You and Iceland: A Saga of Separation by a Whole Bunch of Atlantic Ocean
So, you've got Iceland on the brain. Maybe it's the glaciers, the Game of Thrones filming locations (winter is definitely not coming there anytime soon!), or the allure of puffin spotting (those little guys are adorable, fight me). Whatever the reason, wanderlust has bitten you good, and now you're wondering: just how long does it take to get from Chicago to Iceland?
Well, buckle up, intrepid traveler, because the answer depends on your tolerance for airplane peanuts and your aversion to mid-atlantic limbo. Here's the lowdown on how many hours you can expect to spend hurtling through the sky (or, you know, watching reruns of The Office for the 12th time).
The Speedy Gonzales: Non-Stop Flights (around 6 hours)
Bam! You're there before you can say "eyjafjallajokull" (don't worry, googling pronunciation is encouraged). This is the option for the impatient adventurer, the one who wants to be sipping geothermal poolside with a frosty beverage in hand faster than you can say "Vatnajokull National Park" (seriously, these Icelandic names are a mouthful!). Just be prepared to possibly fight a small child for the armrest. Hey, everyone wants that window seat for a peek at the midnight sun!
The Tourist Trail: Flights with One Layover (around 10-ish hours)
This is your classic, middle-of-the-road option. Think of it as the Goldilocks of flights: not too fast, not too slow, juuuust right (well, as right as being stuck in an airplane seat for a decade can be). You might have a layover in a charming European city, or maybe you get to experience the joy of an airport food court for a delightful extra hour. Hey, at least you can stretch your legs and maybe snag a duty-free bottle of Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps - drink responsibly!).
The Adventure Awaits: Flights with Multiple Layovers (we're talking hours, folks)
This is for the truly intrepid traveler, the one who views airports as mini-adventures. You might befriend a group of nomadic yodelers in Germany, get stranded in a Canadian Tim Hortons for a suspiciously long time, or discover a hidden talent for origami thanks to all those leftover barf bags. Hey, at least you'll have plenty of stories to tell your grandkids (assuming you survive the endless journey).
The Ultimate Flex: Sailing There Yourself (weeks, months, maybe even years)
Alright Mr. Moneybags, so you want to reenact the journeys of Leif Erikson? More power to you! Just make sure you pack enough Dramamine and know how to navigate by the stars (because let's be honest, cell service will be spotty at best). This option isn't for the faint of heart, but the bragging rights will be legendary.
So, there you have it! The answer to your burning question of how many hours it takes to fly from Chicago to Iceland depends on your budget, your bladder control, and your tolerance for airplane food. No matter which option you choose, one thing's for sure: Iceland awaits with its stunning landscapes, quirky culture, and endless supply of hot springs.
Just remember, pack your swimsuit, your sense of adventure, and maybe a good book (or three) for those longer layovers. Iceland will be waiting for you, with open arms (and hopefully, some delicious Skyr yogurt).
