How to Spend a Day Stranded in Keflavík, Iceland
Stuck in Keflavík for an unexpected day without transport or planned activities? This guide explores what to do and expect if stranded in Keflavík, Iceland due to a cancelled, delayed or missed flight.
Iceland Air has become a favorite air travel option for many, our family included. We opt often for flying through Iceland when heading from North America to Europe, or vice versa. The connection times to U.S.-bound flights are ideal at around 90 minutes – just enough time to get through border control but not have to wait around in the airport for a long time. It also provides the blessed opportunity to avoid a major U.S. airport, like JFK, Newark or Atlanta, where you have to do the dreaded pick up and recheck of baggage before continuing on to your final destination.
Whatever your reason for flying through Iceland, weather and delays can of course get in the way of your planned travel. Missed or cancelled flights are super frustrating and a quick reminder of the lack of control we have over our travel plans. Dealing with these occurrences is all a part of the game, though.
The airline should cover transportation, accommodation . This assumes that the missed flight is their fault and not yours. Waiting in a long line to receive a hotel assignment and meal accommodation is the next part of the game.
Transport
Iceland Air (or your airline) will arrange for your transportation to and from an arranged hotel. You will need to pick up any checked baggage before you leave. It’s both good and bad news – you’ll have access to your stuff, but you’ve got to deal with your bags. This can take a while, so be patient. We waited 45 minutes for our baggage to be retrieved.
Accommodation
A shuttle will deliver you the short drive to Keflavík town. Be prepared – it’s somewhat sleepy. Definitely a working town and not so much a tourist destination like Reykjavík. There are a few hotel options the airline can send you. We stayed at Hotel Keflavík, which was perfectly adequate. Because we are a family of five, they gave us a suite, with all five beds in one space.
Meals are all provided at the hotel. With Iceland Air, this is a prearrangement. Therefore, buffet style meals are the name of the game. No menu ordering is available unless you go off-site. There are usually two to three main-course options, so it’s manageable, unless you have a specific diet. Also, everyone from your missed flight will also be at the same hotel, so there may be queues at meal times. If you have children, it is a good idea to get down early to reserve a table, as eating space is limited. If you can’t find a table, you can carry food to the lounge areas of the restaurant, which are tucked into many corners.
We stuck to eating at the hotel, as eating out in Iceland is expensive and your girl here is all about free food if she can find it.
What to do in Keflavík
The time of year that you are stranded in Keflavík plays a major role in determining how you spend your 24 hours in the town. If you are stranded in winter, buckle up. Our missed flight occurred two days before Christmas, so it was DARK. Sunrise didn’t happen until 11:23 a.m. Crazy, right?! It was dark most of the morning with the sun setting again a few hours later.
If it is spring or summer, you’ll have much better options. You will be getting the inverse of the winter darkness. Of course, weather is always a factor in Iceland. If we had had daylight hours, we probably would have gone for renting a car and driving around as much as our time would allow. Because it was so dark, we decided to save the money and just explore on foot from the hotel.
On our first afternoon/evening in Keflavík it was long past dark once we arrived at the hotel. We walked the neighborhoods and discovered the harbor front. Our kids loved picking up chunks of ice from the ocean and throwing them back into the water. Honestly, for them it doesn’t take much. From Hotel Keflavík, walk down Hrannargatta towards the Fishing Pier at Bakkastígur. You’ll have views of beautiful water and fishing boats.
The next day, we spent our few hours of daylight walking the Keflavík waterfront and heading to see a troll. The road Ægisgata will take you along the water, showcasing the Vatnsnes Lighthouse and special Keflavík artwork along the way to the Giganta’s Cave (Skessuhellir). The cave sits on a waterfront cliff and is set up as Giganta’s home. Entry is free!
There are many trails surrounding the troll’s cave, offering lovely views to the ocean. This also provides a small taste of some of the environment that you would find further into the country. None of these trails are marked on Google Maps, but are easy to locate by sight, meandering over the cliffs. Head to Steinhellur, a nice view point over the ocean and cliffs created by lava flow.
If you have proper footwear and a jacket, I really recommend getting out to see this area. It will lift your spirits after the frustrations of cancelled plans. Much better for the mood than sitting in the hotel all day, I can promise you that!
Downtown Keflavík has a few shops and restaurants that you can stroll. As mentioned, we stuck to our free meals at the hotel, but Olsen Olsen, Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar & Oriento all came recommended as good dining options if you need to branch out.
It’s also possible to arrange a quick trip into Reykjavík, but you’ll of course need to pay for it out of pocket. Bus or private transport is available from the airport, so you’ll need to shuttle back to the airport from the hotel. Stroll around the Old Town, check out the Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
If you’re really bold, you can rent a car from the airport or Keflavík town and head out into the country itself for a quick jaunt. Nearby options include Reykjanesfólkvangur, a nature preserve a short 40 minute drive from town. Check out the Seltún Geothermal area or the Green Lake.
In most scenarios, you’ll have under 24 hours to spend. In the case that you find yourself with more time, check out one of Iceland’s famous spas. Sky Lagoon is a close option. The Blue Lagoon is maybe one of the most well-known Iceland spots. I think you’d need a full or mostly full day to really enjoy them, but think of what a treat it would be after the stress of air travel gone awry. Note that spas will require kids to be at least 12 to use the facilities, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with children.
Hopefully this list empowers you to get out and make the most of your short time in the Keflavík area, even if it’s just for a neighborhood walk. Safe travels!
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