Exploring Iceland by 4×4 is one of the best ways to experience the country’s raw nature, hidden valleys, and dramatic coastlines—especially in the west and the Westfjords. Renting a 4×4 in Iceland gives you the freedom to leave the main Ring Road, drive gravel tracks with confidence, and reach remote hot springs, waterfalls, and viewpoints that most visitors never see.
For guests staying with Ourhotels.is, a 4×4 is often the perfect companion to our locations in Borgarfjörður, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and in the Westfjords. Whether you’re based at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, a 4×4 opens up a whole new side of Iceland.
### Why rent a 4×4 in Iceland?
Iceland’s weather and road conditions can change quickly. Even in summer, you may encounter gravel roads, steep passes, and sudden wind or rain. A 4×4 offers:
– **Better stability and traction** on gravel and uneven surfaces
– **Higher ground clearance** for rougher tracks and potholes
– **More confidence in changing weather**, especially in shoulder seasons
– **Access to more remote areas**, including some highland and mountain roads (F-roads) in summer
While a 4×4 is not mandatory for all routes, it is highly recommended if you plan to explore beyond the main paved roads, particularly in West Iceland and the Westfjords.
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### Starting your 4×4 journey: Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn
Borgarfjörður is a fantastic first stop when you leave Reykjavík and head north or west. Staying at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, part of Ourhotels.is, puts you in a great position to explore the region with your rental 4×4.
From Hvítá Inn, you can easily reach:
– **Hraunfossar and Barnafoss** – beautiful waterfalls flowing through lava fields, with some gravel stretches nearby.
– **Deildartunguhver** – one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs.
– **Kaldidalur (F550)** – in summer, experienced drivers with a suitable 4×4 can take this highland route between Borgarfjörður and Þingvellir, enjoying stark, lunar-like landscapes.
With a 4×4, you can comfortably handle the mix of paved and gravel roads in the area, and you’ll feel more secure if the weather turns windy or wet. Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful base after a day of exploring, with easy parking and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
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### Snæfellsnes Peninsula by 4×4: Stay at Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, cliffs, and charming fishing towns. **Stykkishólmur Inn**, another Ourhotels.is property, is perfectly located for exploring this region with your 4×4.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, your 4×4 makes it easier to:
– Drive the **coastal roads** around the peninsula, some of which include gravel sections.
– Visit **Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss**, one of Iceland’s most photographed spots.
– Explore **Snæfellsjökull National Park**, where side roads can be rougher and conditions change quickly.
– Take detours to small harbors, lava fields, and viewpoints that are less visited.
While many of the main roads on Snæfellsnes are paved, a 4×4 gives you extra comfort and flexibility, especially if you want to explore side roads or travel in spring or autumn. After a full day of driving and sightseeing, Stykkishólmur Inn offers a cozy harbor-town atmosphere and a convenient base for multi-day trips around the peninsula.
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### Heading to the Westfjords: Ísafjörður Inn and mountain roads
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic regions, and this is where a 4×4 really shines. Narrow mountain passes, gravel roads, and long fjords make the journey part of the adventure. **Ísafjörður Inn**, part of Ourhotels.is, is an ideal base for exploring this wild corner of the country.
With a 4×4 and Ísafjörður Inn as your hub, you can:
– Navigate **mountain passes** that may still have snow or rough surfaces outside of high summer.
– Drive to **Dynjandi waterfall**, one of Iceland’s most impressive cascades, via scenic but sometimes challenging roads.
– Explore smaller fjords and villages, where gravel roads and steep sections are common.
– Feel more secure on long stretches between services, especially in changing weather.
In the Westfjords, a 4×4 is not just about comfort—it can be a real advantage for safety and access. Ísafjörður Inn gives you a welcoming place to return to after long days of driving, hiking, and exploring the fjords.
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### Tips for renting a 4×4 in Iceland
When planning your trip with Ourhotels.is and choosing a 4×4 rental, keep these points in mind:
1. **Book early**
4×4 vehicles are popular, especially in summer and during holiday periods. Reserve your car well in advance to get the model and price you want.
2. **Choose the right size**
Consider how many people and how much luggage you have. A compact 4×4 may be enough for two people, while families or groups might prefer a larger SUV.
3. **Check what’s allowed**
Not all 4×4 rentals are permitted on F-roads (highland roads). If you plan to drive in the highlands, make sure your rental agreement allows it and that the vehicle is suitable.
4. **Insurance matters**
Gravel protection, sand and ash protection, and extra coverage can be worth it in Iceland, especially if you plan to drive in remote areas or on gravel roads.
5. **Know the rules**
Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland to protect fragile nature. Always stay on marked roads and tracks.
6. **Monitor conditions**
Before you set out from Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, check:
– Road conditions: road.is
– Weather: vedur.is
This is especially important in winter and in the Westfjords.
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### Combining Ourhotels.is stays with your 4×4 route
A popular route for guests of Ourhotels.is with a 4×4 might look like this:
– **Day 1–2: Borgarfjörður & Hvítá Inn**
Pick up your 4×4 in Reykjavík, drive to Borgarfjörður, explore waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic valleys.
– **Day 3–4: Snæfellsnes & Stykkishólmur Inn**
Continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, using your 4×4 to explore coastal roads, lava fields, and national park viewpoints.
– **Day 5–7: Westfjords & Ísafjörður Inn**
Drive north into the Westfjords, enjoying the dramatic fjord landscapes, mountain passes, and remote villages, with Ísafjörður Inn as your comfortable base.
This combination lets you make full use of your 4×4 while staying in well-located, welcoming accommodations across West Iceland and the Westfjords.
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### Why pair your 4×4 rental with Ourhotels.is?
Ourhotels.is properties—**Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn**—are all positioned along some of the most scenic driving routes in Iceland. By renting a 4×4 and staying with us, you get:
– Easy access to major sights and lesser-known gems
– Comfortable, friendly bases between driving days
– Free parking and convenient locations for road trips
– A chance to experience three very different regions of West Iceland and the Westfjords
Renting a 4×4 in Iceland gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop where you like, and truly experience the landscapes that make this country unique. Combined with stays at Ourhotels.is, your road trip through West Iceland and the Westfjords can be both adventurous and relaxing—exactly what a memorable Icelandic journey should be.
