January in Iceland is magical: short, blue-tinged days, long starry nights, and landscapes wrapped in snow and ice. It’s also one of the best months for northern lights, winter adventures, and experiencing Iceland without the heavy summer crowds. With a bit of planning—and the right places to stay—you can turn the darkest month into one of your brightest travel memories.
Here are practical tips for visiting Iceland in January, with ideas on how to base yourself comfortably at Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
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**1. Embrace the Darkness (and the Northern Lights)**
In January, daylight is limited—often just 4–6 hours depending on where you are. Instead of seeing this as a drawback, use it to your advantage:
– Plan your main sightseeing for the middle of the day.
– Use early mornings and evenings for relaxing, dining, and northern lights hunting.
– Keep your schedule flexible: clear skies can appear suddenly, and so can the aurora.
Staying in smaller towns away from city light pollution makes a big difference. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður and Stykkishólmur Inn are both in areas where, on clear nights, you can often step outside and see the northern lights dancing over snow-covered mountains and fjords. Ísafjörður Inn, tucked into a dramatic Westfjords fjord, offers similarly dark skies and a stunning backdrop for aurora photos.
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**2. Dress for Real Winter (Layers Are Everything)**
January in Iceland is cold, but not usually as extreme as people imagine. What matters most is wind and moisture. Pack:
– A warm base layer (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
– An insulating mid-layer (fleece or wool sweater)
– A windproof, waterproof outer shell
– Warm hat, scarf or buff, and insulated gloves
– Thermal socks and sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip
– Optional but useful: ice cleats (microspikes) for walking on icy paths
Ourhotels.is properties are a cozy refuge after a day in the elements. At Hvítá Inn, you can warm up with a hot drink while looking out over the Borgarfjörður countryside. At Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re just a short walk from the harbor and restaurants, so you don’t need to be outside for long once you’re back for the evening. Ísafjörður Inn offers that snug “winter town” feel, with mountains rising steeply around you and everything you need close by.
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**3. Plan for Winter Roads and Flexible Itineraries**
January driving in Iceland can be beautiful and challenging at the same time. Expect snow, ice, wind, and occasional road closures.
– Check road conditions daily at road.is and weather at vedur.is.
– Rent a 4×4 if you plan to explore outside Reykjavík.
– Keep extra time in your schedule for slow driving or detours.
– Always have warm clothes, snacks, and a charged phone in the car.
One smart strategy is to choose comfortable bases and explore the surrounding areas on day trips:
– **Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður)**: Ideal for exploring West Iceland’s waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields without long drives. You’re within reach of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the historic Borgarnes area.
– **Stykkishólmur Inn**: A perfect base for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its mix of beaches, cliffs, lava fields, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. In January, the peninsula feels wild and peaceful, with fewer visitors.
– **Ísafjörður Inn**: Great for those who want to experience the raw beauty of the Westfjords in winter. The town has a strong local culture, good food, and access to winter activities like skiing (conditions permitting) and coastal walks.
By staying with Ourhotels.is in these locations, you can keep your driving distances manageable and return to a warm, welcoming inn each night.
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**4. Make the Most of Winter Activities**
January is prime time for classic Icelandic winter experiences:
– **Northern lights tours**: Even if you’re staying in dark areas, guided tours can take you to the best viewing spots based on the night’s conditions.
– **Hot springs and geothermal pools**: There’s nothing like soaking in hot water while snow falls around you. West Iceland has several natural and man-made options within reach of Hvítá Inn and Stykkishólmur Inn.
– **Glacier and ice cave tours**: These are usually in the south and southeast, but you can combine a few days there with a few days in the west.
– **Snowshoeing, skiing, or simple winter walks**: Around Ísafjörður, when conditions allow, the winter landscape is perfect for gentle exploration.
Ask at each Ourhotels.is reception for local recommendations—staff can often point you toward lesser-known pools, viewpoints, and short walks that suit the weather that day.
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**5. Enjoy Local Food and Cozy Evenings**
Short days mean long evenings, which is perfect for slow dinners and trying Icelandic specialties:
– In **Borgarfjörður**, you can sample local lamb, dairy, and baked goods, then return to Hvítá Inn for a quiet night in the countryside.
– **Stykkishólmur** is known for its connection to the sea; it’s a great place to try fresh fish and seafood before strolling back to Stykkishólmur Inn through the peaceful harbor area.
– **Ísafjörður** has a surprisingly vibrant food scene for a small town, with cafés and restaurants that feel especially inviting in winter. Ísafjörður Inn puts you within easy walking distance of the town’s main spots.
January is also a good time to slow down: read a book, sort your photos, or simply watch the changing light outside your window. Ourhotels.is focuses on comfortable, straightforward stays that let the landscape and local culture take center stage.
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**6. Book Early, But Keep Some Flexibility**
While January is quieter than summer, some areas and accommodations still book up—especially in popular regions like Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. It’s wise to:
– Reserve your key stays in advance, especially at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn if you’re planning a West Iceland route.
– Keep your daily plans flexible so you can adjust to weather and road conditions.
By using Ourhotels.is as your base in West Iceland, you can structure your trip around three distinct regions—Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords—each offering a different side of Icelandic winter, all within a coherent, scenic route.
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January in Iceland rewards travelers who come prepared and open-minded. With warm layers, realistic driving plans, and welcoming places to stay like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can experience northern lights, snowy landscapes, and authentic Icelandic life at a quieter, more intimate time of year.
