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If you're wondering what to do during a layover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, there are a few options to consider within the airport and beyond. Inside the airport, you can grab a bite to eat, connect to the free unlimited WiFi, or browse the shops. If you're looking to venture outside, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a popular choice, and the town of Keflavik is just a short drive away, offering museums, cafes, and pools. For those with more time, a trip to Reykjavik or a whale-watching tour could be a memorable experience. With careful planning, you can make the most of your stopover in Iceland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport facilities | Food hall, Joe and the Juice kiosk, cafe, bar, sit-down restaurant, shops, free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage |
| Nearby attractions | Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Viking World Museum, Duushús Museum, Stekkjarkot (old Icelandic fisherman's cottage), Kleifarvatn Lake, Gullfoss, Þingvellir, Geysir, Borgarnes, Akureyri |
| Accommodation | Hotel Keflavik, three other hotels offering complimentary shuttle service |
| Tours | Whale-watching tours from Reykjavik Old Harbour, South Coast tours, Golden Circle tours |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
If you're looking for something to do during a layover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a great option. This man-made lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world, according to National Geographic, and is just a 45-minute drive from the airport. The superheated water in the lagoon is a byproduct from the nearby geothermal power plant, Svartsengi, and is rich in minerals. The water has a temperature of 37-40°C (98-104°F), making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.
The Blue Lagoon offers a range of luxurious in-water treatments, combining the pleasures of massage with the powers of geothermal seawater. The weightlessness and gentle massage can relieve pain, reduce stress, and bring inner peace. The spa also offers in-water facial treatments using silica and algae, which are said to promote healthy and glowing skin.
The Retreat Spa is a luxurious subterranean spa located within the Blue Lagoon premises. It offers eight private changing rooms, a secluded retreat lagoon, and access to the main Blue Lagoon. The Retreat Spa provides a serene and exclusive experience, allowing guests to harmonize with the transformative powers of nature.
In addition to the spa facilities, the Blue Lagoon also offers a unique storytelling experience. Twice daily, spa hosts share captivating tales about the rich folklore, history, design, and science behind the Blue Lagoon. Guests can also indulge in Icelandic cuisine, created with the finest and freshest local ingredients.
When planning a visit to the Blue Lagoon, it is important to check for any closures. The site has previously closed as a precaution following earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the area.
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Explore the streets of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a 45-minute drive from Keflavik Airport. The world's northernmost capital, it was founded by Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland's earliest settler, around 870 AD. The city has maintained its Scandinavian heritage in its architecture, art, and culture.
Reykjavik has all the attractions of a modern metropolis: museums, art galleries, a botanical garden, shopping, fine dining, and a vibrant nightlife. At the same time, it feels more like a village, with a widespread basin of homes and businesses built against the Atlantic Ocean. The city is overlooked by the Esjan mountain, which can be spotted from its colourful streets.
- Whale-watching tours from Reykjavik Old Harbour: Drift out onto Faxafloi Bay, where you can see majestic whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a wide variety of birdlife. Over twenty species of cetaceans call the Icelandic coastal waters home, including orcas, blue whales, and harbour porpoises. Minke whales and humpbacks are the most commonly spotted. The tours usually take 2-3 hours, leaving enough time to get to and from the airport.
- The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a convenient stop on the way from or to the airport: Soak in the outdoor pools, get a massage, or enjoy a meal at the Lava Restaurant.
- The Duushús Museum: This museum is just a 10-minute drive from the airport and houses the Reykjanes Heritages Museum. It features exhibitions on topics like the NATO presence on the island and the winter fishing season. There is also a replica of a 1950s Icelandic home.
- Viking World Museum: This museum is located near the airport and commemorates the culture and ways of the Vikings who settled Iceland. It features a replica of a Viking ship, exhibitions, a café, and outdoor exhibits popular with children.
- Stekkjarkot: An example of an old Icelandic fisherman's cottage, the first of which dates back to 1855. It is free to visit, but remember to book if you're visiting in winter.
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Take a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour
If you're looking for something to do during a layover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, you could consider taking a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour. This activity is a great way to experience the magic of whale watching and to get a little taste of Iceland's magic.
Reykjavik is a 45-minute drive from the airport, and the whale-watching tours depart from the Old Harbour. The tours usually last 2-3 hours, leaving ample time to depart from the airport, enjoy the tour, and return for your next flight. The best time for whale watching in Iceland is during the summer season, from May to August, as this is when you're most likely to see a variety of species. However, you can still spot whales at other times of the year, and tours are available year-round.
As you drift out onto Faxafloi Bay, you'll be surrounded by modern comforts while witnessing some of Iceland's most majestic natives in their natural habitat. You can expect to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a wide variety of birdlife. Over twenty different species of cetaceans call the Icelandic coastal waters home, including orcas, blue whales, and harbour porpoises. The most common sightings on these tours are of minke whales and humpbacks.
The whale-watching tours provide essential safety equipment like life jackets, flotation suits, gloves, and goggles. It is recommended that you bring a scarf or a hat, and definitely dress in layers, as it can get quite cold out on the water. Binoculars are also recommended to get a closer look at the whales and other wildlife.
If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience during your layover in Reykjavik, a whale-watching tour from the Old Harbour is definitely worth considering. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about Iceland's maritime wildlife.
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Visit the Duushús Museum
If you're looking for something to do during a layover at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport, you could consider visiting the Duushús Museum. The Duushús Museum is a combination of an art gallery, environmental centre, museum, and historic site all rolled into one. It is located in the town of Keflavik, which is just 48 km from Reykjavik and 5 km from Keflavik International Airport.
The museum has an extensive collection of wooden ship models, rotating local art exhibitions, and a vast collection of materials tracing the Danish roots of the area and its history during World War II and the Cold War. The building itself is a beautiful attic that catches the sunlight in August and once served as a coastal warehouse, featuring a working wagon hoist. While the rooms are not clearly marked, and much of the information is only in Icelandic, it is still well worth a visit to explore and discover the various exhibits.
To get to the Duushús Museum from the airport, you can take advantage of the shuttle bus services provided by some nearby hotels, or opt for a rental car for more flexibility and ease of travel. The drive typically takes around 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your specific location in Keflavik.
In addition to the Duushús Museum, there are other attractions in the area that you may want to consider. These include the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the Reykjanes peninsula, and the town of Keflavik itself, which offers a glimpse into the Scandinavian heritage of Iceland through its architecture, art, and culture. With a longer layover, you could even venture into Reykjavik to explore its museums, art galleries, botanical garden, shopping scene, cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
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Shop and dine at the airport
If you're hungry, you have a few options to choose from at Reykjavik Keflavik Airport. The airport has a food hall, a Joe and the Juice to-go kiosk, a cafe, a bar, and a sit-down restaurant serving Scandinavian food. However, one source claims that "for an international airport, the dining here is lacking". If you have time, you could take a taxi into the town of Keflavík, which is about a 45-minute drive from the airport, and get something from a café there.
If you're looking to do some shopping, there are just a few shops at the airport. Blue Lagoon sells skincare inspired by the nearby natural springs, Rammagerðin sells local souvenirs, and 66 North sells cold-weather gear. A general store pre-Security is open 24 hours a day.
If you have a long layover, you could consider booking a hotel for some guaranteed rest. There is one hotel within walking distance of the airport, and three others that offer a complimentary shuttle service.
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Frequently asked questions
Reykjavik Airport, also known as Keflavik International Airport, is located in the town of Keflavik, which is about a 45-minute drive from the capital, Reykjavik. Here are some things you can do during a layover at the airport:
- Visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which is located near the airport.
- Explore the town of Keflavik, including the Duushús Museum and the Viking World Museum.
- Sample local Icelandic fare, such as fermented shark, or opt for a coffee recommendation from a local.
- Take advantage of the airport's free unlimited WiFi to stay connected with friends and family.
Yes, there are hotels within walking distance of the airport, as well as a few others that offer complimentary shuttle services.
If you have a longer layover and are willing to venture outside of the airport, here are some options:
- Explore the city of Reykjavik, including its museums, art galleries, botanical garden, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife.
- Take a whale-watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, and birdlife.
- Discover the Golden Circle or go on South Coast tours.
Yes, there are dining options available at the airport, including a food hall, a Joe and the Juice to-go kiosk, a cafe, a bar, and a sit-down restaurant serving Scandinavian cuisine.
