What to Do with an Early Arrival in Iceland

Arriving at Keflavik International Airport

It may not come as a surprise that Keflavik International Airport is rather small, especially to the likes of London’s Heathrow or New York’s JFK. This makes Keflavik Airport easy to navigate, however, and you can make your way through pretty quickly.

That’s not to say those forced to stay awhile will have absolutely nothing to do, only that their choices will be limited, especially those arriving in the early hours of the morning. You can do some shopping and get your first glimpse of Icelandic products, all while waiting for your luggage!

• Learn about Airports in Iceland - Everything You Need to Know

Shopping in Keflavik International Airport

Duty-free at Keflavik Airport is open 24/7, providing a nice opportunity to enjoy a little retail therapy through the early hours. It's located just before the baggage pickup, so you can really use the time you spend waiting for your bags.

Free time in Keflavik Airport also offers the best opportunity to stock up on duty-free alcohol. Beer, wines, and spirits are notoriously expensive in Iceland as they can only be bought from the state-run liquor store, Vínbúðin. Naturally, these prices massively inflate if bought from any of Iceland’s bars or restaurants. You'll likely see Icelanders stocking up as the duty-free prices really do make quite the difference, especially for liquor.

Aside from alcohol, you can try a range of classic Icelandic candy, often with special 2f1 deals. You can also find practical items like SIM cards, and toiletries you may have forgotten to bring.

• Check out the Top 11 Souvenirs from Iceland
• See also: Guide to SIM Cards in Iceland

Sleeping at Keflavik International Airport

Unfortunately, a number of signs make it adamantly clear that sleeping in Keflavik Airport is strongly discouraged. With that being said, you will not be kicked out if you do so. The outside temperature makes that too cruel an option, though you will likely be woken up by security or airport staff around 4:00 AM when the airport begins to get busy.

When it comes to places where you can lay your head, your options are, again, fairly limited. Those lucky few may find a couple of benches in which to grab a short power nap, but the majority will be forced to sleep on the floor with little more than their coat for a pillow.

If this option doesn't suit you, you could plan a stay at accommodation near Keflavik Airport. Many accommodations specifically cater to travelers arriving or leaving Iceland, so you'll find options with 24-hour check-in, and some even offer a shuttle service to and from the airport. Many are just a 10-minute drive away, either surrounding the airport or within the town of Keflavik.

• Discover the Best Hotels Near Keflavik Airport

Make Sure to Nap and Go in Iceland

If you're planning to drive to Iceland and are arriving early from a long flight, we highly encourage you to rest before you head out. Driving while tired can be extremely dangerous, and it's much better to "nap and then go" instead of taking unnecessary risks.

Many hotels near Keflavik Airport cater to early arrivals in Iceland, from the cozy Guesthouse Keflavik to the luxurious Diamond Suites. Just remember to book your accommodation with good notice and enjoy a safe trip!

• Learn more about Driving in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Road Trips

The Blue Lagoon Spa

In July and August, the Blue Lagoon Spa opens at 7 AM sharp, and at 8 AM other times of year, making it the perfect option to begin your holiday in Iceland. As one of the country’s most famous attractions, the Blue Lagoon Spa is just a short drive from the airport and around a 30-minute drive from the capital, Reykjavik, thus perfectly situated for those looking to relax before check-in.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the Blue Lagoon Spa is hands down the best means of beating jet lag. Its soothing azure waters are a comfortable 37–39 °C (99–102 °F), ideal for relaxing the muscles and the mind of weary travelers in equal measure. The lagoon itself is surrounded by the dark, cragged landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, offering you an incredible first view of Iceland’s diverse countryside.

Note that you'll need to book your Blue Lagoon admission ahead of time due to its sheer popularity, something that Guide to Iceland will be more than happy to sort out once you know your departure dates. This is a strict policy, one that visitors cannot get around regardless of how early they show up.

• Learn more with the Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon!
• See also: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?

Arriving in Reykjavik

One of the more highly recommended pieces of advice for an early arrival in Iceland is to head straight to the capital, Reykjavik, a city of untold possibilities that boasts stunning architecture, distinguished landmarks, and lush inner-city parks.

Naturally, exploring the city by foot is completely free of charge and offers a perspective of the culture before even stepping into your accommodation. First things first, however, you will want to grab a bite to eat, especially considering the lack of suitable dining options back at the airport. 

• Delve into A History of Reykjavik!

Where to Find Baggage Storage in Reykjavik

If you're staying in accommodation in Reykjavik, it's highly likely that you'll be allowed to store your luggage there before it's time for your check-in, so it's best to confirm this before your arrival. If, however, it's not allowed, you're not out of options!

The most convenient place for luggage storage in Reykjavik, if you're taking the flybus from Keflavik airport, is at the BSI bus terminal. It's usually the bus's last stop, and it's just by the city center. Alternatively, there are also baggage lockers by the Tradarkot and Vesturgata car parks in central Reykjavik, 

There is also storage at Reykjavik Domestic Airport, by the campsite of Laugardalur valley, and in the Mjodd service center and bus terminal, though these locations may not be the most convenient for all travelers. If you're planning to spend your morning in the town of Keflavik, you can also find baggage storage at Keflavik Airport before you head out.

• Learn about Parking in Reykjavik - Everything You Need to Know

Where to Get Coffee and Breakfast in Reykjavik

One of Iceland’s most popular cafés, Te og Kaffi, is the perfect spot to kickstart your time in Iceland. Most of their locations open at 8:00 AM on weekdays and 9 or 10 on weekends, with its most easy-to-reach locations at Laekjartorg square and Laugavegur street. There are, however, 8 outlets found throughout the capital region.

Te og Kaffi has been a go-to for Icelanders since 1984, as it's known for its high-quality coffee and teas. The café takes pride in its strong relationships with bean farmers around the world, ensuring only the best brews are served.

You'll find plenty to choose from, whether you’re craving a rich espresso, fun caffeinated drinks, or soothing tea. Pair your drink with a selection of pastries, bagels, and other tasty breakfast bites, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere until you're ready to start your day.

• Discover the Best Breakfast Places in Reykjavik
• See also: The Best Cafés in Reykjavik & Icelandic Coffee Culture

How To Spend a Morning in Reykjavik

As aforementioned, some accommodation options in the city won’t allow for check-in until the early afternoon. This leaves the morning free to unearth some of the city’s most popular attractions. Here are the best ways to spend your early morning in Reykjavik.

Museums, Landmarks & Culture in Reykjavik

One of the nicest things to do on arrival is to get to know some of Iceland's history, culture and nature, but museums in Reykjavik tend to open at 10:00 AM, though there is one notable exception! The Perlan Museum and its Wonders of Iceland exhibition opens at 9:00 AM, presenting the chance to get to know Iceland’s incredible nature without yet fully immersing yourself in it. It's the perfect activity after a cozy morning cup of coffee and takes around two or three hours to fully enjoy.

Here, you will learn about Iceland’s volcanic systems, geothermal activity, the country’s propensity for earthquakes, and the famed tectonic plates, best seen for real at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir National Park. You'll also be able to visit a recreation of an ice cave made with real ice and see a beautiful northern lights show in a planetarium.

In collaboration with scientists and artists from across the country, the Wonders of Iceland exhibition also incorporates augmented reality entertainment to showcase one of the biggest seabird cliffs in Europe, Latrabjarg, found in the Westfjords.

Speaking of heights, Perlan also boasts an observation deck, allowing visitors to gain a panoramic perspective of the capital, the Esjan mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.

There are, of course, a number of city landmarks that can be visited for free. One of the most notable examples is Hallgrimskirkja, the distinguished Lutheran church that adorns countless postcards, t-shirts, and souvenir mugs. There is also the glassy wonder of architecture, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, and the sculpture The Sun Voyager, found within ten minutes' walking distance. 

• Read on about the Top 10 Museums in Reykjavik
• See also: Top 16 Most Famous Landmarks in Iceland

Take a Short Morning Tour in Reykjavik

Photo from Regína Hrönn

Of course, another option for your early arrival in Reykjavik is to partake in a short tour, jumping straight into the action. Just be aware that certain activities require certain types of clothing and footwear, especially during the winter months, so make sure to keep them accessible in your luggage.

One of the most popular and authentic tour activities available in Iceland is horse riding, putting visitors in the saddle and bringing them ever closer to feeling like one of the island's earliest settlers. The Icelandic Horse is a rare breed, one known as much for their small and muscular stature as they are for their loyalty and intelligence. It is no wonder, then, that so many people fall in love with these noble steeds the second they lay their eyes on them.

Photo from Easy 2-Hour Horse Riding Tour through Lava Fields with Optional Transfer from Reykjavik

Luckily, horseback riding tours often offer early departure. For example, this horse riding tour through Lava Fields has a 9:00 AM departure time and four-hour duration, likely finishing just before the check-in time of your hotel.

Another option with a 9:00 AM departure time is this Reykjavik horse riding tour, which brings you to the beautiful Raudholar hills. Both offer transfers from Reykjavik, so these are fantastic ways to spend your first morning.

• Learn more: The Icelandic Horse | A Comprehensive Guide

Photo from The Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour

While we're on the subject of animals, many guests to Iceland are just dying to take to the open ocean in search of whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

It's no secret that Iceland is one of the best locations in the world to go on whale-watching tours, but not as many people know that the island's coastal waters boast over twenty different species of cetacean! These include common species like Humpbacks, minke whales, and Harbour Porpoises, as well as rarer finds like Orcas or the magnificent Blue Whale.

Whale-watching tours from Old Harbour offer different departure times in the morning and are, of course, dependent on the coastal conditions. If the waves look as though they'll show no mercy, there is a very good chance the whale-watching boat will not depart at all.

Photo from Thrilling 45-Minute Helicopter Tour to the Volcanic Area in Reykjanes Peninsula

For those who haven't gotten sick of being in the air, helicopter tours have flexible morning departure times, starting from 8:00 AM and ending at 01:00 PM. Examples of fun aerial activities include the Reykjavik summit tour, the geothermal helicopter tour, or the Reykjanes volcanic area tour.

Check Into Your Accommodation and Relax

When the time comes, head to your accommodation in Reykjavik, check-in, and take a few minutes to lie on that bed, breathing in deeply for a few moments.

Relax; you made it! 

Now that the morning has been filled and your bags are safe and sound in the hotel room, it's time to enjoy the rest of your holiday in the land of ice and fire! Why not head out to some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik for lunch, then run out to discover the rest of the city?

Try the top things to do in Reykjavik, dive into Icelandic food culture, and enjoy the best Iceland has to offer. It's sure to be a memorable adventure!

What will you do with your early arrival in Iceland? Have you visited Reykjavik before? How did you find your arrival? Please share your thoughts, ideas, and questions in the comment section below!