Why light feels magical

February 20, 2026 · Travel Tips

photographer: Tegan Conway :

There’s something truly magical about the quality of light in Westfjords and West Iceland—the way it dances off rugged cliffs at dawn, glows gold across mossy lava fields at dusk, and casts turquoise ribbons through glacier ice. Staying with Ourhotels.is means you’re always perfectly placed to experience every breathtaking moment.

When to Go

Choose your light:

  • Midnight Sun (June–August): 24-hour daylight for endless exploring and midnight hikes by the shore.
  • Northern Lights (September–April): Longer nights, crisp air, and the chance to see dancing auroras in complete darkness.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Fewer crowds, spring blooms or autumn colors, plus great prices.

What to Pack

  • Layered clothing (base layers, fleece, waterproof shell)
  • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
  • Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
  • Camera or smartphone with extra batteries (cold drains power)
  • Sunglasses (glare from ice and water can be intense)

How Long to Stay

We recommend 3–5 nights to truly savor the changing light—long enough to chase sunrise and sunset each day, plus a night hunt for the aurora.

What to Do

  • Drive the Golden Circle: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs, and Þingvellir National Park under magical light.
  • Relax at Krauma geothermal baths near Hvítá Inn—soothe your muscles in milky-blue waters.
  • Explore ice tunnels in Langjökull glacier or hike across black-sand beaches on Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
  • Kayak along fjords at dawn, when the still water mirrors pastel skies.
  • Join a Northern Lights tour from Ísafjörður Inn or The Stykkishólmur Inn—your expert guide knows the best dark-sky spots.

For a cozy riverside retreat, book the charming Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes) or the hip Truck Inn at Hvítá. Other hidden gems include The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snaefellsnes coast and Ísafjörður Inn in the heart of the dramatic Westfjords.

Let Iceland’s ethereal light transform your trip. Book your stay today at Ourhotels.is and prepare to see the world in a whole new glow.