Planning a trip to Iceland is exciting—glaciers, hot springs, black sand beaches, and dramatic fjords all in one journey. But Iceland is also a fragile place with unique weather, driving conditions, and local customs. Knowing the key do’s and don’ts will help you travel safely, respectfully, and get the most out of your time here in the west of Iceland.
Below are some essential tips, along with ideas on where to stay—like Ourhotels.is properties Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords—to make your trip smoother and more memorable.
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**Do: Respect Iceland’s Nature (and Don’t Go Off-Road)**
Iceland’s landscapes look wild and untouched, but they’re incredibly delicate. Moss can take decades to recover from a single footprint, and off-road driving can leave scars that last for generations.
– **Do** stay on marked paths and roads, even if the perfect photo seems just a few steps away.
– **Don’t** drive off-road under any circumstances—it’s illegal and heavily fined.
When you base yourself at **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, you’re surrounded by rivers, lava fields, and waterfalls that are easy to access via proper trails and roads. The staff can point you to scenic walks and viewpoints that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
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**Do: Check the Weather and Road Conditions Daily**
Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable. Sunshine can turn into wind, rain, or snow in minutes, especially in the west and the Westfjords.
– **Do** check the weather forecast (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) every day before you set out.
– **Don’t** underestimate wind warnings or icy road alerts—if locals say it’s not safe, it’s not safe.
Staying at **Stykkishólmur Inn** on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives you a great base for exploring nearby sights like Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull National Park. It’s easy to adjust your plans day by day based on the latest conditions, and the local team can help you choose safer routes or alternative activities if the weather turns.
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**Do: Drive Carefully (and Don’t Rush Your Itinerary)**
Self-driving is one of the best ways to see Iceland, but it comes with responsibilities.
– **Do** drive slowly on gravel roads, keep both hands on the wheel in strong winds, and watch for sheep crossing the road.
– **Don’t** try to cram too many hours of driving into a single day. Distances may look short on the map, but narrow roads, photo stops, and changing weather add time.
If you’re heading into the Westfjords, **Ísafjörður Inn** makes an ideal base. Instead of racing through the region in one long day, you can slow down, explore fjords and fishing villages at your own pace, and return to a comfortable room each night.
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**Do: Dress in Layers (and Don’t Rely on Fashion Over Function)**
Iceland is all about layers, no matter the season.
– **Do** pack a waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.
– **Don’t** rely on jeans, sneakers, or cotton hoodies alone—they get wet, stay wet, and won’t keep you warm in wind or rain.
Whether you’re walking along the Hvítá river near **Hvítá Inn**, exploring the harbor in Stykkishólmur, or standing on a windy viewpoint above Ísafjörður, the right clothing means you can enjoy the scenery instead of rushing back to the car.
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**Do: Learn Basic Icelandic Etiquette (and Don’t Ignore Local Rules)**
Icelanders are generally relaxed and friendly, but there are a few unwritten rules.
– **Do** say “takk” (thank you) and “góðan daginn” (good day). A little effort goes a long way.
– **Do** remove your shoes when entering many guesthouses or smaller inns if you see others doing so.
– **Don’t** be loud late at night in shared spaces—thin walls and long days mean people value their quiet.
At Ourhotels.is properties like **Hvítá Inn**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn**, you’ll experience this relaxed, friendly atmosphere firsthand. Staff are happy to help with local tips, but a bit of courtesy and quiet in the evenings keeps the mood pleasant for everyone.
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**Do: Use Designated Campsites and Facilities (and Don’t Wild Camp Illegally)**
Iceland has strict rules about where you can camp and park overnight.
– **Do** use official campsites and accommodations. They’re safer, more comfortable, and better for the environment.
– **Don’t** park and sleep just anywhere—on private land, in protected areas, or in small village parking lots. It’s often illegal and not appreciated by locals.
Choosing inns like those on **Ourhotels.is** means you have a warm bed, hot shower, and local advice every night, while still being close to nature. From these bases, you can explore freely during the day and return to comfort in the evening.
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**Do: Enjoy Hot Springs Responsibly (and Don’t Skip the Shower)**
Hot springs and pools are a big part of Icelandic culture.
– **Do** shower thoroughly and naked before entering any pool or hot spring with facilities. This is non-negotiable in Iceland.
– **Don’t** bring glass bottles, leave trash, or use soaps in natural hot springs.
From **Stykkishólmur Inn**, you can easily visit local pools and nearby hot pots. In Borgarfjörður and Ísafjörður, there are also wonderful local swimming pools and hot tubs where you can soak like a local after a day of exploring.
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**Do: Plan Your Route, But Don’t Overplan Every Minute**
Having a rough plan is essential, but Iceland rewards flexibility.
– **Do** map out your main stops and overnight stays in advance, especially in high season.
– **Don’t** schedule every hour. Leave room for spontaneous stops at viewpoints, small museums, or a café in a fishing village.
Booking your stays with **Ourhotels.is**—for example, a night or two at **Hvítá Inn**, then **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and finally **Ísafjörður Inn**—creates a natural route through some of the most beautiful parts of West Iceland and the Westfjords. You’ll have your key bases set, but plenty of freedom in between.
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**Do: Support Local Businesses (and Don’t Treat Iceland as a Theme Park)**
Tourism is important to Iceland’s economy, especially in smaller towns.
– **Do** eat at local restaurants, visit small bakeries, and buy from local artisans when you can.
– **Don’t** treat villages as just photo stops—take a little time to walk around, talk to people, and contribute to the local community.
Staying at locally rooted places like **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður**, **Stykkishólmur Inn**, and **Ísafjörður Inn** connects you with real Icelandic communities. You’re not just passing through—you’re part of the local rhythm, even if only for a night or two.
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**Do: Travel Safely, Respectfully, and Curiously**
The best Iceland trips balance adventure with respect—for nature, for local people, and for your own safety.
By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll not only protect Iceland’s fragile environment, you’ll also have a more authentic, relaxed experience.
If you’re planning to explore the west of Iceland and the Westfjords, consider using **Ourhotels.is** as your home base along the way:
– **Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður** – Perfect for rivers, lava fields, and waterfalls near Borgarnes.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn** – A charming harbor town base for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
– **Ísafjörður Inn** – Your gateway to dramatic fjords, coastal roads, and wild Westfjords scenery.
With thoughtful planning and the right places to stay, Iceland becomes not just a destination, but an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
