Using public toilets in Iceland can be surprisingly different from what many travelers are used to, and knowing what to expect can make your road trip around the country much more comfortable. Whether you’re driving the Ring Road, exploring the Westfjords, or discovering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a little preparation goes a long way.
In Iceland, public toilets are generally clean, safe, and well-maintained, but they are not always free or open 24/7. Many restrooms in popular tourist areas, gas stations, and visitor centers now charge a small fee, often between 100–300 ISK. Payment is usually via card, contactless payment, or a coin-operated gate. It’s wise to keep a small amount of cash or a card handy, especially in more remote areas.
You’ll find public toilets at gas stations, swimming pools, museums, larger supermarkets, and tourist information centers. In rural regions, however, facilities can be few and far between, especially in winter or late at night. That’s why planning your stops is essential. When you stay with Ourhotels.is, you can use your accommodation as a reliable “base” for freshening up before and after your daily adventures, reducing the stress of hunting for facilities on the road.
For example, if you’re exploring West Iceland, Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) is perfectly placed along major routes. Before heading out to see the hot springs at Deildartunguhver or the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, you can start your day with a comfortable bathroom stop at the inn, then plan your next restroom break at a gas station or café along the way. Returning in the evening, you’ll appreciate having clean, private facilities waiting for you, instead of relying on late-night public toilets that may be closed.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn is another convenient option. Stykkishólmur is a charming harbor town and a natural hub for exploring the peninsula’s dramatic coastline, lava fields, and beaches. While there are public toilets in town and at some viewpoints, they can be busy in peak season and sometimes have limited opening hours. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn means you can easily freshen up before a boat tour, a hike, or a scenic drive, and then relax in comfort when you return, without worrying about finding an open restroom late in the evening.
Further north and west, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords offers a similar advantage. The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote and wild regions, with long stretches of road and fewer services. Public toilets are often limited to small villages, gas stations, and a handful of popular sites. When you base yourself at Ísafjörður Inn, you can plan your day trips to places like Dynjandi waterfall or the surrounding fjords knowing you’ll start and end your day with reliable, clean facilities. This is especially important in bad weather, when stopping at exposed roadside areas is neither comfortable nor environmentally friendly.
Respect for nature is a big part of Icelandic culture, and that includes how visitors use the bathroom. It’s strongly discouraged—and in many protected areas, illegal—to relieve yourself in nature, especially near walking paths, parking lots, or popular viewpoints. Human waste and toilet paper can damage fragile ecosystems and spoil the experience for others. If you’re traveling in very remote areas where public toilets are scarce, plan ahead: use facilities whenever you see them, and consider carrying a small “toilet kit” with tissues and hand sanitizer. Always pack out any used paper or hygiene products in a sealed bag and dispose of them in a proper bin later.
Hygiene standards in Iceland are generally high. Most public toilets have running water, soap, and hand dryers or paper towels. However, in very remote or older facilities, supplies can occasionally run out during busy times. Having your own small pack of tissues and sanitizer is a simple way to stay comfortable. When you stay with Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can count on regularly cleaned bathrooms, hot water, and the chance to properly freshen up after a long day outdoors.
Accessibility is improving across the country, and many newer or renovated public toilets include accessible stalls. Larger towns and popular attractions are more likely to have accessible facilities than remote viewpoints. If accessibility is important for your trip, using your hotel as a central, reliable stop becomes even more valuable. Ourhotels.is locations in West Iceland and the Westfjords are well-situated in or near towns, making it easier to combine sightseeing with comfortable, accessible restroom breaks.
To make the most of your trip, think of public toilets in Iceland as part of your travel planning, not an afterthought. Check where gas stations and villages are along your route, take advantage of facilities when you stop for fuel or snacks, and use your accommodation as your main comfort point each day. By staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll have clean, dependable bathrooms at the start and end of every adventure, helping you travel more comfortably and responsibly.
With a bit of planning and respect for local nature and facilities, using public toilets in Iceland is straightforward. Combine smart route planning with the comfort of Ourhotels.is, and you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, and unforgettable landscapes of West Iceland and the Westfjords.
