When planning our summer trip to Helsinki, we saw a perfect opportunity to add a bonus destination: Iceland. Instead of flying directly, we booked a separate roundtrip from Iceland to Finland with Finnair, giving us 1.5 days to explore Iceland before continuing on.
Our Delta flight DL260 landed at 7:00 AM in Reykjavík. After clearing customs, we picked up our rental car from Thrifty, conveniently located near the airport by shuttle bus, then we drove to hit the highlights of the Golden Circle—Iceland’s most famous driving route. It turned out to be an unforgettable whirlwind of waterfalls, craters, and geothermal wonders.
Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where we walked between two tectonic plates. The landscape felt like another planet—mossy, volcanic, and serene.
Brúarfoss – A short hike brought us to one of Iceland’s most beautiful hidden waterfalls, with ice-blue water rushing through black volcanic rocks.
Geysir Hot Spring Area – We watched Strokkur erupt high into the sky every few minutes—mesmerizing and delightfully sulfur-scented!
Gullfoss Waterfall – Immense and powerful, this two-tiered waterfall was breathtaking. Mist filled the air, and rainbows danced in the sunlight.
Kerið Crater – Our last stop featured a vivid volcanic crater lake with bright red slopes and turquoise water—perfect for a short walk around the rim.
🧥 Side Story: A Luggage Mishap (and How It Worked Out)
Here’s an unexpected twist: Delta misplaced my husband’s checked luggage, even though it was a direct flight! All his clothes were in the suitcase, and he stepped into chilly, windy Iceland in just shorts and a t-shirt, with temperatures in the 50s–60s°F.
Thankfully, Delta reimburses passengers for necessary clothing purchases. We quickly bought him a rainproof jacket and a warm cap, kept the receipts, and filed for reimbursement once back in the U.S. —which was fully approved. Even better, his suitcase arrived the next day, and since we were staying one night in Reykjavík, we received it in time for our flight to Helsinki.
🏨 Stay in Kópavogur: Budget-Friendly & Comfortable
To save on costs and enjoy more lodging options, we booked an Airbnb in Kópavogur, a suburb just outside Reykjavík. It was peaceful, comfortable, and well located, with grocery stores nearby and free parking. It made a great base for a one-night stay.
💳 Currency + 🚘 Gas Tips
We exchanged some local currency at the airport just in case. But in reality, credit cards were accepted everywhere, even at small parking lots and public restrooms. Iceland is highly card-friendly.
However, one thing to be mindful of is fuel. Gas stations in rural areas are sporadic, and some small self-service pumps may not accept foreign credit cards. It’s wise to top up whenever you see a gas station and consider carrying a local card or prepaid option as backup.
🌊 June 25 – Blue Lagoon + Cliffs Before Departure
We started our final hours in Iceland with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon. It is a geothermal spa famous for its milky-blue water and rejuvenating minerals. We had reserved our spot online ahead of time, which is highly recommended, especially during peak travel months.
After the spa, we drove to the Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs—a less touristy but spectacular stop along the Reykjanes Peninsula. Towering black cliffs met the Atlantic Ocean below, and seabirds soared through the wind. It was a refreshing contrast to the previous day’s attractions and a peaceful way to end our visit.
🦅 A Seagull Showdown on the Cliffs
While visiting a scenic cliff area, we had an unexpected wildlife encounter. My husband spotted a nesting seagull perched near the edge and tried to take a photo. The mother bird had other plans.
Suddenly, she launched into the air, shrieking, and dive-bombed his head! Beak-first! Thankfully, she missed, but we quickly backed away and let her protect her nest in peace. It was a hilarious and humbling reminder: Iceland’s nature is wild—and fiercely protected.
🛫 Onward to Helsinki
By late afternoon, we were back at Keflavík Airport, ready to catch our Finnair flight to Helsinki. Iceland had given us a quick but rich glimpse of its wild beauty—and even a travel lesson or two.
✅ Quick Tips for a Short Iceland Stopover
- Rent a car for maximum freedom—even for just one day.
- Prioritize 3–5 key stops instead of trying to do it all.
- Book Blue Lagoon or other spas in advance.
- Stay near Reykjavík or in suburbs like Kópavogur for better lodging options.
- Carry some warm layers in your carry-on, just in case of lost luggage.
- Don’t get too close to nesting birds. They mean business.
- Fuel up early and often—gas stations may be few and far between.
Yun Silver Lining 