Iceland: The Perfect Stopover Adventure
- Jaime Nolan
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
One of the best travel tricks we discovered recently?
Stop in Iceland on your way to Europe.
When we booked our flights on Icelandair, we learned you can add a stopover in Iceland for no extra airfare. That meant we could turn a long flight into a mini adventure before continuing to Scandinavia. Icelandic
First Stop: Blue Lagoon
After landing early in the morning (6:30am local time!), our first stop was the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s famous geothermal spa.
Imagine sitting in warm mineral-rich water surrounded by black volcanic rock while the cool Icelandic air swirls around you.
Admission includes:
A silica mud mask
A drink
Unlimited soaking in the geothermal pools
It was the perfect way to shake off the overnight flight.
Driving the Golden Circle
The next day we explored Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, one of the most popular sightseeing routes in the country. It is easy to rent a car and drive this route - which can take anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending upon how many stops you make and how much time you spend at each locationl
Our stops included:
Thingvellir National Park
The boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates
Gorgeous hiking trails and waterfalls
Iceland’s largest freshwater lake Icelandic
Geysir Geothermal Area
Boiling mud pots
Steam vents erupting from the earth
The famous geysers that gave all geysers their name
Gullfoss Waterfall
Often called a “mini Niagara Falls,” Gullfoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. The water rushing through the canyon was stunning — bright blue and incredibly clear. Icelandic
Fun Fact: Unexpected Travel Lesson
One thing we learned quickly: European laundry machines are very efficient — which means they take forever. Our quick plan to do laundry before our early flight turned into hours of washing and drying. Lesson learned!
Why Iceland is Worth the Stop
Iceland is perfect if you want:
✔ epic natural landscapes
✔ geothermal spas
✔ easy road trip adventures
✔ unique geology
Even a 24–48 hour stopover can feel like a full adventure.
Thinking About Visiting Iceland?
I help travelers plan unique trips that combine destinations like Iceland with Europe.
If Iceland has been on your bucket list, I’d love to help you plan it.
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