Driving in Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s raw nature, hidden hot springs, and small fishing villages at your own pace. But conditions here are very different from most places in Europe or North America, so a bit of preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re planning a short road trip from Reykjavík into West Iceland or a longer journey around the fjords, here’s what you should know before getting behind the wheel—plus how to use Ourhotels.is as your comfortable base along the way.
Iceland’s Weather Changes Fast
Even in summer, you can experience sun, rain, fog, and strong wind in a single day. In winter, snow and ice are common, especially outside Reykjavík.
– Always check the weather forecast at vedur.is before you drive.
– In winter, allow extra time for every journey and be prepared for delays.
– Strong winds can make opening car doors dangerous—hold on to the door with both hands when you open it.
Staying in West Iceland, you’ll see how quickly conditions can change. For example, you might leave Reykjavík under clear skies and arrive in Borgarfjörður in heavy rain or fog. Booking a place like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður through Ourhotels.is gives you a safe, cozy base if the weather turns and you need to stop earlier than planned.
Road Types and Speed Limits
Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1) is paved, but many side roads—especially in the Westfjords and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—are gravel.
Typical speed limits:
– 50 km/h in towns
– 80 km/h on gravel roads
– 90 km/h on paved rural roads
Gravel roads can be slippery, and loose stones can damage your car if you drive too fast. Slow down when you move from paved to gravel surfaces, and keep a safe distance from cars ahead to avoid flying stones.
If you’re heading to Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll likely drive a mix of paved and gravel roads with stunning views of mountains and coastline. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and don’t feel pressured to drive at the maximum speed limit.
Winter Driving and 4×4 Cars
From late autumn to early spring, snow and ice are common, especially in the north and west. If you’re not used to winter driving, consider:
– Renting a 4×4 vehicle with good winter tires.
– Reducing your speed and increasing your following distance.
– Avoiding night driving in poor conditions.
The Westfjords, where Ísafjörður Inn is located, are particularly beautiful in winter but can be challenging to reach. Mountain passes may be icy or temporarily closed. Before driving to Ísafjörður, check both the weather and road conditions, and be flexible with your schedule. Having a comfortable inn waiting for you at the end of a long winter drive makes the journey much more rewarding.
Check Road Conditions Before You Go
In addition to the weather forecast, always check road conditions at road.is. This site shows:
– Closed roads
– Icy or slippery sections
– Wind warnings
– Live webcams from key points
This is especially important if you’re planning to drive between regions in one day—for example, from Borgarfjörður to Stykkishólmur, or from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula up toward the Westfjords and Ísafjörður Inn. Conditions can vary dramatically between coastal areas and higher mountain passes.
Daylight and Visibility
Daylight hours in Iceland change a lot with the seasons:
– Summer: very long days, with midnight sun in June and July.
– Winter: short days, with only a few hours of usable light in December and January.
Plan your driving so that the longest or most difficult stretches happen in daylight, especially if you’re not used to driving in snow or on narrow roads. In winter, it’s often best to drive during the middle of the day and relax at your accommodation in the morning and evening.
Staying at places like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn through Ourhotels.is makes it easy to structure your trip around daylight. You can drive during the brightest hours, then unwind with a warm meal and a comfortable bed once the sun goes down.
Sheep, Horses, and One-Lane Bridges
Iceland’s countryside roads come with a few unique features:
– Sheep often roam freely in summer and can suddenly cross the road. Slow down when you see them near the roadside.
– Icelandic horses may be close to the road as well—enjoy them, but never stop in the middle of the road to take photos.
– Many bridges, especially in rural areas, are single-lane. The car closest to the bridge usually has the right of way, but always slow down and make eye contact or use indicators to show your intentions.
You’ll encounter these typical Icelandic scenes as you drive between Ourhotels.is locations in West Iceland—passing farms and rivers on your way to Hvítá Inn, or crossing narrow bridges as you approach Ísafjörður through dramatic fjords.
Off-Road Driving Is Illegal
It’s strictly forbidden to drive off marked roads or tracks in Iceland. The landscape is fragile, and tire marks can last for decades.
– Only drive on marked roads and tracks.
– Use designated parking areas and viewpoints.
– If you’re unsure whether a track is allowed, don’t take it.
You’ll find plenty of beautiful, legal places to stop near all Ourhotels.is locations. From Hvítá Inn, you can explore waterfalls and hot springs in Borgarfjörður; from Stykkishólmur Inn, you can discover viewpoints over Breiðafjörður Bay; and from Ísafjörður Inn, you can access marked roads leading to remote fjords and beaches.
Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops
Distances in Iceland can be longer than they look on the map, and services are more spread out than in many other countries.
– Fill up your tank regularly, especially before heading into the Westfjords.
– Keep some snacks and water in the car.
– Don’t rely on finding a café or restaurant in every small village.
Using Ourhotels.is to plan your route helps you break your journey into comfortable stages. For example:
– Start from Reykjavík and drive to Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður as your first stop in West Iceland.
– Continue to Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for a night or two of coastal exploration.
– Then head north to Ísafjörður Inn as your base for exploring the dramatic Westfjords.
This way, you always know where you’ll sleep, eat, and refuel, making your road trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
Respecting Nature and Local Communities
When you drive in Iceland, you’re often passing through small communities and sensitive natural areas.
– Obey speed limits in towns and villages.
– Park only in designated areas, not on moss or fragile ground.
– Take your rubbish with you or use bins at gas stations and accommodations.
Staying in locally run places like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn supports the communities you’re visiting. The staff can also give you up-to-date, local advice on road conditions, hidden spots, and safe routes for the next leg of your journey.
Why Use Ourhotels.is for Your Iceland Road Trip
Ourhotels.is focuses on comfortable, well-located inns in West Iceland, making it easy to plan a road trip that balances adventure with relaxation. By booking a route that connects:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes) – a great first stop from Reykjavík, close to hot springs, lava fields, and waterfalls.
– Stykkishólmur Inn – your base on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, perfect for exploring coastal villages, sea tours, and dramatic cliffs.
– Ísafjörður Inn – a welcoming home in the heart of the Westfjords, surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords.
…you create a natural driving loop through some of Iceland’s most beautiful regions, with safe, comfortable accommodation waiting for you each night.
With a bit of preparation, respect for the conditions, and a flexible schedule, driving in Iceland becomes part of the adventure. Use Ourhotels.is to anchor your journey, and let the roads of West Iceland lead you to waterfalls, fjords, and quiet villages you’ll remember long after the trip is over.
