Exploring Iceland’s icebergs is an unforgettable experience—otherworldly shapes, deep blue tones, and the quiet power of nature all in one place. But as magical as they are, icebergs demand respect. Staying safe near them is essential, especially if you’re visiting for the first time and aren’t used to Arctic conditions.
At Ourhotels.is, we welcome many guests who plan day trips to glacier lagoons, coastal viewpoints, and winter shorelines from our locations in West and Northwest Iceland. Here are some key tips to help you enjoy the beauty of ice and ocean safely, along with how our inns—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—fit into a safe and comfortable iceberg-focused itinerary.
Icebergs Are Unstable – Keep Your Distance
Icebergs may look solid and still, but they are constantly changing. They can roll, crack, or break apart without warning. Even a small shift can send waves across a lagoon or shoreline.
Basic distance rules:
– Never climb on icebergs, even if they’re close to shore.
– Stay well back from the water’s edge, especially where the ground is icy or sloping.
– Follow all local signs and barriers; they’re placed based on real incidents and changing conditions.
From Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, many guests drive to popular glacier areas in West Iceland. Before you go, our staff can help you understand which lagoons or viewpoints are safe to visit on your own and when it’s better to join a guided tour.
Beware of “Sneaker Waves” and Cold Water
Where icebergs meet the sea, the water is extremely cold and conditions can change quickly. Large “sneaker waves” can surge much farther up the beach than expected, especially on Iceland’s south and west coasts.
To stay safe:
– Never turn your back on the ocean when icebergs or large waves are present.
– Stay off wet, shiny sand near the waterline—this is where waves reach.
– Keep children and cameras well away from the surf.
If you’re staying at Stykkishólmur Inn, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the Breiðafjörður bay area, known for its countless islands and rich birdlife. While you won’t usually see towering icebergs here like at glacier lagoons, you may encounter sea ice and cold, choppy waters. Local boat operators and guides know the conditions well; we recommend booking with reputable, experienced companies and always following their safety instructions.
Dress for Arctic Conditions, Even on Short Walks
Icelandic weather can change in minutes. A calm, sunny stop at a lagoon can quickly turn windy, wet, and cold—especially near ice and water.
Pack and wear:
– Warm base layers (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
– Waterproof and windproof outer layers
– Hat, gloves, and scarf or buff
– Sturdy, non-slip footwear (crampons or ice cleats in winter)
– Sunglasses and sunscreen (sunlight reflecting off ice can be intense)
At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, we often help guests adjust their plans based on the latest weather forecasts. A day that looks fine on your phone app might be very different up by the glaciers. Checking in with local staff before you set out can make the difference between a comfortable adventure and a risky one.
Choose Guided Tours for Glacier Lagoons and Ice Caves
Some iceberg areas are best experienced with professionals. Glacier lagoons, boat tours among icebergs, and ice cave visits all involve risks that trained guides know how to manage.
Why guided tours are safer:
– Guides understand glacier movement, ice stability, and weather patterns.
– They provide safety gear like life jackets, helmets, and crampons.
– They know where it’s safe to walk, sail, or stop for photos.
From Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can access some of Iceland’s wildest and most remote coastal landscapes. In winter and early spring, sea ice and snow can make roads and trails challenging. Local tour operators in Ísafjörður are used to these conditions and can take you to dramatic viewpoints and fjords safely, often with stories and insights you’d never get on your own.
Respect Local Warnings and Seasonal Conditions
Ice and iceberg conditions vary by season. In winter, roads can be icy and daylight is limited. In summer, melting ice can create fast-changing lagoons and unstable shorelines.
Always:
– Check road conditions (Vegagerðin / road.is) before driving to remote areas.
– Look at the weather forecast (vedur.is) for wind, temperature, and visibility.
– Heed any closures or warnings from rangers, tour operators, or hotel staff.
Guests at Ourhotels.is often use our inns as safe bases between more remote excursions. For example:
– Stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður to explore West Iceland’s glaciers and waterfalls, then return to a warm, comfortable room instead of driving long distances in the dark.
– Use Stykkishólmur Inn as your hub for boat trips and coastal views in Breiðafjörður, where you can enjoy the sea and islands without overextending your driving days.
– Base yourself at Ísafjörður Inn to discover the dramatic Westfjords, planning your iceberg and coastal experiences around local advice and safe travel windows.
Plan Your Route with Safety in Mind
Iceberg viewing is often just one part of a longer Iceland road trip. To keep it safe and enjoyable:
– Avoid overly long driving days, especially in winter.
– Build in extra time for weather delays and slower roads.
– Stay multiple nights in key areas so you can choose the best day for glacier or iceberg excursions.
Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland and the Westfjords are spaced so you can move between regions without rushing:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) is ideal when coming from Reykjavík and heading toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the north.
– Stykkishólmur Inn is a natural next stop for exploring Snæfellsnes and the Breiðafjörður area.
– Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, close to dramatic fjords, cliffs, and winter sea views.
Enjoy the Beauty, Leave No Trace
Finally, staying safe near icebergs also means respecting the environment:
– Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ground.
– Take all rubbish with you.
– Do not disturb wildlife resting on ice or along the shore.
By combining common-sense safety with local knowledge, you can experience Iceland’s icebergs and icy coastlines in a way that’s both thrilling and secure. When you stay with Ourhotels.is—whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—you’ll have a comfortable base, local insight, and up-to-date information to help you plan each day wisely.
Iceland’s ice is powerful, beautiful, and unpredictable. Give it the respect it deserves, and it will reward you with some of the most memorable moments of your journey.
