It’s been three years since LaV and I stopped over for 12 hours in Iceland and fell in love with the small island country. It’s high literacy rate, welcoming attitude toward refugees and feminist prime minister were all reasons to recommend this country of just over 300,000 inhabitants.
Due to its small size, we were able to make the most of our layover with a visit to the obvious tourist trap — but extremely rejuvenating — Blue Lagoon.
On my way back to Texas this summer, I had a similar choice: spend 300 euros more to get a direct flight from Madrid to Dallas, or take advantage of a cheaper flight from Alicante with a 14-hour layover in Keflavík.
I broke down and bought a lava tunnel cave tour because it involved my greatest natural loves: caving, volcanoes and Irish and Icelandic geologist guides. Due to the nature of the tour, I was able to take the bus into Reykjavík and explore the city for several hours in the early morning as well as in the afternoon after my tour.
I admit the tour was not best I’ve been on, as I’ve had more extensive and inexpensive caving adventures in Texas and New Mexico. However, the geological formations were impressive, the tour guides were funny and knowledgeable, the bus driver was kind and helpful, and the passing landscape had me pressing my face against the window every five seconds to gawk. I saved money by not taking a direct flight, and although I could’ve saved more by just sitting in the airport for 14 hours, it was worth seeing a piece of Iceland instead. I hope to come back to this part of the world eventually, rent a car and do some camping. Iceland is an expensive country, but most things you buy are well-made, and the people are kind.
If you’re considering a layover in Iceland:
- Decide if the cost of a tour and bus outweighs the cost of a direct flight.
- Pack warm clothes and rain gear with sturdy shoes.
- Try to meet up with locals if possible.
- Learn a few key phrases and enjoy the magic.
And just because I love Icelandic bands: one of my favorite groups playing a song in a volcano. 🙂