Determining the place to remain in Iceland was one of many trickiest elements of planning our journeys there. It’s not like most European international locations the place you’ll be able to rock as much as a city and discover a dozen motels to select from. Exterior Reykjavik, lodging is restricted, it books up quick, and it’s not low-cost.
We’ve visited Iceland a number of occasions, together with spending 4 weeks driving the complete Ring Street, and we’ve stayed in every little thing from good metropolis motels to tiny guesthouses in the midst of nowhere. Between us, we’ve slept in over twenty completely different properties throughout each area of Iceland, from Reykjavik to the Westfjords.
The brief reply, should you solely have a couple of days: base your self in Reykjavik and take day journeys. If in case you have every week or extra, transfer each night time or two alongside the Ring Street and e-book the southeast part first, as a result of that’s the place the beds run out soonest. All the things beneath is the element behind these two sentences, area by area, with the locations we truly stayed and what it’s best to anticipate to pay in ISK.
For those who’re planning a highway journey, our itineraries pair effectively with this information. We have now write-ups for 7 days on the Ring Street, 5 days in Iceland, and a 3 day stopover itinerary, all of which embrace particular lodging suggestions for every night time.
Area
Most important bases
Greatest for
Nights
Winter
Reykjavik and Reykjanes
Reykjavik 101, Keflavik
Brief journeys, day excursions, first and final nights
1 to three
Full selection
Golden Circle
Selfoss, Laugarvatn, Flúðir, Hella
Breaking apart the drive south
1
Good
South Coast
Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Waterfalls, black sand, glacier journeys
2
Good
Southeast
Höfn, Djúpivogur
Glacier lagoons
1 to 2
Restricted
East Iceland
Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður
Quiet fjords, few crowds
1 to 2
Restricted
North Iceland
Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík
Whale watching, Northern Lights
2 to three
Good
West and Snæfellsnes
Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður, Borgarnes
Pictures, calmer tempo
1 to 2
Lowered
Westfjords
Ísafjörður, Patreksfjörður
Distant driving, chook cliffs
3 plus
Largely closed
How Lodging in Iceland Works
Iceland’s lodging scene is completely different from what you is likely to be used to elsewhere in Europe, and realizing the classes makes the reserving websites so much simpler to learn.
Accommodations
Accommodations in Iceland vary from international-standard chains to smaller locally-owned properties. The primary chains you’ll encounter are Fosshotel, Keahotels, and Berjaya Iceland Accommodations (previously Icelandair Accommodations). We’ve stayed at a number of properties throughout these chains and so they’re typically dependable, fashionable, and cozy, if not notably characterful. Room sizes are typically on the smaller facet, however the services are all the time clear and effectively maintained.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses are in all probability the most typical sort of lodging outdoors Reykjavik. They vary from a couple of rooms in somebody’s residence to purpose-built properties with a dozen or extra rooms. Some have en-suite bogs, some have shared services, and lots of have visitor kitchens, which is an actual bonus in a rustic the place consuming out is dear.
A few of our greatest stays in Iceland have been at family-run guesthouses. They’re additionally the place you’ll get precise native recommendation concerning the highway forward, which issues extra in Iceland than most locations.
Farm Stays
Farm stays are a uniquely Icelandic expertise. Many working farms alongside the Ring Street have transformed outbuildings or constructed small cabins for visitors. They are typically in stunning areas, usually surrounded by nothing however sheep and lava fields, although they could be a truthful distance from the closest city.
Don’t anticipate luxurious or room service. Do anticipate character, home-cooked breakfasts, and a facet of Iceland that resort visitors miss totally. Some farms supply horseback driving or sheep-related actions, which could be a spotlight for households.
Resort Edda
Resort Edda is a series you gained’t have heard of earlier than you begin reserving. These motels function in transformed faculty buildings and neighborhood centres throughout the summer time months (roughly June to mid-August) when the faculties are empty.
The rooms are primary, usually with shared bogs, and really feel precisely like what they’re: dormitory lodging with a recent coat of paint. However they flip up in locations the place nothing else does, and so they fill an actual hole. Clear, purposeful, and fairly reasonably priced by Icelandic requirements.
Hostels
Hostels exist primarily in Reykjavik and the bigger cities. They’re not as low-cost as you may hope (that is Iceland, in any case), however they’re probably the most budget-friendly choice with a roof over your head. KEX Hostel in Reykjavik might be the best-known, and it’s a great place to remain.
Flats and Cottages
Flats and cottages are more and more common, particularly for households or longer stays. They provide the area and kitchen services that motels usually lack. Cottages alongside the Ring Street might be beautiful, although availability is restricted and so they go early.
Tenting and Campervans
Tenting and campervans are probably the most budget-friendly technique to see Iceland, and so they’re highly regarded in summer time. Iceland has over 170 campsites across the nation, and should you’re staying some time, the Tenting Card offers you entry to a community of web sites at a flat fee.
We haven’t camped in Iceland ourselves, however loads of readers have instructed us it really works effectively should you’re ready for the climate. Wild tenting is not permitted in many of the nation as a consequence of environmental considerations, so keep on with official campsites. Campervans provide you with flexibility to maneuver round with out reserving forward, although you’ll nonetheless want designated campsites in a single day.
What to Anticipate from Icelandic Lodging
Icelandic lodging has a couple of quirks that catch first-time guests off guard. Figuring out about them prematurely makes for a smoother journey.
The recent water smells of sulphur. That is fully regular. Iceland’s water is geothermally heated, and the recent faucet could have a faint (generally not so faint) egg-like odor. It’s completely protected, and also you get used to it shortly. The chilly water, in fact, is among the purest you’ll drink anyplace on this planet, which does make the distinction a bit odd for the primary day or two.
Rooms are sometimes small. Icelandic resort rooms are typically compact by worldwide requirements, and that’s true even at mid-range and upmarket properties. For those who’re used to spacious American resort rooms, alter your expectations. The rooms are virtually all the time clear and well-designed, simply not massive.
Breakfast is a spotlight. Most motels and guesthouses embrace breakfast, and the Icelandic breakfast buffet is one thing to stay up for. Anticipate skyr (Iceland’s thick, tangy dairy product, someplace between yoghurt and cream cheese), freshly baked bread, smoked fish, chilly cuts, cheese, cereals, and fruit. It’s sometimes glorious high quality and filling sufficient to maintain you going for an extended day of sightseeing.
Blackout blinds are uncommon. It is a massive one for summer time guests. In June and July, Iceland will get near 24 hours of daylight, and lots of properties don’t have blackout curtains or blinds. The sunshine streaming by way of your window at 2am could make sleeping surprisingly troublesome.
We’d strongly advocate packing a great sleep masks. We use the Manta Sleep Masks. It’s costlier than the essential ones, however we went by way of numerous cheaper masks earlier than deciding on it, and it’s the one one we’ve discovered that works constantly and comfortably. It’s now a everlasting fixture in our journey package.
Toiletries are minimal. You’ll often discover cleaning soap and possibly bathe gel in your room, however that’s about it. Don’t anticipate shampoo, conditioner, or different merchandise except you’re staying at an upmarket resort. Pack your personal.
Heated flooring are frequent. A beautiful function of many Icelandic properties, particularly bogs. Your ft will thanks on chilly mornings.
Scorching tubs are in all places. One of many actual pleasures of staying in rural Iceland is the variety of properties with their very own out of doors scorching tubs. After an extended day of driving and mountain climbing, sitting in a scorching tub watching the midnight solar (or, in winter, the Northern Lights) is about nearly as good because it will get. Examine whether or not your lodging has one if you e-book, and pack your swimwear even should you’re not planning on visiting the Blue Lagoon. That is the one best improve to an Iceland journey and it often prices nothing further!
Shared bogs are extra frequent than you’d anticipate. Exterior Reykjavik, many guesthouses nonetheless have shared lavatory services, even at what could be thought of “mid-range” costs elsewhere. If a personal lavatory issues to you, examine the itemizing fastidiously earlier than reserving. En-suite rooms can be found, however they price extra and have a tendency to e-book out first.
For a whole listing of what to carry, see our Iceland winter packing listing or our Iceland summer time packing listing, relying on if you’re going. Two issues particular to the place you sleep: a sleep masks (as above), and your personal towel should you’re staying in hostels or plan to go to geothermal swimming pools alongside the way in which.
What Does Lodging in Iceland Truly Value?
Iceland is dear. For those who’re coming from most different European international locations, or from the US, lodging costs (and costs for practically every little thing else too) will make you wince a bit. Or so much.
Right here’s what you’ll be able to realistically anticipate to pay per night time for a double room in summer time:
Stage
What you get
Summer time, per night time
Funds
Dorm beds, easy guesthouses, shared bogs
11,000 to 18,000 ISK
Mid-range
Personal room, en-suite, breakfast often included
20,000 to 40,000 ISK
Upmarket
Chain motels, design motels, prime areas
40,000 to 80,000 plus ISK
Funds properties exist, however they e-book up quick, particularly in summer time. Mid-range is the place most travellers find yourself, and it’s the place properties like Resort Framtid in Djúpivogur and the guesthouses alongside the south coast sit.
On the high finish, Reykjavik has probably the most selection, although properties like Sigló Hótel in Siglufjörður present that upmarket exists effectively outdoors the capital.
These figures are for peak season, June to August. Shoulder months (Might and September) sometimes run 15 to 25 % cheaper, and winter might be cheaper nonetheless, although availability outdoors Reykjavik and the south coast drops considerably.
When to E-book
That is presumably a very powerful sensible recommendation on this complete information: e-book early. Iceland has far much less lodging than the variety of vacationers visiting would counsel, and common areas refill months prematurely.
For summer time journeys (June to August), e-book not less than three to 6 months forward. Alongside the south coast and within the smaller cities the place lodging may be very restricted, even that may not be early sufficient for one of the best properties.
For winter journeys (October to March), you’ll be able to usually e-book a bit later, but it surely’s nonetheless price planning forward, notably in Reykjavik round Christmas and New Yr, and for common Northern Lights viewing areas. Many rural guesthouses and smaller properties shut totally in winter, particularly within the north, east, and Westfjords.
We use Reserving.com for many of our Iceland lodging as a result of their free cancellation insurance policies provide you with flexibility in case your plans change. Icelandic climate is unpredictable, roads can shut, and having the ability to alter bookings with out penalty makes an actual distinction.
Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjavik has by far the most important number of lodging in Iceland, which makes it the best place to seek out someplace to remain at any finances degree. It’s additionally the pure beginning and ending level for many journeys, and a great base should you’re planning day excursions quite than a self-drive journey.
The 101 district (downtown) is the preferred space to remain. It’s compact and walkable, with eating places, bars, and the primary sights all inside simple attain. Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa live performance corridor, the Solar Voyager sculpture, and the primary purchasing avenue Laugavegur are all inside a 15-minute stroll of one another. If you wish to lower your expenses, the Laugardalur neighbourhood is quieter, well-connected by bus, and near the town’s largest geothermal swimming pool.
We’ve stayed at plenty of Reykjavik motels over time. Reykjavik Marina (Berjaya Iceland Accommodations) may be very centrally positioned, proper on the harbour, with comfy rooms and a great restaurant. It’s inside strolling distance of the whale watching boats and the Harpa, which makes it a handy base.
The Grand Hótel Reykjavík (which you might also see listed as Resort Reykjavík Grand) is a couple of mile from the town centre however provides four-star services together with a spa, health centre, and free parking, which is an actual plus since parking in central Reykjavik could be a ache. Reykjavík Natura (Berjaya Iceland Accommodations) is one other stable choice, a bit additional out however with good services and a quieter setting.
For finances travellers, KEX Hostel is well-run and sociable, with a great bar and restaurant on web site. Guesthouse Galtafell is sweet worth, round ten minutes’ stroll from the centre, with each visitor rooms and residences that include small kitchenettes, helpful for protecting prices down.
One sensible notice about Reykjavik: should you’re selecting up a rental automotive, most rent corporations are based mostly at Keflavik airport, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from the town. Some travellers favor to spend their first night time in Reykjavik with no automotive (taxis and the Flybus join the airport to the town), then decide up the automotive once they’re prepared to go away for the countryside. Others favor to have the automotive from day one and drive straight to their first cease. Both works, simply issue the airport switch into your planning.
For those who’re arriving late or flying out early, the Reykjanes Peninsula close to Keflavik airport is price contemplating. We stayed on the Northern Gentle Inn, which is correct subsequent to the Blue Lagoon and about twenty minutes from the airport. It saves you the 45-minute drive to Reykjavik in case your flight occasions don’t line up effectively.
One caveat for this space. The Sundhnúkur crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted repeatedly since late 2023, and though the latest eruption led to August 2025, magma continues to be accumulating beneath Svartsengi and additional eruptions are thought of seemingly. In observe the Blue Lagoon has stayed open the massive majority of the time, closing in the beginning of an occasion and reopening as soon as the authorities have assessed it. Examine SafeTravel.is and the Blue Lagoon web site earlier than you e-book, and deal with a Reykjanes resort as a small further threat quite than a nasty thought. Sky Lagoon, nearer to Reykjavik, is a wonderful various should you’d quite not construct a day round it.
For extra on what to see and do within the capital, see our information to day journeys from Reykjavik.
The Golden Circle and Close by
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s hottest day journey route, however should you’re persevering with south or desire a extra relaxed tempo, staying an evening on this space makes numerous sense. It additionally breaks up the drive should you’re heading to the south coast, quite than making an attempt to do the Golden Circle and the primary part of the coast multi function very lengthy day.
The primary cities for lodging are Selfoss (the most important, with supermarkets and companies), Laugarvatn (lakeside, quiet), Flúðir (close to the Secret Lagoon), and Hella (on the way in which to the south coast). Every has a special really feel. Selfoss is probably the most sensible as a provide cease. Laugarvatn is gorgeous if you would like a soothing night by the lake. Flúðir places you inside strolling distance of the Secret Lagoon. Hella is the only option if you would like a head begin on the south coast the following morning.
We stayed at The Hill Resort at Flúðir (previously the Icelandair Resort Fludir) and located it very comfy, with a great on-site restaurant. It’s helpful for the Secret Lagoon, which is a way more low-key various to the Blue Lagoon and doesn’t require advance reserving in the identical approach.
In Hveragerði, a geothermal city identified for its scorching springs and greenhouses, we stayed at Skyr Guesthouse. It’s a beautiful little place, although notice that it isn’t presently listed on Reserving.com, so that you’ll have to e-book by way of one other platform. Hveragerði itself is price a cease. There’s a scorching river (Reykjadalur) you’ll be able to hike to and bathe in, and the city has a surprisingly good meals scene for its dimension.
The driving distances on this space are manageable. It’s about an hour from Reykjavik to Thingvellir, then one other 45 minutes to an hour between every of the primary Golden Circle stops. You possibly can comfortably see the entire circuit and be at your lodging by late afternoon, leaving time for a soak within the Secret Lagoon or Reykjadalur earlier than dinner.
This space is roofed intimately in our full information to the Golden Circle, which features a full driving itinerary and map.
The South Coast
The stretch from Hella to Vík is the busiest lodging hall outdoors Reykjavik, for good motive. It’s residence to a few of Iceland’s most well-known waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), the black sand seashores at Reynisfjara, and the departure factors for glacier hikes and ice caves. For those who solely have a couple of days in Iceland, that is the place you’ll spend most of them.
The primary base cities are Hella and Hvolsvöllur (about 90 minutes from Reykjavik, good for the primary night time heading south), Vík (the primary hub, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik), and Kirkjubæjarklaustur (additional east, nearer to Skaftafell and the glacier lagoons). The stretch between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur is sparsely populated, so your choices skinny out shortly when you cross Vík heading east.
One replace should you’re picturing Reynisfjara from older pictures, together with ours. Extended easterly winds in February 2026 prompted cliff collapse and main sand loss on the seaside, undermining the security signage and a viewing platform. Restoration depends upon the winds turning westerly quite than on any schedule, so the seaside could look completely different from the pictures you’ve seen. The SafeTravel warning system for the seaside runs yellow, orange and pink (there isn’t any inexperienced degree, regardless of the automotive rent blogs let you know), and the seaside isn’t closed outright. Take the sneaker-wave warnings significantly. Folks die there.
This space will get very busy in summer time, and lodging can really feel stretched. Most of the motels alongside this stretch cater closely to teach excursions, which suggests massive teams checking out and in on the identical occasions. It’s not a deal-breaker, however issue it in should you worth a quiet environment. Smaller guesthouses and farm stays away from Route 1 are typically calmer.
For the Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur space, we’ve stayed at Resort Klaustur in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and had a pleasing expertise. It’s fashionable, the rooms are easy however comfy, and it places you in a great place for exploring Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Skaftafell the following day with no lengthy drive.
One tip for this area: should you can, e-book two nights in the identical place quite than altering lodging each night time. The south coast has a lot to see that splitting it over two days from the identical base is extra enjoyable than packing up and transferring every morning. We’ve achieved it each methods, and staying put is a lot better.
In case your itinerary permits, contemplate staying barely off the primary route. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are accessible by a 35-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the south coast, and we stayed on the Westman Islands Inn, which is well worth the detour. The islands have a very completely different really feel to the mainland, with puffin colonies (in summer time), the still-steaming 1973 volcanic eruption web site at Eldfell, and much fewer vacationers. You’ll have to plan the ferry round your itinerary, but it surely works effectively as an in a single day cease.
This area is roofed in our 5 day Iceland itinerary and the primary few days of our Ring Street itinerary.
The Southeast and Glacier Lagoons
The stretch round Höfn and the glacier lagoons (Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón) is likely one of the most spectacular elements of Iceland, and in addition probably the most accommodation-limited. There are only a few choices between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, so those that exist refill quick.
Höfn itself is a small fishing city (inhabitants round 2,000) and the primary base for this area. It has a handful of motels, guesthouses, and eating places, and is thought for its langoustine. For those who’re driving the Ring Street, Höfn is the pure stopping level between the south coast and east Iceland, roughly a five-hour drive from Vík.
We’ve stayed at Blabjorg Resort and Hótel Norðurljós on this space, each of which served as comfy bases for exploring the glacier lagoons. Resort Framtid in Djúpivogur is a beautiful choice barely additional east, overlooking the harbour. It’s a quieter various to staying in Höfn itself, and places you a bit nearer to the Eastfjords if that’s your subsequent vacation spot.
Just a few properties are additionally scattered alongside the highway between Skaftafell and Höfn, usually transformed farms. These might be glorious if you wish to be nearer to Jökulsárlón with out driving to Höfn, however they are typically very small (generally only a handful of rooms) and e-book out extraordinarily early.
That is the area the place reserving far prematurely issues most. For those who’re visiting in July or August and haven’t booked your southeast lodging not less than 4 to 6 months out, you might end up with very restricted choices or a really lengthy drive to the closest accessible mattress. Have a backup plan in case climate or highway circumstances drive a change to your route, which does occur on this stretch.
East Iceland
East Iceland is the quiet stretch. Most Ring Street travellers cross by way of pretty shortly, which suggests there are fewer lodging choices but in addition much less competitors for them. The primary cities are Egilsstaðir (the regional hub, with a home airport, grocery store, and the most important number of lodging within the east) and Seyðisfjörður, a vibrant city down a steep mountain cross that’s residence to the Smyril Line ferry terminal connecting Iceland to the Faroe Islands and Denmark.
The drive from Höfn to Egilsstaðir is likely one of the longer stretches on the Ring Street, round 4 to 5 hours relying on stops. The surroundings alongside the Eastfjords is spectacular however the highway winds significantly, so it takes longer than you’d anticipate. Issue this into your planning and don’t attempt to rush it.
In Seyðisfjörður, we stayed on the Aldan Resort and Restaurant, which is likely one of the most characterful locations we’ve stayed in Iceland. It’s a small, fantastically restored resort proper within the centre of city, and the restaurant is great. The city itself is well worth the 25-minute drive down the mountain cross from Egilsstaðir, with its vibrant picket homes, arts scene, and the blue church on the finish of the rainbow-painted highway.
If in case you have any flexibility in your itinerary, spend an evening in Seyðisfjörður quite than simply driving by way of. The day trippers depart within the late afternoon and also you get the city largely to your self within the night gentle, which is when it’s at its finest.
The Eastfjords typically are underrated. They’re dramatically stunning, the roads wind by way of some spectacular surroundings, and the shortage of crowds offers the world a really completely different really feel from the south coast. If in case you have time for an extended journey, exploring this area extra slowly may be very rewarding. Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, and Neskaupstaður all have lodging and a fraction of the vacationers you’ll discover additional west.
North Iceland
Akureyri is the apparent base for North Iceland. It’s the most important city outdoors Reykjavik, with a inhabitants of round 19,000 and a correct vary of outlets, eating places, and lodging. It appears like an actual city quite than a vacationer cease, which is refreshing after days of tiny villages. There’s a pleasing botanical backyard, good eating places, and sufficient to fill a half-day if you would like a break from waterfalls.
We’ve stayed at Hótel Kea by Keahotels in Akureyri, which is comfy and well-located proper within the centre. From Akureyri you’ll be able to simply attain the Lake Mývatn space (about an hour’s drive), the whale watching city of Húsavík (about 45 minutes), and the Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls.
Round Lake Mývatn, we had a beautiful keep at Laxá Hótel, a design resort with nice views simply 2km from the lake. The Earth Lagoon Mývatn baths (previously the Mývatn Nature Baths) are close by, and a few of our favorite geothermal baths in Iceland, with views proper throughout the lake. Choices on this space are restricted although, so e-book effectively forward.
The Mývatn space deserves not less than a full day. Between the lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the effervescent mud pots at Hverir, the Krafla volcanic space, and the geothermal baths, you’ll be able to simply fill two.
In Húsavík, we stayed at Kaldbaks-Kot Cottages, that are self-catering cabins simply outdoors city. Húsavík is the whale watching capital of Iceland, and staying in a single day means you’ll be able to take an early morning tour earlier than the day trippers arrive from Akureyri. The city additionally has a surprisingly good whale museum and a few good eating places alongside the harbour.
Additional alongside the coast, Sigló Hótel by Keahotels in Siglufjörður is price a detour in case your itinerary permits. Siglufjörður is a fantastically located former herring city, and the resort is likely one of the nicest locations we’ve stayed in Iceland, with harbour views and a very good restaurant. It does require a detour off the Ring Street, however the drive alongside the Tröllaskagi peninsula is spectacular, with dramatic mountain passes and small fishing villages. For those who can spare the time, this detour is likely one of the highlights of the entire Ring Street journey.
North Iceland can also be glorious for winter visits. Akureyri has good lodging accessible year-round, the roads are typically higher maintained than within the east, and the Mývatn space is a chief Northern Lights viewing location.
West Iceland and Snæfellsnes
West Iceland is usually missed by travellers dashing to finish the Ring Street, which is a disgrace as a result of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is likely one of the most photogenic elements of the nation. Assume Kirkjufell (that mountain you’ve seen in each Iceland photograph), coastal rock formations, lava fields, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier which caps the tip of the peninsula.
The peninsula might be achieved as a really lengthy day journey from Reykjavik (about 2 hours every technique to the beginning of the peninsula, plus driving round it), however you’ll get pleasure from it rather more with an in a single day keep. The primary cities are Stykkishólmur (the most important, with harbour boat excursions and a pleasant city centre), Grundarfjörður (near Kirkjufell), and Ólafsvík. Lodging is extra restricted right here than on the south coast, but it surely’s rising, and the environment is way calmer.
On the way in which to or from Snæfellsnes, Resort Hamar close to Borgarnes is a handy cease. We stayed right here and it really works effectively as a base for the Borgarfjörður space (Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver scorching spring), or as a break on the drive between Reykjavik and the peninsula.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula itself, we stayed at Guesthouse Hof, which is a snug base for exploring the world. For extra choices, Stykkishólmur has the widest selection of lodging on the peninsula, and Grundarfjörður places you inside strolling distance of Kirkjufell for that basic dawn or sundown photograph.
For those who’re finishing the Ring Street and your itinerary consists of the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a pure stopping level on the way in which. Stykkishólmur additionally has a ferry (the Baldur) that runs to Brjánslækur within the Westfjords, which saves a major quantity of driving should you’re combining the 2 areas.
This space is roofed in our Ring Street itinerary as a day 7 spotlight.
The Westfjords
The Westfjords are Iceland’s most distant and least visited area, and so they really feel wild in a approach the remainder of the nation, common as it’s, doesn’t fairly match anymore. The roads are winding (some are gravel), the driving takes for much longer than you’d anticipate from the map, and the lodging is sparse. A distance that appears like an hour on the map can simply take two or three with the fjord-hugging roads.
The payoff is Dynjandi waterfall, the Látrabjarg chook cliffs, Rauðisandur seaside, and a remoteness that’s getting tougher to seek out elsewhere in Iceland. We drove for 2 hours as soon as with out passing one other automotive.
We spent a couple of days within the Westfjords and stayed at three completely different properties. Resort West in Patreksfjörður is a small, comfy resort with beautiful views over the fjord, and a great base for visiting Látrabjarg and Rauðisandur. Within the tiny fishing village of Suðureyri, we stayed at Fisherman Guesthouse, which captures the character of those remoted Westfjords communities completely. We additionally stayed at Malarhorn Guesthouse. All three have been comfy, well-run, and precisely what you need after an extended day of driving.
Ísafjörður is the most important city within the Westfjords (inhabitants round 2,600) and has the widest number of lodging, eating places, and companies. It makes a pure base should you’re spending a number of days within the area. Patreksfjörður is the opposite principal base, notably in case your focus is the southern a part of the Westfjords.
Crucial factor to know concerning the Westfjords is that the majority lodging is simply open in summer time (roughly June to September). Most of the roads are impassable in winter, and the area primarily shuts down outdoors the summer time season. For those who’re visiting the Westfjords, add not less than two to 3 further days to your itinerary past the usual Ring Street. It’s not a spot you’ll be able to rush, and the driving alone will take longer than you suppose. A 4×4 is beneficial for among the gravel roads, notably within the southern Westfjords round Látrabjarg.
The place to Keep for the Northern Lights
If seeing the Northern Lights is a precedence, your lodging selection issues, although lower than most individuals anticipate. The aurora is seen in Iceland roughly from September to March, and your finest likelihood of seeing it’s from someplace with minimal gentle air pollution and a transparent view of the northern sky.
Rural lodging in North Iceland typically provides one of the best circumstances, because the skies are typically clearer there than within the south. The Mývatn space, Húsavík, and Akureyri are all good bases. We’ve additionally seen the Northern Lights from the south coast, and even from the outskirts of Reykjavik on a transparent night time. Location helps, however luck and climate matter extra.
Some motels and guesthouses supply Northern Lights wake-up calls, the place the employees will knock in your door if the lights seem when you’re sleeping. Ask if you examine in whether or not your property does this, as a result of the aurora can seem at any hour and also you don’t need to miss it since you went to mattress early after an extended day of driving.
Properties with out of doors scorching tubs are perfect for aurora viewing. You possibly can sit within the heat water and scan the sky with out freezing. A number of of the agricultural properties we’ve stayed at had scorching tubs with just about no gentle air pollution, which made for some memorable evenings.
The Highlands
A short notice on Iceland’s inside highlands for completeness. The Highland roads (F-roads) are solely open in summer time, require a succesful 4×4 car, and lodging is basically restricted to primary mountain huts run by the Iceland Touring Affiliation. There are not any motels, guesthouses, or typical lodging within the highlands. For those who’re planning a highland journey, you’ll must be self-sufficient or e-book a mountain hut effectively prematurely. For many guests, the highlands work finest as a day journey or multi-day mountain climbing tour from a base within the lowlands.
Travelling with Kids
Iceland is a family-friendly vacation spot, however lodging for households takes a bit extra planning. Customary resort rooms are sometimes too small for greater than two folks, and household rooms (the place accessible) e-book up shortly.
Flats, cottages, and cabins are often the best choice for households. They provide you extra space, a kitchen for getting ready meals and snacks (important with youngsters, and less expensive than consuming out for each meal), and the pliability to work round nap occasions and bedtimes. Properties like Kaldbaks-Kot Cottages in Húsavík are a great instance of what works effectively.
Highchairs and cots can be found at many properties, however not all. Verify immediately with the lodging earlier than you arrive quite than assuming they’ll have what you want.
The right way to Select Based mostly on Your Itinerary
The fitting lodging plan relies upon closely on how lengthy you could have in Iceland. Right here’s how we’d break up it:
3 days (stopover): Keep in Reykjavik for comfort, or break up between Reykjavik and one night time alongside the Golden Circle or south coast. You gained’t have time to go additional. See our 3 day stopover itinerary.
5 days: Reykjavik, Golden Circle space, south coast (Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur), and presumably so far as the glacier lagoons. You’ll want three or 4 completely different in a single day stops. See our 5 day itinerary.
7 days (Ring Street): You’ll want lodging in each area described above besides the Westfjords. Plan for six to seven completely different in a single day stops, and e-book the southeast part earliest as that’s the place availability is tightest. See our Ring Street itinerary.
10 days or extra: Sufficient time so as to add the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, or just to decelerate and spend two nights in locations that deserve it. Mývatn, Seyðisfjörður, and Siglufjörður are all higher with two nights. That is the journey size the place you’ll be able to discover quite than simply cross by way of.
Sensible Suggestions
Parking: Many common websites alongside the Ring Street now cost parking charges, sometimes 750 to 1,500 ISK. The Parka app and checkit.is are the primary fee techniques. This doesn’t have an effect on your lodging immediately, however finances for it.
Self-catering saves cash: Properties with visitor kitchens or kitchenettes are price searching for out. Supermarkets like Bonus and Kronan are considerably cheaper than consuming out, and even making your personal breakfast and packed lunch saves a significant quantity over every week.
Automotive rental and the brand new highway tax: For those who’re doing a self-drive journey (which we’d advocate), issue within the per-kilometre highway cost that changed gasoline obligation on 1 January 2026. Vehicles and SUVs as much as 3.5 tonnes pay 6.95 ISK per kilometre, regardless of the gasoline. Your rental firm handles the billing, although how they cross it on varies: some meter it, some fold it right into a flat each day cost. Both approach it’s an actual line merchandise on a Ring Street journey the place you may drive 1,500km, so ask how your rent firm payments it earlier than you evaluate quotes. We use Uncover Vehicles to check rental choices.
Cancellation flexibility: Icelandic climate is unpredictable, and highway closures occur. E-book lodging with free cancellation wherever attainable, so you’ll be able to alter your itinerary with out shedding cash if circumstances change.
Web entry: WiFi is mostly good at Icelandic motels and guesthouses. For cell knowledge on the highway (important for navigation), we advocate an eSIM from Airalo, which you’ll arrange earlier than you allow residence.
Iceland Lodging FAQ
The place ought to I keep in Iceland for a primary go to?
For a primary journey of underneath 5 days, keep in Reykjavik and take day journeys out. The town has the widest selection of lodging at each finances, and the Golden Circle and far of the south coast are inside day-trip vary.
For every week or extra, don’t base your self anyplace. Transfer alongside the Ring Street, staying one or two nights in every area, and deal with Reykjavik as your first and final night time quite than your base.
How a lot does lodging price in Iceland?
Funds on 20,000 to 40,000 ISK per night time for a mid-range double room in summer time, which is the place most travellers find yourself. Primary guesthouses and hostel dorms begin round 11,000 ISK, and chain or design motels run from 40,000 ISK upwards.
Shoulder season (Might and September) sometimes runs 15 to 25 % cheaper. Winter is cheaper once more, however with far fewer properties open outdoors Reykjavik and the south coast.
How far prematurely ought to I e-book lodging in Iceland?
Three to 6 months forward for summer time, and longer for the southeast across the glacier lagoons, the place there are only a few beds between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn. That stretch is the one which catches folks out.
For winter you’ll be able to usually e-book later, although Reykjavik round Christmas and New Yr is an exception. E-book with free cancellation both approach, as a result of highway closures and climate do change plans.
Is it higher to remain in Reykjavik or transfer round Iceland?
The cut-off is about 5 days. Underneath that, keep in Reykjavik. The driving distances are lengthy sufficient that transferring each night time eats the time you got here to spend issues.
Over 5 days, transfer. Iceland’s finest surroundings is unfold proper across the island, and staying in Reykjavik means a number of hours of each day driving simply to succeed in it and get again.
What’s one of the best space to remain in Reykjavik?
The 101 district downtown, if the finances permits. It’s compact and walkable, and Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa, the Solar Voyager and Laugavegur are all inside about quarter-hour of one another on foot.
Laugardalur is the worth various. It’s quieter, effectively related by bus, and sits subsequent to the town’s largest geothermal pool.
Do Icelandic guesthouses have non-public bogs?
Usually not. Shared bogs are frequent outdoors Reykjavik even at costs that might get you an en-suite elsewhere in Europe, so examine every itemizing quite than assuming.
En-suite rooms do exist at most properties, however they price extra and so they’re the primary to promote out.
The place’s one of the best place to remain for the Northern Lights?
Rural North Iceland offers you one of the best odds, notably round Lake Mývatn, Húsavík and Akureyri, the place skies are sometimes clearer than within the south. A property with its personal scorching tub and no gentle air pollution is the perfect mixture.
That stated, we’ve seen the aurora from the south coast and from the sting of Reykjavik. Climate and luck matter greater than location, so don’t reshape a complete itinerary round it.
Is lodging in Iceland open in winter?
In Reykjavik, alongside the south coast and round Akureyri, sure, year-round. These areas hold a sensible choice of motels and guesthouses by way of the winter.
Elsewhere, anticipate closures. Many rural guesthouses within the east and north shut for the season, and the Westfjords successfully shut totally, with many roads impassable.
Additional Studying
We have now a complete assortment of Iceland guides that will help you plan your journey:
Our 7 day Ring Street itinerary is probably the most complete, with detailed day-by-day breakdowns together with the place to remain every night time.
For shorter journeys, see our 5 day itinerary and three day stopover itinerary.
Our Golden Circle information covers the preferred day journey from Reykjavik.
For sensible planning, see our information to planning a visit to Iceland, our driving suggestions for Iceland, and our packing lists for winter and summer time.
On a finances? Jess has written a complete information to visiting Iceland on a finances which is effectively price studying.
For those who’re occupied with images, try our information to one of the best images areas in Iceland.
