rule” for wild camping—from where you can legally pitch your tent (uncultivated public land at least…
A non-obvious packing list for late winter in Ísafjörður: items locals actually use
Discover Ísafjörður at its most magical—crisp air, dramatic low‐angle light and empty fjord trails—with our insider late‐winter guide. Beyond your usual thermals…
Why waterfalls are never fenced
Discover why Iceland’s waterfalls remain proudly unfenced, honoring ever-changing riverbeds and centuries-old traditions that guarantee free, unhindered access to these natural spectacles.…
Using the SafeTravel app to send GPS location to 112 if things go wrong
Exploring the wild beauty of Westfjords and West Iceland is a dream adventure—made safer and simpler with the SafeTravel app. By sharing…
How to use the SafeTravel app for seniors in Stykkishólmur: alerts, travel plan, and GPS share
Senior travelers can now explore Stykkishólmur with confidence using Iceland’s official SafeTravel app—download from your app store to receive real-time weather warnings,…
Why stopping matters
Discover the true magic of Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland when you pause long enough to feel it: • Breathe in Gullfoss’s…
Why bakeries are popular
Discover the Westfjords and West Iceland through its bakeries, where the aroma of freshly baked rye loaves, kleinur (twisted doughnuts) and warm…
Berry Picking in West Iceland: Bilberries & Crowberries by the Trucks
A free, quiet late-summer activity right around Hvítá Trucks: fill a cup with wild bilberries (aðalbláber) and crowberries (krækiber) on the heaths…
What to expect from Icelandic summer weather
Discover endless daylight, mild temperatures (10–15 °C) and ever-changing skies in Westfjords and West Iceland this summer. Whether you arrive mid-June to…
What to bring to the pool: flip-flops, towel strategy, and locker coin myths
Whether you’re soaking in the pool after a hike through Borgarfjörður or chasing the Northern Lights in the Westfjords, the right gear—and…
Why Travelers Choose the Westfjords for Quiet Exploration
Discover the untouched beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords with Ourhotels.is as your guide. Stay at the centrally located Ísafjörður Inn—where modern comfort meets…
Best Photography Destinations in Iceland’s Westfjords
Discover Iceland’s most photogenic frontier in the Arctic Westfjords—from puffin-packed cliffs at Látrabjarg and the cascading tiers of Dynjandi to fiery red…
What geothermal areas smell like
Experience West Iceland’s geothermal magic—inhale the sulfur-tinged steam of erupting geysers, soak in milky-blue hot springs set against black sands, and wander…
Vatnshellir Lava Cave: An 8,000-Year-Old Lava Tube Tour on Snæfellsnes
Vatnshellir is an 8,000-year-old lava tube in Snæfellsjökull National Park, open only by guided tour. Here's what the descent involves and why…
Drone flight reality check for Þórsmörk: protected areas, seasonal closures, and ‘ask before you fly’
Experience Þórsmörk’s dramatic canyons and glacial rivers from the air—responsibly. Learn to navigate Fjallabak Nature Reserve’s no-fly zones and seasonal closures, secure…
What traditional Icelandic breakfast includes
Discover the magic of waking up in West Iceland with a traditional, hearty breakfast at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes.…
Best Scenic Stops to Explore in Northwest Iceland
Discover the wild beauty of Northwest Iceland with Ourhotels.is as your home base. From the “miniature Iceland” landscapes of Snæfellsnes—complete with lava…
Best Hiking Destinations in Northwest Iceland
Discover the untamed beauty of Northwest Iceland on foot, from the bird-filled cliffs of Hornstrandir to the “jewel of the Westfjords,” Dynjandi…
Why Iceland feels like a reset
Escape to West Iceland and the Westfjords, where crisp air, roaring rivers and hidden lava fields invite a true mind-and-spirit reset. Spend…
What surprises most visitors about Icelandic towns
From pastel-roofed houses and hand-painted murals to impromptu sheep-farm tours and geothermal pools with fjord views, Iceland’s small towns pack a surprisingly…
When not to trust your GPS
Explore Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland without getting led astray by your GPS. Learn why unmarked gravel roads and seasonal closures trip…
Best Travel Experiences Near Ísafjörður
Discover Ísafjörður, the rugged gateway to Iceland’s Westfjords, where you can hike the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, kayak among jagged fjords, spot…