Visiting glacier lagoons in Iceland feels like stepping into another world—where ancient ice, deep blue water, and dramatic mountains meet in complete silence. These lagoons are among the most unforgettable sights in the country, and they’re surprisingly easy to combine with a road trip through West Iceland and the Westfjords, especially when you base yourself at comfortable, well-located stays like Ourhotels.is.
Glacier lagoons are formed where glaciers meet the sea or large lakes, and chunks of ice break off and float in the water. The most famous examples are in the southeast, but you’ll find equally magical glacier scenery and coastal fjords in the west and north, with far fewer crowds and a more authentic, local feel.
### Why glacier lagoons belong on your Iceland itinerary
Glacier lagoons offer a rare chance to see the power of nature up close. You can:
– Watch icebergs drift slowly across still, mirror-like water
– See layers of centuries-old ice glowing in shades of blue and white
– Spot seals resting on ice floes or swimming between the bergs
– Capture incredible photos at sunrise, sunset, or under the midnight sun
In winter, the surrounding mountains and fjords are dusted with snow, and in summer the contrast between green hillsides and bright ice is striking. No matter when you visit, glacier lagoons are a highlight of any Iceland road trip.
### Using West Iceland as your base
Many travelers rush straight from Reykjavík to the south coast, but West Iceland is a perfect starting point if you want to explore more quietly and see a different side of the country. From here, you can enjoy glacier views, dramatic coastlines, and easy access to the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Ourhotels.is offers several comfortable inns in strategic locations, making it easy to plan day trips and longer drives to glacier areas and coastal fjords.
#### Hvítá Inn – your gateway to West Iceland
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes, is an ideal first stop when you leave Reykjavík. Surrounded by rivers, mountains, and open countryside, it’s a peaceful base for exploring:
– The glacier-covered mountains of Langjökull in the distance
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, where glacial water flows through lava fields
– The scenic Borgarfjörður region, with its farms, hot springs, and quiet valleys
Staying at Hvítá Inn lets you experience the slower pace of rural Iceland while still being within easy driving distance of Reykjavík and the main Ring Road. It’s a great place to rest after a day of exploring and to plan your onward journey toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords.
#### Stykkishólmur Inn – the perfect stop on the Snæfellsnes route
From Borgarfjörður, many travelers continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: glaciers, black sand beaches, cliffs, and charming fishing villages.
Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is located in the picturesque town of Stykkishólmur on the north side of the peninsula. From here you can:
– Enjoy views over Breiðafjörður bay, dotted with countless small islands
– Take boat tours among the islands, where you’ll see birdlife and dramatic coastal scenery
– Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano
While Breiðafjörður itself is not a classic glacier lagoon, the combination of sea, islands, and distant glacier views creates a similar sense of wild, untouched nature. Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to return to after a day of exploring the peninsula’s beaches, cliffs, and viewpoints.
#### Ísafjörður Inn – your base for the wild Westfjords
For travelers who want to go beyond the usual routes, the Westfjords are a dream. This remote region is known for steep mountains, deep fjords, and quiet roads that feel far from the crowds. Ísafjörður, the main town in the area, is a natural hub for exploring.
Ísafjörður Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, places you right in the heart of this dramatic landscape. From here, you can:
– Drive along fjords carved by ancient glaciers, with towering cliffs on both sides
– Take boat trips into remote fjords where glaciers once reached the sea
– Enjoy coastal views that echo the feeling of glacier lagoons—calm water, steep mountains, and a sense of vast space
While the classic, iceberg-filled lagoons are further east, the Westfjords give you a powerful impression of how glaciers shaped Iceland’s coastline. The fjords themselves are former glacial valleys now filled with seawater, and the scenery is every bit as impressive.
After a day of hiking, kayaking, or simply driving the winding coastal roads, Ísafjörður Inn offers a cozy place to relax, recharge, and plan your next adventure.
### Planning your glacier and fjord-focused road trip
A popular route for visitors who want to combine glacier scenery, fjords, and authentic Icelandic towns might look like this:
1. Reykjavík → Borgarfjörður
– Stay at Hvítá Inn
– Explore waterfalls, hot springs, and distant glacier views
2. Borgarfjörður → Snæfellsnes Peninsula
– Stay at Stykkishólmur Inn
– Visit Snæfellsjökull National Park, coastal cliffs, and Breiðafjörður bay
3. Snæfellsnes → Westfjords (Ísafjörður)
– Stay at Ísafjörður Inn
– Discover remote fjords, dramatic mountain roads, and quiet fishing villages
From there, you can either continue your journey around Iceland or return to Reykjavík, having experienced some of the country’s most impressive glacier-shaped landscapes.
### Tips for visiting glacier areas and coastal lagoons in Iceland
– **Check road conditions:** Especially outside summer, always check weather and road reports before driving into the Westfjords or along mountain passes.
– **Dress in layers:** Glacier areas and fjords can be windy and cool, even in summer. Waterproof outer layers and warm mid-layers are essential.
– **Book accommodation in advance:** Popular regions like Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords have limited places to stay. Booking Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn ahead of time through Ourhotels.is ensures you have a comfortable base each night.
– **Allow extra time:** The most memorable moments often come from unplanned stops—viewpoints, small harbors, or quiet beaches along the way.
### Experience Iceland’s glacier-shaped landscapes with Ourhotels.is
Whether you’re dreaming of classic glacier lagoons filled with icebergs or the sweeping fjords carved by ancient ice, Iceland offers countless ways to experience the power of glaciers. By basing yourself at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can explore some of the country’s most beautiful glacier-shaped landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Ourhotels.is brings these locations together into one easy-to-plan journey, so you can focus on what matters most: standing by the water’s edge, watching the light change on the ice and mountains, and feeling the quiet magic of Iceland’s glacier lagoons and fjords.
