Supporting Icelandic artists is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the real Iceland. Beyond glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs, there is a vibrant creative scene shaped by long winters, dramatic landscapes and strong local communities. At Ourhotels.is, we believe that every stay can be a bridge between travelers and the artists who call West Iceland home.
When you travel through the west and northwest of Iceland, you’ll notice that art is everywhere: in small galleries, on café walls, in music venues, and even in the décor of local inns. By choosing locally owned accommodation and seeking out Icelandic art, you help sustain the people who give these regions their unique character.
In Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is a perfect example of how hospitality and creativity can meet. Surrounded by rivers, lava fields and wide-open skies, the inn often showcases work by local painters and photographers inspired by the changing light over the Hvítá river and the nearby mountains. Guests can unwind after a day of exploring by enjoying Icelandic art right in the common areas, discovering new names and styles they might never encounter at home. Staying at Hvítá Inn through Ourhotels.is means your visit directly supports a network of local partners, including artists, craftspeople and small businesses in the Borgarfjörður region.
Further north on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn sits in one of Iceland’s most picturesque harbor towns. Stykkishólmur has long been a hub for culture and creativity, with its colorful houses, maritime history and views over Breiðafjörður’s countless islands. Here, supporting Icelandic artists can be as simple as browsing a local exhibition, picking up a handmade ceramic piece, or attending a small concert in town. The Stykkishólmur Inn connects guests with these experiences, often highlighting local events and creative projects. By booking through Ourhotels.is, you’re choosing a stay that values and promotes the cultural life of the community, not just the scenery.
Farther west, in the dramatic Westfjords, Ísafjörður Inn offers another window into Iceland’s artistic soul. Ísafjörður is known for its strong music and arts scene, with festivals, performances and exhibitions that bring life to the long winter months and bright summer nights. Many artists here draw inspiration from the fjords, the fishing heritage and the sense of remoteness that defines the region. At Ísafjörður Inn, guests can discover local music, photography and design, and often receive tips on where to find studios, galleries and cultural events around town. Through Ourhotels.is, your stay becomes part of a broader effort to keep this creative community thriving.
Supporting Icelandic artists during your trip doesn’t require grand gestures. It can be as simple as:
– Choosing accommodation that collaborates with local creatives, like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn on Ourhotels.is
– Buying a small artwork, print or handmade item to take home
– Attending a local concert, exhibition or cultural festival
– Sharing the work of Icelandic artists on social media and recommending them to friends
Every purchase, every visit to a gallery, and every night spent in a locally engaged inn helps artists continue their work and keeps Iceland’s cultural landscape as rich as its natural one.
When you plan your journey through West Iceland and the Westfjords with Ourhotels.is, you’re not just booking a room. You’re choosing to be part of a living, creative story—one written by the painters, musicians, photographers and designers who make this part of Iceland unforgettable.
