Layover in Iceland: What to Do at Keflavik Airport and Nearby

Within Keflavik Airport

If you find yourself with a few hours between flights, you’ll be pleased to know that Keflavik Airport is a great place to hang out. Its light and airy terminal is packed with shops, café and restaurants, so the time will fly by. Here are a few quintessentially Icelandic experiences to have before you board your onward flight.

• Treat yourself to an Icelandic pastry

Icelanders love to chat over coffee and a pastry, so copy them and grab a table at Bakað Keflavik’s branch of this successful artisan bakery. You might sample a cinnamon bun, or perhaps a slice of happy marriage cake – a delicious combination of rhubarb and oats which has more in common with a flapjack than a sponge. Loading up with carbs isn’t something you should do every day, but if you’re travelling, you deserve a treat.

• Buy yourself an Icelandic souvenir

Even if you’re not leaving the airport this time there’s no reason why you shouldn’t buy yourself an Icelandic souvenir. From a cosy sheepskin rug or woollen blanket to skin products from the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, the quality of what’s on sale is top notch. Who can resist a cute puffin soft toy or a book of stunning images of the country’s extraordinary landscapes?

• Watch out for the Northern Lights

If you’re switching planes after dark, glue your nose to the window as you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Though the airport’s lights aren’t ideal, Iceland’s position close to the aurora oval means that the country often experiences particularly strong displays, especially around the solar maximum or the spring and autumn equinoxes. You’re not going anywhere, so it can’t hurt to watch, just in case.

In Keflavik

With a little more time at your disposal, you might have time to head over to the town of Keflavik, just a short taxi ride from the arrivals hall. There. You’ll find a clutch of visitor attractions that sum up some of the most characteristic facets of Icelandic society. Let’s give you a few suggestions for the places you might investigate.

• The Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll

Have you ever fancied yourself as a pop star? Here’s your chance to find out whether you have got what it takes. In the Icelandic Museum of Rock and Roll find out how Icelandic artists such as Björk, Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men became international successes as you delve into the country’s music history. Play guitar, drum or bass in the Sound Lab or sing your heart out in the karaoke booth. The place reopens in April 2025 – we can’t wait.

• Viking World

Turn the clock back a thousand years as you enter the world of the Vikings. The highlight of a visit here is to see the replica longship Íslendingur (the Icelander) which set out on a historic voyage in 2000 to recreate Leifur Eiríksson’s journey to the New World almost five centuries before Christopher Columbus. Exhibits flesh out the story of how Iceland’s earliest settlers would have lived. It’s a must for anyone with an interest in the past.

• Giantess Cave

If you’re travelling with kids and are looking for a place close to the airport where they can be the centre of attention, then maybe this is the ideal spot? Located close to Keflavik’s marina, you’ll uncover the home of a giantess. She featured in the popular children’s book series Sigga og Skessan í Fjallinu (Sigga and the Giantess) by Icelandic author Herdís Egilsdóttir. Take a look around her cave where everything’s supersized – even her discarded shoes.

Across the Reykjanes peninsula

For travellers who find themselves with more time between flights, it’s a tempting option to do a little sightseeing before the onward journey. Keflavik Airport is about a 45 minute drive to Reykjavik, but there’s a lot to do without leaving the Reykjanes peninsula. We’ve picked some of our favourite places but there’s a lot more inspiration on the Visit Reykjanes website.

• The Blue Lagoon

This luxurious geothermal spa opened more than three decades ago but its popularity shows no sign of waning, even in the face of competition from newcomers such as Sky Lagoon in the capital. Wallow in the warm, mineral-rich water as you pamper yourself with a silica face mask or perhaps a spa treatment. Feel your stress melt away as you relax and unwind. Hairdryers and towels are provided so you’ll return to the airport looking your best.

• Leif the Lucky’s Bridge

One of the things Iceland is known for is its position straddling two tectonic plates. The North American and Eurasian plates are slowly pulling apart leaving a rift in the landscape that runs diagonally across the country. You’ll see it – akin to a dried up river bed – as you stand on Leif the Lucky’s bridge, just a twenty minute drive from the airport. It’s hard to imagine that the ground under your feet is moving, but this is tangible proof.

• The Reykjanes coastline

The wild coastline of the Reykjanes peninsula is battered by Atlantic breakers on a daily basis. Ancient lava flows have been sculpted into natural pools at Brimketill, while over to the far west, the gnarly cliffs are teeming with sea birds. In contrast, Sandvik, as its name suggests, is a black sand beach; backed by grassy dunes, it’s perfect for a stroll if you’re keen to blow away the cobwebs after being cooped up on a cramped plane for hours.

• Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver

Geothermal activity is evident in many parts of the Reykjanes peninsula. In fact you might have seen steam rising as you flew in; from time to time, of course, you can also see volcanic activity. Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver are two magnificent areas of geothermal activity where you can wander along wooden boardwalks to get a closer look. The former is known for its hot springs and fumaroles, while the latter is Iceland’s largest mud pot, with a diameter measuring an impressive 20 metres.

As you can see, you don’t need long to make a meaningful connection to Iceland. Be warned, however, this island nation gets under your skin and it won’t be long before you’re looking back on this layover trip with affection and pondering why you didn’t stay longer. For now, make the most of the time you have at Keflavik Airport and nearby, but we’d recommend you start making plans to come again.