48 Hours in Iceland: Making The Most of Your Stopover

Iceland – the land of ice and fire – is an incredibly beautiful country and has been steadily gaining popularity over the past few years (no doubt helped a fair amount by its use as a location for filming in Game of Thrones).

With thundering waterfalls, scenic national parks and magical geothermal spas, Iceland is a not-to-be-missed destination and with IcelandAir and PLAY Airlines opening up new routes and providing amazing stopover opportunities, the small Nordic island is now easier (and cheaper) to visit – even if you only get 48 hours in Iceland!

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The Basics

Iceland is a small island located in the North Atlantic and the capital is Reykjavík, situated on the western coast, the northernmost capital in the world. With a population of only around 330,000, they are one of the most sparsely populated countries – with a population density of just over 3 people per square kilometre they have, along with Australia, Namibia, Western Sahara, Mongolia and Greenland, the lowest population density in the world.

They are part of the EEA (not the EU) and Schengen Area, and they DON’T use the Euro. Their currency is the Icelandic kronur (ISK), and €1 is approximately 146 kronur (£1 = 175 ISK, $1 = 142 ISK), as of February 2025.

The language is Icelandic and a few basic phrases to get you around include:

Good day – Góðan daginn (goh-than da-yin)

Hello (informal) – Halló (hall-oh)

Please – Gjörðu svo vel (gyoer-dhu svoh vell)

Thank you – Takk fyrir (tack fih-rihr)

Yes – Já (yah)

No – Nei (nay)

Do you speak English? – Talarðu ensku? (ta-lar-dhu en-sku?)

Goodbye – Bless! (…bless)

Cheers! – Skál! (scowl)

Most staff in restaurants/bars/hotels/stores tend to speak very good English, but it’s always handy to have a few phrases at hand! I found that locals are always pleasantly surprised if you know a few words.

Recommended language apps: Lingopal Icelandic LITE (free), Icelandic Dictionary by TopOfStack Software (free)

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Getting to Iceland

Iceland is more accessible than ever, with national carrier Icelandair and low-cost airline PLAY Airlines offering an expanding network of international routes to and from Reykjavík (KEF). Whether you’re planning an extended adventure or experiencing Iceland in 48 hours as a stopover, there are plenty of flight options to suit your itinerary.

Several major airlines also operate routes to Reykjavík, including Delta (JFK, Boston), United (Newark, Chicago O’Hare), British Airways (London Heathrow), easyJet (London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol), Norwegian (Oslo, Copenhagen), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), SAS (Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo), Wizz Air (Vienna, Warsaw, Budapest), and Air Canada (Toronto, seasonal routes to Montreal and Vancouver).

There are also domestic flights throughout Iceland, as well as flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

It is also possible to travel by ferry from Denmark, although this is a weekly service and it takes two nights. It goes via the Faroe Islands and goes to Seyðisfjörður on the east coast.

I have flown with both WowAir (now defunct) and IcelandAir and they were both great experiences. I flew to New York with IcelandAir and that was when (on my return) I spent 48h in Iceland as my stopover.

Airlines with Stopover Programmes in Iceland

One of the best ways to enjoy Iceland in 48 hours is to fly with an airline that offers a stopover option in Iceland!

The two airlines that have this amazing opportunity are IcelandAir (which is who I flew with, on their Gothenburg – Iceland – New York (JFK) route) and PLAY Airlines.

Iceland Stopover with Icelandair

If you’re flying between Europe and North America, Icelandair’s Stopover in Iceland programme is a game-changer. Instead of just passing through, you can spend up to seven days in Iceland at no extra airfare cost. Perfect if you want to squeeze in 48 hours in Iceland without adding another plane ticket to your trip cost!

You can fly into Reykjavík (KEF), explore for a few days, and then continue to your final destination. It’s a great way to see the main highlights of Iceland!

It’s an ideal choice if you don’t have a direct flight option either, or just want to have a 2-in-1 trip!

Icelandair flies to many destinations in North America, including Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Nashville, Detroit, Orlando, Pittsburg, Raleigh-Durham, Washington DC, Baltimore, New York, Boston and Greenland (Ilulissat, Nuuk, Kulusuk and Narsarsuaq).

Iceland Stopover with PLAY

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to see Iceland in 48 hours, PLAY Airlines has a great stopover programme. When flying between North America and Europe, you can add a stopover in Reykjavík (KEF) for up to 10 days—without paying extra on your airfare.

PLAY is a low-cost airline, so expect cheaper flights but fewer perks. The basic fare only includes a personal item—if you want a full-size cabin bag or checked luggage, you’ll need to pay extra. No free meals either, but if you travel light, it’s an absolute bargain. Perfect if you want a quick Icelandic adventure before heading to your final destination!

PLAY flies to Baltimore, Boston, New York (Stewart), and Toronto, making Iceland an easy stopover on transatlantic trips.

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Getting Around Iceland

Reykjavík is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot. However, some attractions are further out, so using buses or tours can save time. On Day 2 of this 48 hours in Iceland itinerary, I’ll cover more on getting around the capital, but for now, let’s focus on the best ways to see Iceland in a short trip!

For just 2 days in Iceland, guided tours are the easiest option. You’ll be shuttled between major sights by coach, making the most of your time. If you’re staying longer, consider renting a car, cycling (only if experienced), or even hitchhiking. Domestic flights also connect Reykjavík with places like Akureyri, Husavík, and Seyðisfjörður.

Explore Iceland by campervan

One of the most unique ways to explore Iceland is by renting a campervan—it gives you total freedom to travel at your own pace without worrying about hotel bookings! If that sounds like your kind of adventure, Cozy Campers is a great option.

With a Cozy Campers van, you’re getting more than just a vehicle—it’s your transport and accommodation in one, which means no extra costs for hotels. Their campervans come with heated beds, so you’ll stay warm even in Iceland’s chilly weather, and there’s a great charging system to keep your devices powered.

Other perks? Unlimited mileage, free cancellation, insurance included, and even a fuel discount card! It’s an easy, stress-free way to see Iceland’s epic landscapes while sticking to your own schedule.

Want to wake up to a waterfall view? Go stargazing away from any light pollution? A campervan gives you the flexibility to do just that!

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Alternative ways of getting around Iceland

If you are spending slightly longer in the land of ice and fire, you are better off getting a rental car like Michaela did (and check out this incredible 50 stop road trip of Iceland!), touring by bike (ONLY if experienced in this area!) or hitchhiking. You can also travel by plane within Iceland, for example to Akureyri and Husavík in the north or Seyðisfjörður in the east.

There are also long-distance buses serving a large amount of Iceland, but these are often just as expensive (or more so) than flights. BSI is the bus station in Reykjavík (not to be confused with the Gray Line bus terminal, which is only for Gray Line tours!) and you can catch a variety of buses from here, such as to Akureyri, Seyðisfjörður and Reykjanesbær. There is luggage storage (1,000 ISK per item per day or 1,500 ISK for ‘odd shaped items’ such as bikes or skis) and a lovely café – if you do eat there, get the meat stew (around 1,590 ISK including soup, self-serve salad, soda and coffee) as it is absolutely delicious, super filling and great value for money (approx £11).

For more travel tips, check out this guide on visiting Iceland.

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Iceland in 48 Hours: Day 1 (Golden Circle Tour)

For your first day, I recommend a tour and the tour that I recommend is the full Golden Circle tour. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a classic, but YES it is worth it!

We did the Golden Circle Classic tour with Gray Line Iceland and our guide, Ástþór, was absolutely amazing.

Recommended Tours: Gray Line Iceland – Golden Circle Classic (which is the one we did), Reykjanes Peninsula and Golden Circle

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Here is what you will be doing on the Golden Circle tour…

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir (pronounced ‘Thing-vet-lihr’) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in south Island. Here you will find the longest running parliament in the world (established in 930 AD) and amazing landscapes due to it being located on the border between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. After large numbers of settlers began to arrive in Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries, a seat of ‘government’ was established here, in Þingvellir.

In 1662 Iceland swore allegiance to the King of Denmark and the government/council at Þingvellir was used only in a judicial form and Þingvellir itself was the site of many executions. It then became a symbol of national unity and independence during the struggle for independence and it was used as a seat of government in some form until the late 18th century, when the main government moved to Reykjavík.

 

 

Gullfoss

Gullfoss, or ‘golden waterfall’ is an incredible 32m high double waterfall on the south coast, about a ten-minute drive from nearby Geysir. In the summer, due to heavy rain and glacial runoff, it is the largest volume waterfall in Europe! It is truly magnificent for photos and just generally for watching and admiring the power of nature.

There are lots of people but you can find a few spots away from the crowds. DO NOT cross any barriers (they are mostly just cordoned off with rope but we saw one idiot someone almost fall while having their photo taken right on the edge after climbing over the barrier. However, I like to think of this as Darwinian evolution, AKA survival of the fittest. Or most intelligent.

The café at Gullfoss is excellent, albeit pricey (but this IS Iceland and a very touristy spot), and I definitely recommend the lamb soup. Don’t forget to take warm clothing, especially a windbreaker! It can get pretty breezy up here as it is fairly flat and, in certain places, there is a fair amount of spray coming off the falls.

Geysir

Geysir is where we get the English word ‘geyser’ and the hot spring here is the original namesake. Geysir itself no longer erupts (aside from after major earthquakes), but the nearby Strokkur Geysir erupts approximately every five minutes and really is a sight to behold! Just be careful that you’re not standing downwind…

The temperature of the water in the eruptions is around 125 ºC and water in the streams and in inactive geysers can be around 80 – 100 ºC, so don’t go testing the temperature unless you’re a huge fan of second-degree burns (you really shouldn’t be).

The Geysir field is an amazing place to observe the incredible natural phenomena and Icelanders are extremely proud of it. Barriers are minimal which provide for great photo opportunities and excellent viewing, but if you are with small children or idiots like the guy who almost fell into the waterfall, please take care and make sure you keep an eye on them (or hold their hand) at all times!

 

Faxi*

Faxi, aka Vatnsleysufoss (you can see why it’s referred to as Faxi), is a gorgeous smaller waterfall along the Golden Circle route. Located on the Tungufljót river, it is a popular fishing spot due to an abundance of salmon.

If you are self-touring Iceland, there is a well-recommended restaurant called Vid Faxa next to the fall. It is located in an area with the incredible name of Bláskógabyggð, which I challenge you to try to pronounce. I’m totally kidding, you won’t manage it. Unless you’re Icelandic, then that’s cheating.

*not included in all itineraries, we only visited as we had extra time after Þingvellir.

Skálholt Church

Skálholt is incredibly important in the history of Iceland as it was the spiritual centre of the country from around 1000 AD, when Christianity was made the de jure religion of the island. It remained so for approximately 700 years, until someone had the bright idea of moving it (the spiritual centre, not the region or church) to the capital city.

In the 17th century a wooden church, larger than the current 20th-century structure, was built at Skálholt, although the medieval church was the largest ever built on the site. The modern cathedral you now see was inaugurated in 1963.

Fákasel

Fákasel Horse Park is an amazing place where you can meet the gorgeous Icelandic horses (do NOT refer to them as ponies), eat amazing food and you can also ride the horses here if you wish. Unfortunately, it was raining when we visited and so the usually friendly and curious horses were looking a little miffed at being outside in the rain.

Looking for an even more intensive tour? Head off on the 10 hour South Iceland tour and see spectacular waterfalls, impressive volcanoes and an enchanting black sand beach.

Have you done the Golden Circle tour? Tell me in the comments!

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Iceland in 48 Hours: Day 2 (Exploring Reykjavik)

Eat & Drink

Café Loki (Lokastígur 28)

Café Loki is a must-visit when coming to Iceland! I have been here twice now and the food is still great (and in some places… interesting). With items on the menu ranging from mashed fish on rye bread and smoked lamb on flatbread to fermented shark and ram’s testicles, there will be something for everyone (including a very pleasant lamb soup). Well, unless you’re vegan. Then potentially not.

Located just across from Hallgrímskirkja, it’s a great place to end up for dinner after a day of sightseeing. You have to try the fermented shark at least once (and if you order it and don’t eat any, you will be berated by the waitress, which is highly entertaining to watch), although maybe don’t inquire as to the process of how it’s made until after you’ve tried some…

I recommend having the Icelandic Plate II followed by the amazing Skyr (a type of yoghurt) and caramel sauce pancakes. Loki also offers an intriguing rye bread ice cream, and don’t forget to try Brennivín (an Icelandic schnapps), also referred to as ‘the Black Death’!

Penninn Eymundsson Skólavörðustíg (Skólavörðustígur 11)

A large bookshop with a lovely café serving delicious coffee and a good variety of loose leaf teas as well as some impressive cakes (definitely recommended). An excellent place to grab some amazing Icelandic crime novels (an incredible new addition to the dark Nordic crime genre). My favourite author is Yrsa Sigurðardóttir if you need a starting point!

For more great coffee in Reykjavík, check out Crystal’s round up of her favourite coffee shops!

Bæjarins beztu pylsur (Tryggvagata 1)

With a name that literally translates to “town’s best hotdogs”, you know you’re in for a treat. It is now a chain that has been in continuous operation since 1937 and, rain or shine, there will be a queue for these delicious (and cheap) hotdogs.

Request one ‘with everything’ (fried onions, sauerkraut, mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup) and you’ll be very content. At 420 ISK (less than £3) they are also a great budget option!

Microbar (Laugavegur 86)

Now it’s time for a pleasant drink and Micro Bar is a great place to go to get your fix of excellent Icelandic beer. You can get a ‘taster tray’ of five or ten beers from Icelandic micro-breweries at 1,800 ISK for five or 2,800 for ten. The ‘tasters’ are approximately 125ml each and are a great way of trying out a variety of Icelandic brews.

See & Do

Hallgrímskirkja (Skólavörðuholti)

Hallgrímskirkja, or ‘church of Hallgrímur’, is the largest church in Iceland at 74.5m tall. The church is named for Icelandic poet and clergyman, Hallgrímur Pétursson and was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, with the design to resemble the basalt lava flows in Iceland’s landscape. It was a controversial design at the time and took 41 years to build, being finished in 1986, and Samúelsson never saw his design come to life. It is one of Reykjavík’s best-known landmarks and is visible through the city.

The church is free to enter, but if you wish to take the lift up the tower to the observation deck there is a charge of 1,400 ISK (around £8). On a clear day, the views are incredible, especially around sunset! The tower is open in the summer months (May through August) 9am – 8pm and in the winter months 10am – 5pm.

The House of Collections (‘Þjóðmenningarhúsið’, Hverfisgata 15)

This building previously housed the National Library and has been home to a variety of different museums throughout the years.

Since 2015 there has been a permanent exhibit called ‘Points of View’, which is based around the visual history of Iceland, showing different depictions of things like religion and volcanic eruptions. An incredibly interesting museum and entry costs 2,200 (£12.50) ISK for adults.

National Museum of Iceland (Suðurgata 41)

The National Museum costs 1500 ISK (around £10) for adults, 750 ISK for students and senior citizens and is free for under 18s. It is the oldest museum in Iceland at 153 years old and has incredible exhibitions around the history of the nation, from the Settlement to present day.

The museum is open every day from 10am-5pm. Entry to the museum costs 3,000 ISK (£17) and children (under 18) are free.

Höfði House (Fjörutún)

There is also a local legend that the house is haunted by the spirit of a young woman and accounts state that she is either a drowning or suicide victim. Some locals say that the house is located on a Viking burial site. So watch out if you hear any odd noises while visiting…

Höfði (pronounced ‘Hoef-dhi’) House is best known as being the location for the 1986 Reykjavík Summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan (USA) and Mikhail Gorbachev (USSR), which was effectively a step to ending the Cold War.

Harpa (Austurbakka 2)

Harpa is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and, aside from incredible performances, also houses some incredible photography exhibitions that seem to be ever-changing! The architecture is also very interesting and it’s a great place to escape the wind/rain/snow (or all of them) for a little while. It’s a perfect place to add to your Iceland in 48 hours itinerary! Harpa Concert Hall is free to enter.

Tickets for performances (plus comedy shows and more) can range from around 2,500 to 7,500 ISK. Tickets available at harpa.is.

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Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Best mid-range hotels for 48 hours in Iceland

If you’re looking for great mid-range hotels for your stay in Iceland, these hotels should be on your list!

When you’re planning Iceland in 48 hours, staying somewhere central in Reykjavík is key. Here are three great mid-range hotels that balance comfort, location, and price:

Hlemmur Square – This stylish boutique aparthotel is perfect if you want a modern stay without breaking the bank. It’s close to Hlemmur Food Hall and offers studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Prices from €278 for two people for two nights.

Center Hotels Klopp – Right in the heart of downtown Reykjavík, this hotel puts you steps from Laugavegur’s shops, restaurants, and bars. Rooms are cosy, and breakfast is included, which is always a win in Iceland. They also offer an airport shuttle (for a fee). Prices from €334 for two people for two nights.

Hotel Von Guldsmeden – A great eco-friendly option with Scandi-chic vibes, plus some rooms have a view of the Hallgrimmskirkja (look for rooms marked “city view“)! It’s part of the Guldsmeden Hotels group, known for its focus on sustainability and organic breakfasts. A stylish, comfortable stay with a boutique feel! Prices from €252 for two people for two nights (breakfast not included).

All of these are solid options for 2 days in Iceland, giving you easy access to Reykjavík’s best sights while keeping your trip budget-friendly!

For more suggestions on things to see and do when travelling Iceland on a budget, check out Global Brunch’s article 15 Tips to Help You Explore Iceland For Less!

 

Have you been to Iceland? Where do you recommend to sleep, eat and adventure? What should a traveller not miss in Reykjavík? Tell us in the comments!

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