Planning rest days in Iceland is just as important as planning your waterfall stops and glacier hikes. With long summer days, dramatic drives, and ever-changing weather, it’s easy to overpack your itinerary and end up exhausted. Building in slower days not only keeps you energized and safe, it also lets you experience the quieter, more authentic side of Icelandic life.
A good rule of thumb is to plan a rest or “soft” day every 3–4 days of travel. Instead of racing from one attraction to the next, choose a comfortable base, explore at a gentler pace, and enjoy local food, hot tubs, and short walks. West Iceland is perfect for this kind of slower travel, and that’s where Ourhotels.is comes in.
Ourhotels.is offers simple, comfortable inns in some of the most beautiful corners of West Iceland, making it easy to plan rest days without feeling like you’re missing out. Each location gives you access to nature, small-town charm, and short, low-effort activities that don’t require a full tank of energy.
One of the best places to slow down is Borgarfjörður, just north of Reykjavík. Staying at the Hvítá Inn, close to Borgarnes, you’re surrounded by wide-open countryside and views of the Hvítá river valley. This is an ideal base for a quieter day: sleep in, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and then choose a few easy outings. You might wander around Borgarnes, visit the Settlement Center, or take a short drive to Deildartunguhver hot spring or the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. None of these stops demand long hikes, but they still deliver that classic Icelandic scenery. In the evening, you can return to Hvítá Inn, unwind, and simply enjoy the peace of the countryside.
Another excellent rest-day base is Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The Stykkishólmur Inn with Ourhotels.is puts you right in the heart of this charming harbor town. A rest day here might mean strolling the colorful streets, walking up to Súgandisey cliff for harbor views, or taking a gentle boat tour among the islands of Breiðafjörður if you feel up to it. You don’t need to drive far to feel like you’re in a postcard. Cafés, small museums, and the town’s swimming pool with hot tubs give you plenty of low-key options. It’s the kind of place where you can recharge without ever feeling bored.
If your route takes you further northwest, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords is a perfect spot for a longer pause. The Ísafjörður Inn offers a cozy base surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords. This is a great place to schedule a full rest day after tackling some of the region’s winding roads. Spend your time wandering the old town, visiting the local museums, or sitting by the harbor watching fishing boats come and go. If you have a bit more energy, short walks along the shoreline or a visit to a nearby café or bakery are enough to make the day feel special without being demanding. In the evening, you can simply relax at Ísafjörður Inn and soak in the quiet atmosphere that makes the Westfjords so unique.
When planning your Iceland itinerary, think of these rest days as highlights, not gaps. By staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’re choosing locations that naturally slow your pace while still surrounding you with the landscapes you came to see. You’ll have time to enjoy long conversations over breakfast, watch the changing light on the mountains, and maybe even catch the northern lights in the darker months—all without rushing.
Balancing busy sightseeing days with restful ones will make your trip to Iceland feel richer, calmer, and more memorable. With well-placed, comfortable stays across West Iceland, Ourhotels.is makes it easy to build those essential pauses into your journey.
