Iceland’s dramatic landscapes are shaped by powerful natural forces, and volcanic activity is a part of that story. While eruptions can sound intimidating, Iceland is extremely well prepared, with excellent monitoring systems, clear communication, and established safety procedures. As a traveler, the most important thing is to stay informed, follow instructions, and know what to do if an eruption occurs during your stay.
Ourhotels.is is here not only to provide you with a comfortable base in West Iceland, but also to help you feel safe and well-informed. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, our staff can guide you with up-to-date local information and practical advice.
First and foremost, always pay attention to official information. Before and during your trip, check the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) and SafeTravel (safetravel.is) for alerts, road conditions, and any volcanic or seismic updates. If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, our reception can help you interpret these alerts and suggest safe alternative routes or activities if needed. The same applies at Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, where our teams are used to helping guests adjust plans around changing weather or natural conditions.
If a volcanic eruption occurs while you’re in Iceland, stay calm and listen to local authorities. You may receive alerts via text message, radio, or through your accommodation. At Ourhotels.is properties, staff will share any important updates and instructions in English and help you understand what they mean for your travel plans. In most cases, eruptions are localized, and authorities quickly close off affected areas while the rest of the country continues to operate normally.
If you are asked to stay indoors due to ash fall, your hotel becomes your safe haven. Close windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary trips outside. At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you can relax in the cozy common areas, enjoy the countryside views, and let our team keep you updated. At Stykkishólmur Inn, you can watch the changing light over Breiðafjörður Bay from inside, and at Ísafjörður Inn, you can settle into the calm of the Westfjords while we monitor the situation for you.
If you’re driving when an eruption or ash fall is announced, pull over safely and follow guidance from SafeTravel and local radio (such as RÚV). Avoid driving in heavy ash, as it can reduce visibility and affect your vehicle. If you’re heading to or from one of our locations—perhaps driving from Reykjavík to Hvítá Inn or exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn—contact the hotel if you can. Our staff can advise you on whether to continue, wait, or choose an alternative route, and help you adjust your booking if necessary.
Air travel is sometimes affected during volcanic events, but this is managed carefully by aviation authorities. If your flight is delayed or rerouted, use your hotel as a base while you wait for updates. Guests at Ísafjörður Inn, for example, often appreciate having a comfortable, central place to stay while they coordinate with airlines and tour operators. Ourhotels.is staff can help you print documents, make calls, or simply provide a quiet space to reorganize your plans.
Protecting your health is also important. If there is ash in the air and you need to go outside, use a mask or cloth over your nose and mouth and, if possible, wear glasses to protect your eyes. Back at the hotel, you can rinse off and change clothes to avoid bringing ash into your room. Ourhotels.is properties are equipped to help you with basic needs and practical tips, and we’ll do our best to make you comfortable until conditions improve.
Travel insurance that covers natural events is always a wise choice when visiting volcanic regions. If you need to make changes to your itinerary, our reception teams at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn can provide documentation of local conditions, which may be helpful for insurance claims or airline discussions.
Despite the dramatic headlines eruptions sometimes generate, most visitors to Iceland never experience any disruption at all. Those who do are usually affected only by minor changes to their plans. With Iceland’s strong infrastructure, clear communication, and experienced local communities, you are rarely far from help or information.
Staying at Ourhotels.is in West Iceland means you have a knowledgeable local partner throughout your journey. At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re surrounded by peaceful countryside and close to major routes. At Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re in a charming harbor town with easy access to services and tours. At Ísafjörður Inn, you’re in the heart of the Westfjords, where locals are used to working with nature’s rhythms. In all three locations, our goal is the same: to keep you safe, informed, and comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying Iceland’s unique landscapes—volcanoes and all—with confidence and peace of mind.
