Why Iceland Is the Perfect Stopover Destination
Iceland sits conveniently between North America and Europe.
That means you can take advantage of the world’s most scenic travel pit stop. And, in my opinion, the word scenic doesn’t even do Iceland justice.
Flights with Icelandair and Play often include stopovers without extra fees to break those long stretches across the Atlantic.
So instead of spending your layover sipping overpriced coffee in a crowded terminal, why not bathe in geothermal water in a hot spring instead? (Try not to sip it).
The country may look like the moon, but it feels like magic.
One moment you’re watching steam rise from the earth, the next you’re beside a waterfall bigger than your Airbnb budget.
It’s an instant adventure.
And it all begins just a couple hours from the airport.
How Much Time Do You Really Need for a Layover?
Even with just 24 hours, Iceland gives you a taste of its best bits.
With 48 hours, you’ll feel like you’ve lived several lifetimes. That is, if you take the opportunity to explore, and (ahem) follow my guide.
You don’t need weeks of planning or gear that makes you look like you’re heading to Everest.
You just need the right base and a good coat.
That’s where The Hill Hotel comes in.
Skip Reykjavík: Choose the Countryside Instead
Reykjavík has its charm, sure. But if you’ve only got a day or two in Iceland, do you really want to spend it queueing behind a coachload of tourists for an oat milk flat white?
The real magic of Iceland starts where the traffic ends.
Trading concrete for valleys and roundabouts for ridgelines, heading straight to the countryside turns your layover into an actual escape. If nothing else, it will give you something interesting to tell your family or friends if they’re picking you up on the other side (that’s how I tend to get through those long car journeys if I ever get picked up by my dad anyway!)
You’ll breathe fresher air, meet fewer people (unless you count sheep), and still be within reach of everything you came to see.
Flúðir is where Iceland slows down and shows off.
And yes, it’s still close enough to the airport that you won’t be sweating the clock.
The Hidden Charm of Flúðir (a Quieter, More Authentic Icelandic Experience)
Reykjavík is great if you’re into quiet city life and an abundance of tourist shops. But, after half a day you’ll be done, believe me (I live here).
But for the full Icelandic effect, to get straight to the hot springs, greenhouses, and zero queues, you need to head to Flúðir.
This charming village is wrapped in nature and steam.
It’s also home to the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool.
Fewer tour buses.
More actual experiences.
And from The Hill Hotel, you’re just a walk away from all of it (or a hop, skip, and jump away with the relief of a good choice well made).
Welcome to The Hill Hotel: Your Layover Retreat
When your flight lands and your eyelids feel like sandpaper, this is the kind of place you want waiting for you.
No crowds, no cookie-cutter corridors, just a boutique hideaway tucked between steam, silence, and some of Iceland’s most iconic sights.
The Hill Hotel isn’t just a layover stop.
It’s the deep breath in the middle of your trip.
And possibly the best night’s sleep you’ll get within 90 minutes of an international baggage claim.
A Boutique Stay in the Heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle
Located perfectly between Gullfoss, Geysir and the the lesser-known Friðheimar Tomato Farm, The Hill Hotel isn’t just a place to sleep.
It’s where your layover becomes a mini-adventure.
Rooms are cosy, modern, and designed for proper rest in a rustic retreat.
With Icelandic wool blankets, private terraces, and views of steam rising across fields, it’s the little touches and ambiance you’ll be wanting a quick facetime home to show-off (a great way to one up your wife or husband if they’re at home managing screen time with the kids!)
Not bad for somewhere you only planned to spend a night.
What Makes The Hill Hotel Different
We’re not a chain.
You won’t find our logo slapped on a pencil case in duty-free.
We’re independent, local, and proud to be your gateway to rural Iceland.
From handpicked local ingredients at breakfast to personalised activity suggestions, every detail is made to elevate your stopover from forgettable to unforgettable.
Also, we have really good pillows. That counts too (trust me).
Soak, Wander & Explore: What to Do Nearby
This isn’t one of those places where you’re stuck Googling “things to do near me” while sitting in your hotel robe (though, if you do I hope you click on another one of my travel guides).
Within minutes of stepping outside The Hill Hotel, you’ll find hot springs, explosive geysers (ok, a short drive away), misty trails and meals that come with a side of tomato vines (try the tomato ice cream also – it’s extra awesome!)
Everything is close enough to do with a half-full coffee cup and a decent pair of boots.
The kind of place where the best experiences don’t need to be scheduled with a clipboard and a headset.
Secret Lagoon: Iceland’s Oldest Hot Spring (Just Minutes Away)
You won’t need to wrestle crowds like at the Blue Lagoon.
The Secret Lagoon is just as relaxing, way more peaceful, and three minutes from our front door.
This geothermal gem dates back to 1891 and still bubbles away in a quiet pocket of Flúðir like it’s got nothing to prove, except it’s much less of a secret these days.
Surrounded by natural steam vents and a walking path through miniature geysers, it’s less of a spa and more of a steamy wonderland.
Open year-round with waters averaging a toasty 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (that’s around 100 – 104 fahrenheit to our US readers).
You’ll find locals floating next to you like it’s their weekly ritual, because for many, it actually is.
Bring your swimsuit and your best podcast, or ditch both and just listen to the sound of bubbling earth and your own heartbeat. Or eaves drop on the chats next to you, though I guarantee you it will be about the weather.
Towels and showers are on-site, and if you forget your swimsuit, there’s a tiny shop to bail you out.
Go early for the solitude, or late for the misty glow of dusk, either way, it’s three blissful minutes from our front door, and as a guest of ours you also get an exclusive discount (just saying!)
Gullfoss & Geysir: Two Unmissable Natural Icons
They’re famous for a reason.
The Gullfoss waterfall doesn’t just fall, it crashes into a canyon like it’s trying to make a point.
With two cascading drops from 11m to 21m (please don’t ask me to convert that into feet) and a constant mist that catches the sunlight just right, it’s one of Iceland’s most iconic natural shows.
On sunny days, you might even spot a rainbow arcing through the spray, just to make your camera roll cry tears of joy…or just an impacted aperture due to the constant mist, either way.
Not far away, you’ll find Geysir, the original hot spring that gave its name to every other geyser on Earth, puts on its own explosive performance. This geyser, in particular, is currently on an extended leave of absence with Strokkur now picking up the slack.
Its neighbour, Strokkur, is the reliable one.
It erupts every five to ten minutes (sometimes double blasts), blasting boiling water up to as high as 20 metres into the air.
You’ll hear the crowd gasp, and then you’ll feel the gentle mist reminding you why Iceland’s geothermal power is no joke.
From The Hill Hotel, both spots are under a half-hour’s drive making them easily reachable in no time at all.
Arrive early or late in the day and you might just get them to yourself — no elbows, no photo bombers, just you and some of nature’s greatest hits.
Flúðir Greenhouses & Local Flavours
Flúðir is where Iceland grows its food dreams, literally.
Thanks to an abundance of geothermal heat underfoot, this little village has become one of the most sustainable food-growing spots in the country.
The greenhouses here produce everything from tomatoes and cucumbers to herbs, lettuce, and even Iceland-made tomato chutneys and ice cream (yes, really).
A highlight is Friðheimar, a family-run greenhouse and restaurant where you’ll dine surrounded by tomato vines under a canopy of glass (plus, there’s unlimited bread with the tomato soup, which if you’re a fellow carb-lover like me it’s a dream!)
The menu? Tomato soup on tap, fresh-baked bread, and cocktails made from the produce grown just metres away.
There’s even several cheeky bee observation hives if you’re feeling extra curious.
It’s a taste of Iceland you won’t find in the duty-free aisle where for some reason all you can buy is average chocolate and liquorice.
Yes, it’s a little unusual ,and all the better for it.
Book ahead, and don’t be surprised if you leave with a jar of tomato jam in your hand and a slightly smug smile on your face.
Short Hikes with Big Views
If you’ve only got a day, don’t spend it driving for hours.
Hiking trails around Flúðir offer epic payoffs in less than an hour. We’re talking ridgeline views, bubbling streams, and that feeling of standing somewhere your phone signal fears to tread, which as a millennial is a rare luxury I recommend you embrace to truly disconnect and enjoy he nature.
A local favourite is the trail toward Hrunaheiðar, a peaceful route with expansive views across the valley.
You won’t need crampons or climbing ropes, just a good pair of shoes and a sense of adventure (maybe a sense of humour can help when your fellow traveller gets grumpy).
For something with a historical twist, head to Skálholt Cathedral.
It’s more than just a pretty church.
This was once the religious and educational heart of Iceland and includes ancient turf ruins, panoramic river views, and a subterranean crypt that feels like a time machine.
It’s the kind of spot where history doesn’t shout, it whispers, usually in Old Norse (unless the vicar is standing right next to you, then it’s a bit louder).
Grab an extra coffee at breakfast, pack a local Snúður from the bakery down the road, and take your pick of trails for a proper Icelandic stroll.
One-Day Iceland Itinerary from The Hill Hotel
Short layover? No problem.
This mini-itinerary packs a full Icelandic hit into just one day, without rushing or missing the good bits.
Perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of every hour between flights without feeling like they’re in an episode of the Amazing Race (and, avoiding those terrible pointless and uncultured tasks they are asked to do…just my opinion).
You’ll explore epic sights, eat ridiculously fresh food, and still have time for a proper soak and sleep.
Basically, it’s the kind of layover you’ll brag about later, which is important after you’ve heard it all from your friends, family, and neighbours in the past (or perhaps it’s just my family that is competitive?)
Morning: Arrive and Settle In
Land at Keflavík, grab a rental car, and make your way east.
This is your first taste of Iceland’s big sky and endless drama. The drama being if you run into some of charming weather we have across all the seasons.
In about 90 minutes, you’ll reach The Hill Hotel, passing moss-covered lava fields, steam rising from hillsides, and the occasional pony giving you side-eye from a roadside paddock.
Check in, breathe out, and take a moment to remember that you’ve turned a boring hotel stop-off into a proper mini-retreat.
Your room will be warm, the hot tubs will be steaming and ready, and your only real decision is whether to nap or explore first.
A coffee and a quick dip never hurt anyone. After all, what’s a long flight without some geothermal therapy? We don’t want to know!
Afternoon: Golden Circle Highlights
Head out to Geysir and Gullfoss, two of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, and both within easy reach of the hotel.
Watch Strokkur erupt with clockwork precision (well, more like the London train system) and feel the spray on your face at the edge of Gullfoss canyon.
After working up an appetite, swing by Friðheimar for a greenhouse lunch among tomato vines, with fresh soup, crusty bread, and maybe a cheeky Bloody Mary or two.
On the drive, don’t miss the chance to pull over and greet a few Icelandic horses (just not on the roadside).
Yes, it’s technically optional, but really, how could you not?
Finish your loop with a stop at Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with bright blue water (or ice-covered in winter) and steep red slopes.
It’s a short but steep walk around the rim, and absolutely worth it if your legs and camera battery are still up for it.
Evening: Hot Spring Soak & Sunset Views
Change into your swimsuit and walk down to the Secret Lagoon.
Steam rises as the evening light fades, turning the surrounding hills into silhouettes and the water into a soft, glowing mirror. If you’re here in winter you can gaze up at the Northern Lights to tick off a bucket list treat, or in summer under the resting golden hues from the immaculate midnight sun.
The warmth seeps into your bones while the last rays of sunlight bounce off the surface like something from a dream sequence.
After your soak, wander slowly back to the hotel with cheeks glowing and shoulders officially unclenched.
Dinner options await: our onsite restaurant with seasonal Icelandic fare or a snack plate delivered to your room with the two best words to hear on a layover ‘room service‘ (midnight snack optional, but encouraged).
Then curl up under wool blankets in your room, where the only sound is the occasional puff of wind from the surrounding area (or room 12).
Sleep, at last, comes easy (I promise I didn’t burst into song while writing this).
How to Get Here from the Airport (And Back Again)
Landing in a new country always comes with a little logistical limbo.
But fear not, getting from Keflavík to The Hill Hotel doesn’t involve complicated transfers or deciphering ancient Viking runes.
Just a straightforward drive with some well-paved roads that can either take you past the rift between two continents at Þingvellir, or over the stunning mountain pass of Hellisheiði.
You’ll pass lava fields, small towns, and probably a few sheep doing whatever it is sheep do when nobody’s watching (bizarrely they seem to always travel in three’s from what I’ve noticed, but don’t ask me why).
Whether it’s your first time in Iceland or your fifteenth, this journey sets the tone for the experience ahead.
Driving Times & Routes from Keflavík
Keflavík Airport to The Hill Hotel takes roughly 90 minutes by car.
The fastest route is via Route 1 to Selfoss, then north to Flúðir.
It’s well-paved the whole way, but quickly gives you a sample of Iceland’s nature on the journey. Several sights and stop offs that will leave you wanting more.
Avoid Reykjavík traffic by driving around it unless you fancy a city detour, or are really craving a Viking keyring.
Rental Car Tips for a Smooth Stopover
Book your car early, especially in summer.
Contrary to the fear forums out there, for what I’ve suggested above, even in winter, you won’t need a 4×4 car. So save your pennies there and spend it on activities such as a cheeky dive between the tectonic plates at Silfra.
Pick up from the airport and return it there.
We have free on-site parking at The Hill Hotel, so no stress.
Travelling Light? Here’s What to Pack for a 24–48 Hour Iceland Stop
One warm jumper or fleece, as Icelandic weather doesn’t care what season it is.
Waterproof outer layers for wind, rain, or both at once (which is basically the national forecast).
Comfortable walking shoes or boots that can handle uneven trails, wet grass, and volcanic gravel, if you’re going to check out some trails (pease do!)
Bring your swimsuit for geothermal dips with the locals, or simply basking in out onsite hot tubs.
A reusable water bottle is always handy as the tap water here could win awards. At every house, hotel, or restaurant you’re basically drinking from a glacier. Cold, pure, and straight from the source.
Sunglasses, even if you’re visiting in winter. Snow glare is real, and in summer the sun never really clocks out.
A power bank, because photo-taking, map-checking and Northern Light hunting drains your battery faster than you think (in winter the cold can be a nemesis for phone batteries).
And if you’re visiting between October and April, throw in a woolly hat and gloves too. Just trust me.
Make Your Layover Feel Like a Mini-Honeymoon
Not every stopover has to feel like you’re just killing time between flights.
If you’ve ever wanted to turn a travel inconvenience into an actual memory-maker, this is your chance.
Forget plastic chairs and airport playlists whilst you pretend you’re actually going to get the kindle out.
Here, your 24 hours come with candlelit dips, stargazing strolls, and the kind of calm that makes you wonder why you didn’t just book an entire week.
Yes, it’s technically a layover.
But we won’t tell if you call it something a bit more poetic.
Romantic Touches at The Hill Hotel
If your layover involves someone special, you’re in luck.
Our rooms are designed for intimacy.
Private terraces, courtyard views, hot tubs with drinks service, and a sense of calm.
Let us know if you’re going to be enjoying a special day beforehand, and we will try to ensure that word resonates Flúðir style.
Add a visit to the Secret Lagoon or a surprise picnic, and you’ve got the romance box well and truly ticked.
Midnight Sun Magic (or Northern Lights in Winter)
In summer, the sun barely sets.
Enjoy golden hour for hours on end with a late-night walk or even a midnight soak.
In winter, the skies turn into a celestial show.
Northern Lights are often visible from our courtyard, and the team offer a Northern Lights wakeup call so you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss a thing (including the hotel phone ring!)
That’s not marketing fluff, it’s just Iceland being dramatic as usual.
Ready to Book? Here’s How to Make It Happen
Our team is local, friendly, and not afraid to give blunt weather advice, although we cannot channel our inner-Poseiden to ensure it is perfect for you at all times (though, we try).
Whether your Iceland layover is a happy accident or a carefully plotted detour, make it count.
Stay somewhere that feels like home, even if only for a day.
Book now and start your mini-adventure the Icelandic way.