How to Book Stopover Flights With Icelandair: 7 Smart Tips to Maximize Your Iceland Adventure

Dreaming of a European trip with a dash of Icelandic magic? You can book a stopover with Icelandair and explore Iceland for up to seven days without paying extra airfare. Honestly, this is one of the best ways to turn a regular flight into a two-in-one adventure. I’ll never forget my first time—hot springs, waterfalls, and still made it to Amsterdam on time!

Just pick “Stopover in Iceland” when you’re booking on Icelandair’s site. You decide how long to stay, and it’s up to you whether you want a chill soak or to chase glaciers. If Iceland’s been calling your name but you’ve felt short on time or budget, this could be your new favorite travel hack.

Key Takeaways

• Icelandair lets you add a multi-day Iceland stopover for no extra airfare.
• Booking is easy—just select the stopover option during checkout.
• There’s plenty to do in Iceland during your stopover, from nature to relaxation.

Understanding Icelandair Stopover Flights

Icelandair’s stopover program is such a clever way to break up a transatlantic trip. You get to see Iceland without shelling out for a separate ticket, and suddenly your vacation becomes a two-for-one deal.

What Is an Icelandair Stopover?

With an Icelandair stopover, you pause your transatlantic journey in Iceland for up to 7 nights at no extra airfare. Say you’re flying Boston to Paris—you can hang out in Reykjavik for a few days before jetting off again.

It’s not some complicated loophole; Icelandair’s offered this for ages. The best part? You’ll have plenty to do on your stopover. Maybe wander downtown Reykjavik, drive the Golden Circle, or sink into a geothermal spa that puts every travel Instagram to shame.

In my experience, a stopover beats a long-haul direct flight every time. I once caught the midnight sun on my way to Germany—still one of my favorite travel memories.

How the Icelandair Stopover Program Works

Booking a stopover is refreshingly simple. When you book, just select “Stopover in Iceland” and pick your dates. You can use this option whether flying to or from Europe, and you can even split the trip—meaning, land in London but return from Paris if that suits your schedule.

Icelandair won’t charge you extra for adding the stopover. You’ll just need to cover your own hotel, tours, and meals. It’s not a packaged deal, so you get to craft your own adventure. You can stay from one night up to a week—plenty of time for a taste of Iceland.

I always recommend checking out flight alerts or mistake fares with apps like Going™ for even cheaper deals while you plan, especially if you have your eye on that Iceland stopover.

Eligible Routes and Destinations

You’ll find Icelandair’s stopover program works for most flights between North America and Europe. They fly out of cities like New York, Toronto, and several others across the US and Canada.

On the Europe side, you’ve got options—Amsterdam, Paris, London, Munich, and more. Every route connects through Reykjavik, which is honestly the perfect excuse to finally explore Iceland.

Not every destination is included, though. The Faroe Islands, for example, aren’t on the list right now. But you can get creative with “open jaw” tickets—fly into one city, out of another, and squeeze the most out of your trip.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking a Stopover Flight with Icelandair

Booking a stopover flight with Icelandair isn’t just quick—it’s flexible and surprisingly straightforward. If you want to see Iceland for a few days without extra airfare, you’re in the right place.

Using the Icelandair Website

Jump onto the Icelandair site to get started. Their homepage has a booking widget with a stopover option—it’s pretty hard to miss, at least last time I checked.

Enter your departure city, your European destination, and click “Add Stopover in Iceland.” This is so much easier than piecing together one-way flights. You’ll set up your roundtrip in one go.

My tip? Keep your travel dates a bit flexible. Icelandair’s calendar does a decent job showing which days work best for stopovers. If you want to sniff out better deals, check Skyscanner or other comparison sites too. It never hurts to compare.

Selecting Your Stopover Dates and Duration

When it comes to timing, flexibility is your best friend. Icelandair lets you pick a stopover in Reykjavik for up to seven nights, tucked neatly into your journey between North America and Europe. Any longer, and you’ll need to call their customer service.

You get to choose if you want the stopover on your way to Europe, on your way back, or even both (if you’re clever and the schedule works out). I’ve found that picking a mid-week stopover sometimes drops the price a bit—fewer crowds too.

Your specific flight schedule can affect what dates are available for a stopover. Don’t get discouraged if your first try doesn’t match up. Just tinker with the calendar; playing with flexible dates usually gets the best results. Always check if the layover length fits your itinerary and leave enough time for connections. Accommodation isn’t included, so make sure to plan your hotel or Airbnb in Reykjavik well in advance.

Choosing Cabin Classes and Upgrades

Icelandair gives you a few options for comfort. You can pick Economy, Economy Comfort, or splurge a bit on Saga Premium (basically their business class, with a pretty nice lounge at Keflavík). Yes, you can use Saga Points to upgrade if you’ve been racking those up.

Stopover flights can be snagged in any class, but my favorite part? Sometimes Saga Premium is only a small bump in price. That means wider seats, free meals, and the kind of legroom you can actually stretch out in. If you’re used to budget flying, this’ll feel like a treat.

Premium classes often come with a bit more flexibility for changes and sometimes refunds, which is great if you’re still dreaming and not totally locked in. Check your upgrade and points options during checkout—sometimes the best deals only show up then. If you want to compare what’s included at different price levels, Fly Cheap to Top Destinations! is a quick way to check. Honestly, it’s worth poking around for an upgrade—sometimes the price difference is surprisingly small.

Planning Your Iceland Stopover Experience

An Iceland stopover isn’t just a layover—it’s an unbeatable chance to step out and soak in rugged landscapes, try a little adventure, and sample the wild beauty that only Iceland can deliver. With the right mix of planning for your itinerary, a comfortable place to rest, and smooth transportation, you can make even a short stop feel epic.

Crafting the Perfect Itinerary

How you plan your stopover depends on how much time you have, but even with just a day, you’ve got options. Start in Reykjavik. The capital is lively and walkable, packed with street art, cool coffee shops, and the unforgettable Hallgrimskirkja church towering above the colorful rooftops. I always sneak in a visit to a local bakery—try a kleina pastry if you can!

With extra time, rent a car and drive out to the Golden Circle. The geysers and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall are something you won’t forget. If you’re more ambitious, venture down the South Coast. Black sand beaches, puffin cliffs, and waterfalls that you literally walk behind? Yes, please.

For the ultimate “wow” moment, you can easily add a dip in the Blue Lagoon or, on brave days, wander through lava fields. I suggest jotting down a list before you go, so you don’t get sidetracked. Trust me, it’s easy to get distracted by Iceland’s natural wonders.

Accommodation Options for Stopover Travelers

Picking where to sleep in Iceland is honestly half the fun. For a fast stop, I’d grab a hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. You’ll land at Keflavík Airport and can zip into the city, drop your bags, and start exploring.

If you’re heading out to the South Coast or beyond, try a cozy cottage or farmhouse stay—the views outside your window can outshine any hotel lobby. I love Booking.com for comparing spots and prices in a snap.

Hostels are a solid option for saving cash or meeting fellow travelers. Airbnb has some quirky gems, but book early—summer spots go fast.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

Renting a car is hands-down the best way to explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. Roads are well-marked from Keflavík Airport to most sights, and driving out to places like the Golden Circle or the South Coast gives you the freedom to stop for photos or impromptu hikes. I always recommend double-checking weather conditions though—wind and rain can be wild.

If you’re not up for driving, shuttle buses run often between the airport and Reykjavík, and plenty of tours pick up right at your hotel. Tour buses are great if you want to skip the hassle and just enjoy the ride. When I don’t feel like dealing with maps, I check car rentals with airport pick-up.

Taxis are around, but they’re pricey—good for short trips or if you’re in a hurry. Some folks even bike around Reykjavik when the weather’s friendly. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so pack for wind and rain. You’ll be glad you did.

Top Things to Do During Your Icelandair Stopover

Your layover in Iceland isn’t just a pause—it’s a real window to see unique nature and culture. Even if you have just a day, you can fill it with stops that will stick in your memory for years.

Must-See Sights Near Reykjavik

You may want to start in Reykjavik, Iceland’s lively capital. It’s super walkable, and you can pack a lot into a few hours. First, don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja church—its tall, modern tower gives you a full city view. Take the elevator up if you want to see the city (and on clear days, the mountains!).

There’s a whole mix of small museums. I always recommend you pop into one, even if you’re half awake from your flight—you’ll get a quick shot of Viking history and local stories. Downtown is filled with colorful homes, cozy cafés, and street art that gives the city real character.

If you’ve got enough time (and energy), consider heading out to the famous Blue Lagoon for a hot soak before or after exploring Reykjavik. You can join a guided city walk or day tour and make it easy to reach these places even on a tight schedule—look for reputable tours through these travel bookings.

The Golden Circle Highlights

If you want to jump right into the Icelandic wild, the Golden Circle is the classic stopover circuit. It’s a perfect intro loop with three heavy-hitters: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

At Þingvellir, you literally walk between two continents. The scenery here? Pretty surreal—rift valleys, glassy lakes, and cliffs that look like they belong on another planet.

I still remember how freezing my hands got touching the impossibly clear water. Or maybe that’s just classic Iceland.

Geysir puts on a show, but Strokkur is the real scene-stealer—blasting boiling water sky-high every few minutes. And Gullfoss? That waterfall is massive, and when the sun’s out, rainbows just hover in the mist.

You’ll find loads of guided Golden Circle tours if you want to squeeze all the sights into one day.

Bring a raincoat. Seriously, don’t skip it.

Unmissable Natural Attractions

Once you land in Iceland, it’s almost overwhelming how many jaw-dropping sights you’ll find. From waterfalls you can walk behind to glacier lagoons that look straight out of a fantasy novel—good luck picking a favorite.

Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Volcanoes

You haven’t really “done” Iceland without at least one waterfall photo. Skógafoss is a must. The ground rumbles, water crashes down, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a double rainbow.

Seljalandsfoss is another crowd-pleaser. Here’s a tip: you can actually walk behind the waterfall for a totally different perspective. Just bring a rain jacket—you’ll need it.

Glaciers? They’re everywhere, especially near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. I still hear the sound of icebergs cracking and drifting out to the black-sand beach nearby. You might just sit for hours, watching blue ice float by.

If you’re feeling bold, try exploring an ice cave. It’s like stepping into a blue glass cathedral—seriously, it’s wild.

And let’s talk volcanoes. They’re almost as common as sheep here. The Snæfellsjökull volcano on the Snæfellsnes peninsula feels both mysterious and majestic. I kind of get why locals talk about elves and trolls—it just fits the vibe.

Incredible Landscapes Along the South Coast

Think the waterfalls are the highlight? Wait until you see Iceland’s south coast. This stretch is packed with sights that honestly seem unreal.

Reynisfjara black sand beach is something else. The sand is jet black, and those basalt columns look like a set piece from a fantasy film. But don’t get too close to the waves—they’re no joke.

Driving the coast is half the fun. Green moss covers old lava fields, and sometimes a stubborn sheep will just stand there in the road, refusing to move.

If you make it to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Kirkjufell mountain pops up—a favorite for photographers, especially with its twin waterfalls in the foreground.

For a day trip, this region brings everything together—volcanoes on the horizon, distant glaciers, waterfalls pouring from cliffs. On a clear day, the whole place feels made up. But it’s not. And honestly? You need to see it for yourself.

Relaxing in Iceland’s Geothermal Pools

Iceland’s geothermal pools are the real deal—naturally heated, often with epic views. If you love the idea of soaking in steamy water surrounded by mossy lava, mountains, or even the northern lights, you’re in for a treat.

Famous Spas and Hidden Hot Springs

The Blue Lagoon gets all the attention. Its milky blue water, white silica mud, and volcanic rock make it feel otherworldly. Sure, it’s busy and touristy, but honestly, I get the hype—it’s just that good.

Sky Lagoon is newer and sits right by the sea near Reykjavík. The infinity pool design makes you feel like you’re floating off the edge of the world.

Both Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon have changing rooms, towels, cafés, all that, so you don’t have to pack much extra.

If you want something quieter, head to the Secret Lagoon along the Golden Circle. It’s low-key, less polished, and the vibe is way more chill.

Looking for adventure? Watch for roadside signs reading “heitt vatn” (“hot water”). Locals love finding hidden geothermal springs by rivers or out in the countryside. Always check if it’s safe, and rinse off before you jump in.

Quick Tip Table:

Geothermal Pool	Location	Vibe
Blue Lagoon	Near Keflavík	Busy, iconic
Sky Lagoon	Reykjavík area	Modern, scenic
Secret Lagoon	Golden Circle	Quiet, rustic
Hidden Hot Springs	All over	Peaceful, wild

Bring a swimsuit, shower first (they’re strict about it), and respect the local rules. You’ll enjoy your soak more, and so will everyone else.

Unique Adventures Available During Your Stopover

A layover in Iceland opens the door to landscapes and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re chasing wild skies or sampling something new, there’s always something unexpected.

Northern Lights and Seasonal Experiences

If you visit between late September and early April, cross your fingers—the northern lights might show up. These swirling green and purple lights just dance across the sky, far from city lights.

Your best bet? Join a local night tour. Sometimes you’ll shiver in a field for hours, but when those lights appear, it’s all worth it.

Stuck with endless daylight? Don’t sweat it. The midnight sun in summer is wild. You can hike to a waterfall at midnight and it’ll be as bright as afternoon. Watching Gullfoss in that golden glow? Honestly, it’s unforgettable.

Pack light for these quick adventures. If you’re on a stopover and want to avoid dragging bags everywhere, secure luggage storage can make life so much easier.

Wildlife, Culture, and Icelandic Cuisine

You can pack a lot into a few days here. Whale watching is a must—seeing a giant whale surface next to your boat is something you won’t forget. Tours leave right from Reykjavik’s old harbor, and in summer, you might spot puffins too.

Meeting Icelandic horses is another classic. These small, tough horses are friendly and unique, and pony trekking through the countryside feels more authentic than you’d expect.

And let’s talk food. Don’t skip the lamb soup or fresh fish. If you’re feeling bold, try fermented shark—but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Before you go wild with adventures, make sure you’ve got travel insurance—it can save you a ton of stress if anything goes sideways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking a stopover with Icelandair opens up some great travel options. Travelers often wonder about the details—like how long they can stay or if there’s a free hotel in Reykjavík.

Book Your Dream Experience

More Travel Guides