How to Spend an Iceland Layover: Reykjanes Peninsula Highlights

If you’re scheduled for an Iceland layover, you might as well make the most of it. Whether you have six hours or a day in Iceland, Keflavík Airport (KEF) puts you right on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It’s one of Iceland’s most geothermal-rich regions, with steamy hot springs and lava fields sitting surprisingly close to the terminal.

An expert hack? Renting a car is the ultimate "pro move" for layover travelers, especially to maximize a short trip. Self-driving allows you to bypass tour timetables, hit bucket-list sites, and return to the airport in time for your flight. And if you want easy inspiration for where to go during your layover in Iceland, read on.

(Bonus: Konvin Hotel is just minutes from the airport, making it a convenient home base for a Reykjanes mini-adventure.)

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, and for good reason. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Keflavík Airport, making it an easy first stop to unwind after a long flight. Enjoy a soak in geothermal seawater. The milky-blue water sits against jagged black lava fields.

For many travelers, it’s a top stop even on short day stopovers. Make sure you book your Blue Lagoon admission and time slot well in advance. Plan at least two hours here for a relaxing soak.

The Bridge Between Continents

Another quick stop that packs a major punch is the Bridge Between Continents, also called Leif the Lucky’s Bridge. This small footbridge crosses a visible rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Here, you can symbolically walk “between continents” in a matter of minutes.

It’s roughly a 25-minute drive from Keflavík Airport, making it one of the most time-efficient stops for an Iceland layover. Cross the bridge, snap the classic “two continents” photo, and you’ll still have plenty of buffer to make your connection. If you want to witness Iceland’s tectonic activity but don’t have time for Golden Circle tours, it’s an easy alternative.

Gunnuhver Geothermal Area and Reykjanesviti

Just a short drive farther south, you’ll hit the raw power of Gunnuhver, a geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents. Named after a legendary local ghost, this site is home to Iceland’s largest mud pool and clouds of swirling steam. The boardwalks let you experience the heat and roaring steam up close while keeping you safely on the marked paths.

Nearby, Reykjanes Lighthouse (Reykjanesviti) rises above the coast. Widely cited as Iceland’s oldest lighthouse site, it enjoys sweeping views over the Atlantic and the Valahnúkamöl cliffs. It’s an ideal place to watch waves slam into jagged rock formations and black sand beaches.

If you’re moving efficiently, you can combine Gunnuhver and Reykjanesviti for a spectacular mini-detour in about 30–60 minutes.

Museums and Shopping

If your Iceland layover falls on a rainy day or you prefer a dose of culture, head into Keflavík (Reykjanesbær). Plus, it’s just five minutes from the Konvin Hotel.

Viking World is a must-visit, housing the Íslendingur, a full-scale replica of a 9th-century Viking ship you can actually board. For music fans, the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll offers an interactive look at Iceland’s popular music history.

If you’re souvenir hunting, stroll Hafnargata, Reykjanesbær’s main shopping street. You’ll find charming shops and local services as you experience a quieter, more authentic side of the country.

Northern Lights in Winter

An Iceland layover between September and April can line up with the Northern Lights season. Many travelers assume they need a long tour, but the Reykjanes Peninsula can be a great option on a layover. Once you get a short drive away from town lights, you’ll find darker, open horizons that improve your chances.

Because Reykjanes is so accessible, you don’t have to go far to hunt for darkness. If the aurora is strong and cloud cover cooperates, you might even catch a display from Konvin Hotel’s parking lot. However, you’ll usually get better viewing by heading to an open coastal spot such as Garðskagi.

Beyond Reykjanes Peninsula

When you visit Iceland for a short trip, the Reykjanes Peninsula has more than enough to fill an itinerary. However,  if your flight schedule allows for a longer stopover in Iceland, these iconic routes are within reach.

• Reykjavík (Ideal for 6–12-hour layovers): About a 45-minute drive from Keflavík Airport, the city of Reykjavík is perfect for a quick cultural fix. Stroll the main shopping street (Laugavegur), visit the Hallgrímskirkja church, and grab a famous Icelandic hot dog.

• Golden Circle (Ideal for: 24-hour stopovers): Iceland’s best-known day route links three classic sights: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss. Many guided Golden Circle tours run for around eight hours. Renting a car can be faster, but expect it to feel like a full day with stops, photos, and crowds.

• South Coast (Ideal for: 2–3 days): With at least one or two nights, you can start stretching toward the South Coast for waterfalls and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. The drive to Vík is roughly 2.5–3 hours each way from the KEF area. Thus, it’s best for travelers who aren’t racing back for a same-day connection.

An Effortless Iceland Layover at Konvin Hotel

To pull off a seamless short trip, your home base matters. Konvin Hotel makes the “layover hustle” easier by placing you mere minutes from Keflavík Airport. At the same time, you’re surrounded by the Reykjanes Peninsula’s best sites.

Beyond comfortable rooms available for day-use, Konvin has practical amenities geared toward early departures and quick turnarounds. A full breakfast is available from 4 a.m., so you can fuel up before sunrise sightseeing or early flights. The hotel also offers a morning shuttle to the airport for an extra-easy departure.

Whether you are staying for several hours or a few days, Konvin Hotel is the perfect base for a layover in Iceland.

FAQs

Can you leave Iceland airport during a layover?

Yes, many travelers can leave Keflavík Airport during a layover, as long as they meet visa entry requirements. Plan to be back at the airport at least two to three hours before departure.

How does the free layover in Iceland work?

Icelandair’s Stopover in Iceland program lets eligible travelers add a stop in Iceland. The stopover can be up to seven days without additional airfare.

Where to stay in Iceland stopover?

For maximum convenience near KEF, Konvin Hotel is a practical base thanks to its early breakfast and morning airport shuttle. Plus, it offers fast access to Reykjanes Peninsula sights.

What’s the difference between a layover and a stopover?

In general, a layover is a connection under 24 hours, while a stopover is 24 hours or longer. Definitions can vary slightly by airline.

Is a 7-hour layover enough to leave the airport?

Yes, seven hours can be enough to leave the airport for nearby Reykjanes stops, if you keep your plan tight. Aim to be back at KEF at least two to three hours before departure.

Is the Blue Lagoon doable on a 6-hour layover?

Yes, it is definitely doable. Since it’s only a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport, you can easily fit in a two-hour soak between flights.