Shoulder season in West Iceland is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Fewer crowds, softer light, better prices, and a more relaxed pace all come together to create an ideal time to explore. Whether you’re chasing autumn colors, spring’s first green hills, or simply want a quieter Iceland experience, traveling in the shoulder season can make your trip feel more authentic and personal.
Here are some practical shoulder season travel tips for West Iceland, with ideas on how to make the most of your stay at Ourhotels.is properties: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
One of the biggest advantages of shoulder season is value. Accommodation and car rentals are often more affordable, and you’ll find more flexibility with dates and room types. At Ourhotels.is, you can often secure better rates and enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere in our inns. Booking directly through Ourhotels.is also lets you see real-time availability across Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, making it easy to plan a multi-stop itinerary around West Iceland.
Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable at any time of year, but in spring and autumn it changes quickly. Pack layers: a good base layer, warm mid-layer, waterproof outer shell, hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof shoes. This way you can comfortably enjoy everything from a calm, sunny afternoon in Borgarfjörður to a brisk, windy walk along the harbor in Stykkishólmur. Shoulder season often brings dramatic skies and beautiful light for photography, especially around sunrise and sunset, which are at more reasonable hours than in summer.
Driving conditions are usually easier than in mid-winter, but you should still check road and weather forecasts daily. When you stay at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, the staff can help you understand local conditions and suggest safe, scenic routes for the day. This local insight is especially valuable in the Westfjords, where roads can be more remote and weather-dependent.
Shoulder season is perfect for slowing down and connecting with local culture. With fewer visitors, you’ll have more time and space to enjoy small towns and nature spots without feeling rushed.
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is a great base for exploring the historic and geothermal heart of West Iceland. From here, you can visit Deildartunguhver hot spring, the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the charming town of Borgarnes. In autumn, the surrounding countryside glows with fall colors; in spring, the river valleys and farms come back to life. After a day of exploring, returning to the peaceful setting of Hvítá Inn lets you experience the quiet side of Icelandic rural life.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn places you in one of Iceland’s most picturesque fishing towns. Shoulder season means you can wander the colorful harbor, visit local museums, and take in views of Breiðafjörður’s countless islands without the summer rush. The peninsula’s highlights—Kirkjufell mountain, black sand beaches, lava fields, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier area—are all within reach on scenic drives. With fewer cars on the road, you can take your time at viewpoints and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Farther north, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords offers a gateway to one of Iceland’s most dramatic and least crowded regions. In shoulder season, the fjords feel especially tranquil. You can explore coastal trails, visit small neighboring villages, and enjoy the calm of Ísafjörður’s harbor and old town streets. The slower season also makes it easier to connect with local cafés, bakeries, and cultural spots, giving you a more genuine feel for everyday life in the Westfjords.
Another benefit of traveling in the shoulder season is the balance between daylight and darkness. In early autumn and late spring, you still have enough daylight for full days of exploring, but also a real chance to see the northern lights on clear nights. Staying at countryside locations like Hvítá Inn gives you darker skies and less light pollution, which can make aurora viewing more rewarding. Staff at Ourhotels.is properties can often point you toward good viewing spots nearby or let you know when conditions look promising.
Because shoulder season is quieter, you can often be more spontaneous with your plans. However, it’s still wise to check opening hours for museums, tours, and restaurants, as some operate on reduced schedules outside of peak summer. The teams at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn can help you find what’s open, recommend local dining, and suggest seasonal activities—whether that’s a scenic hike, a hot spring visit, or a coastal drive.
To make the most of your shoulder season trip to West Iceland, consider planning a route that connects all three Ourhotels.is locations. Start in Borgarfjörður at Hvítá Inn, continue to Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and then head north to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. This creates a natural loop through some of Iceland’s most beautiful and varied landscapes, with comfortable, welcoming inns waiting for you at each stop.
By choosing shoulder season and staying with Ourhotels.is, you get quieter roads, more personal experiences, and a deeper connection with West Iceland’s nature and communities. With thoughtful packing, flexible plans, and the right bases in Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, your journey through West Iceland can feel both relaxed and unforgettable.
