Two Days in Keflavík: A Practical Guide for Your Iceland Stopover

Use your first or last 48 hours in Iceland to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, soak in a geothermal pool, and eat well without rushing to Reykjavík.

Day 1: Settle In and Explore the Town

Keflavík is not just the airport. The town of Keflavík, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality, sits about 5 km from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and 45 km southwest of Reykjavík. If you land early, drop your bags at a hotel in Keflavík and head to the waterfront. The Duus Museum area has a small harbour, a few cafés, and the Viking World museum (about 5 km east), which houses a replica Gokstad ship. Entry fees apply; check current hours. From June to August, daylight lasts nearly 24 hours, so you can walk the coast late into the evening.

For lunch, try a bakery on Hafnargata for a lamb soup or a open-faced salmon sandwich. Prices for a casual meal range from 1,500 to 2,500 ISK; a coffee is around 500 ISK. In the afternoon, visit the Giantess Cave (Skessuhellir) near the harbour, a free art installation based on a local legend. If you have energy, drive 10 minutes to the Bridge Between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The drive takes about 15 minutes from downtown Keflavík.

Dinner options are limited but solid. Try the Icelandic Fish & Chips near the airport for a casual meal, or the Kaffi Duus for lamb fillet. Expect to pay 3,000–4,500 ISK for a main course. Book a hotel in Keflavík within walking distance of the harbour to avoid driving after a long flight. The Northern Light Inn is a 5-minute drive from the airport and offers a shuttle. For budget travellers, the Start Hostel is 3 km away and has dorm beds from around 5,000 ISK. Check our site for current availability and rates.

Day 2: Geothermal Pools and Coastal Walks

Start your second day with a soak at the Blue Lagoon, 20 km southeast of Keflavík. It takes about 25 minutes by car. Entry starts at 8,000 ISK and must be booked in advance. If you prefer a local pool, head to the Reykjanesbær Swimming Pool in Keflavík, which has indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a steam room. Entry is around 1,000 ISK for adults. It opens at 06:30 on weekdays. After your swim, drive 10 minutes to the Gunnuhver hot spring, a steaming geothermal area with a viewing platform. The ground is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

For lunch, stop at the Grindavík fishmonger or a café in the town of Grindavík, 20 minutes from Keflavík. The town is known for its lobster soup and fresh catch. Expect to pay 2,000–3,000 ISK. In the afternoon, walk the coastal path from Keflavík to the nearby town of Njarðvík, about 4 km one way. The path follows the shoreline and offers views of the Atlantic and occasional seabirds. If you have a car, drive to the Seltún geothermal area, 30 minutes east, where you can see bubbling mud pots and colourful mineral deposits. The site is free and open year-round.

For your last dinner, try the Hjá Höllu in Keflavík for a traditional Icelandic meat soup or the Thai restaurant Keflavík for a change. Both are casual and affordable. After dinner, if you have a late flight, consider booking a hotel near the airport with a shuttle service. The Park Inn by Radisson is 2 km from the terminal and offers a 24-hour shuttle. Alternatively, the Aurora Hotel is 1 km away and has a Northern Lights wake-up call in winter. Check our site for the best rates and availability for your dates.

Where to Stay and What to Skip

For a two-day stopover, I recommend staying in Keflavík town rather than near the airport. The town has more dining options and a walkable waterfront. Hotels like the Hotel Keflavík or the Guesthouse Keflavík are centrally located and cost between 15,000 and 25,000 ISK per night in summer. In winter, prices drop to 10,000–18,000 ISK. If you have an early flight, the Airport Hotel Aurora is a 5-minute walk from the terminal and offers soundproof rooms. Book well in advance for June to August, as the town fills up quickly.

Skip the Blue Lagoon if you are on a tight budget or short on time; the local pool is a fraction of the price and less crowded. Also skip the Viking World museum if you are not interested in history—it is small and entry is around 1,500 ISK. Instead, spend your time on the coastal walk or drive to the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, about 15 minutes from Keflavík. The area around it has dramatic cliffs and birdlife. Do not skip the Bridge Between Continents; it is a quick photo stop and free. For a memorable meal, book a table at Kaffi Duus for the lamb, but avoid the tourist-trap restaurants right at the airport.

Questions, answered

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to the town centre?

The airport is 5 km from Keflavík town. You can take a taxi (about 2,500–3,500 ISK) or the local bus (Strætó route 55) for around 500 ISK. Many hotels offer shuttle service if you book directly. Rental cars are also available at the airport.

What is the best time of year to visit Keflavík for two days?

June to August offers mild weather (10–15°C) and midnight sun, but it is peak season. May and September are quieter with fewer crowds. Winter (November–February) brings Northern Lights but also strong winds and limited daylight. Pack layers and waterproof gear year-round.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Keflavík?

Yes, from September to March, if the sky is clear and solar activity is high. Head away from town lights, such as the coast near Njarðvík or the Reykjanesviti lighthouse. Many hotels offer wake-up calls. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast for daily predictions.

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