Planning a trip to Iceland? Along with warm layers and a sense of adventure, the right travel apps can make your journey smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. From navigating remote fjords to finding the perfect place to stay, here are the top travel apps you should download before you land in Keflavík – plus how they pair perfectly with a stay at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
One of the most essential apps for any Iceland visit is **Veður**, the official Icelandic weather app. Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly between regions. With Veður, you can track real-time forecasts, wind speeds, and precipitation so you know whether it’s a good day for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn or heading into the countryside around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður. Checking the app before you set out helps you plan your day and stay safe on the road.
Equally important is **SafeTravel.is** and the **112 Iceland** app. These tools provide travel alerts, safety tips, and an easy way to contact emergency services if needed. When you’re driving between remote areas, such as from Reykjavík up to Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, these apps give peace of mind. You can leave your travel plans, get warnings about closed roads or storms, and receive guidance on how to handle Iceland’s unique conditions, from strong winds to icy mountain passes.
For navigation, **Google Maps** and **Waze** are still the go-to apps for most visitors. They work well across Iceland’s main routes and many gravel roads, helping you find everything from gas stations to hidden viewpoints. When you’re staying at Hvítá Inn, just inland from Borgarnes, navigation apps make it easy to explore nearby waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic farm roads without worrying about getting lost. Around Stykkishólmur Inn, they’re perfect for locating viewpoints over Breiðafjörður Bay, local restaurants, and the harbor for boat tours. In Ísafjörður, they help you reach nearby villages and hiking trails that make the Westfjords so special.
If you’re planning to drive, **Vegagerðin** (the Icelandic Road Administration app) or the website road.is are must-haves. They show real-time road conditions, closures, and webcams. This is especially useful in winter or shoulder seasons when you’re heading to Ísafjörður Inn, as mountain roads and passes can be affected by snow and ice. Before leaving your hotel, a quick check of Vegagerðin helps you decide the safest route and whether it’s a good day for a long drive or better to enjoy local sights.
For booking and organizing your stay, accommodation platforms and direct booking through **Ourhotels.is** are key. While general booking apps are useful for comparing options, booking directly at Ourhotels.is often gives you clearer information about room types, local tips, and sometimes better flexibility. You can plan a route that includes all three locations: start at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður for easy access to Borgarnes and the west, continue to Stykkishólmur Inn to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Breiðafjörður islands, and finish at Ísafjörður Inn to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords. Using your favorite travel planning app alongside Ourhotels.is makes it simple to build a multi-stop Iceland itinerary.
For language and communication, **Google Translate** is extremely handy. While most Icelanders speak excellent English, Translate can help you understand signs, menus, and even a few Icelandic phrases. It’s fun to learn how to pronounce local place names near your hotel, whether you’re exploring the countryside around Hvítá Inn or chatting with locals in Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður.
When it comes to money, **Revolut**, **Wise**, or your bank’s mobile app help you track spending and manage cards. Iceland is almost entirely cashless, so you can pay by card everywhere from gas stations near Borgarnes to cafés in Ísafjörður. Having your banking app ready means you can focus on enjoying your stay at Ourhotels.is instead of worrying about currency exchange.
For finding food and activities, apps like **Google Maps**, **Tripadvisor**, and **Yelp** are useful for reviews and opening hours. Around Stykkishólmur Inn, they can guide you to the best seafood restaurants and boat tours. Near Hvítá Inn, they help you discover local bakeries, farm-to-table spots, and geothermal pools. In Ísafjörður, they’re perfect for finding cozy cafés, museums, and outdoor adventure operators offering kayaking, hiking, or skiing, depending on the season.
Photography lovers should consider apps like **PhotoPills** or **Sun Surveyor** to plan sunrise, sunset, and golden hour shots. These are especially helpful in scenic regions like Borgarfjörður, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords. Combine them with a stay at Ourhotels.is and you’ll know exactly when to step outside your inn for the best light over the fjords, mountains, and coastline.
If you’re visiting in winter or shoulder seasons, **Aurora forecast apps** (such as My Aurora Forecast) are essential. They show cloud cover and aurora activity so you can maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Imagine checking your app at Hvítá Inn, seeing a strong aurora forecast and clear skies, and stepping outside to watch the lights dance over the quiet countryside. Or staying at Ísafjörður Inn and catching the aurora reflected in the calm waters of the fjord. With the right app, you’ll know when to stay up late and when to rest.
For public transport, **Strætó** (the Icelandic bus app) is useful if you’re not driving the whole time. It helps you plan routes and check schedules, especially for travel between Reykjavík and towns like Borgarnes or Stykkishólmur. Even if you’re mainly driving, it’s good to have as a backup or for day trips.
Finally, don’t forget general travel organizers like **TripIt**, **Google Trips (via Maps)**, or your preferred itinerary app. These help you keep all your bookings—flights, car rental, and hotel reservations at Ourhotels.is—in one place. You can store confirmation details for Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, plus notes on nearby attractions, so everything you need is at your fingertips.
With the right combination of travel apps, your Iceland adventure becomes easier, safer, and more rewarding. Use weather, road, and safety apps to navigate the elements; navigation and transport apps to explore; and planning tools alongside Ourhotels.is to create a seamless route through some of the most beautiful regions in western Iceland. Whether you’re waking up by the river at Hvítá Inn, watching the harbor lights in Stykkishólmur, or breathing in the crisp air of Ísafjörður, these apps will help you make the most of every moment.
