Travelers call Iceland a natural paradise. Dreamy, unearthly, and purely mesmerizing, is what visitors experience while staying in Iceland. The dreamy destination can be your choice if you are planning to propose to your soul-mate or go on a honeymoon. Cut-off from the noisy world, Iceland offers an experience of a lifetime. A wonderful landscape consisting of beaches, hot springs, glaciers, mesmerizing Northern Lights along with museums, architecture, and much more. The only question that remains here is – what is stopping you to choose Iceland as your exclusive romantic destination? What still have your arms tied behind your back and is limiting you to take this well-deserving step towards a fabulous trip that your better half and you so much deserve?
If it is doubt and the fact that you don’t really know what you could do in Iceland on your romantic getaway, then we have got you covered. From fancy meals at The Pearl, sensual dips in some of the best-hidden springs and pool, watching the northern lights out in the open, chasing the midnight sun, driving on a snowmobile to conquering the mighty glaciers together with your better half, checking out some cute puffins, get a dose of mythology, staying in some of the most luxurious hotels and trying out the top home-brewed alcohol and sprites of Iceland, there is no shortage of love in Iceland that you can share with your beloved. No to mention, there are special honeymoon packages that our tour companies offer which means that you will get more attention than you can probably handle. Take a dive in Silfra while you take a dive into the ocean of pure bliss and love when you finally start your romantic getaway in Iceland.
Heed the Love – Top Romantic Things to do in Iceland
Iceland is packed with eccentric beauty and incredible cities. Whether you want the quality-time with your loved ones or just gaze into the open sky in the night, there is something to do for everyone. There is an endless list of things to do in Iceland and we would have provided all of that, but we know you are interested only in the best of the lot. That’s why we have listed some of the best romantic things to do in Iceland. Let us go through each of them one by one.
See the Northern Lights
It occurs mainly when charged particles from the sun get trapped in the earth’s magnetic field. Although Northern Lights can be seen in some other places such as Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Finland. However, Iceland with its long coastline offers a different experience, especially for love-birds. But keep in mind, aurora occurs mostly in winter and there should be no weather disturbances.
If everything is alright with the weather and natural conditions are met, you and your partner can possibly gaze into the sky from suitable places like Kirkjufell Mountain in the west or while relaxing in a natural hot spring or one of the geothermal spas that you can find all over the country. During the high activity, you can even see the northern lights from some corners of Reykjavík itself. Grotta Lighthouse is the most popular viewing spot in Reykjavík. Whether you want to gaze into the sky from your hotel or want to enjoy the outdoors in hot tubs, it’s completely up to you.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon
There are few places on earth more romantic than the one and only Blue Lagoon. Its fairy-tale appearance with milky-blue water surrounded by black lava fields makes its appearance more like a dreamy place. The water remains warm (39 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. The Blue Lagoon is located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region endowed with barren landscapes and volcanoes. It’s just a 15-minute drive from the Keflavík International Airport and just 39 kms away from the capital city, Reykjavik. Easily accessible by both city and airport makes it a perfect destination for couples.
Contrary to common belief, the lagoon is not a natural hot spring. It is actually a waste-water from a nearby power-plant. You might be thinking now why then people take a bath in this wastewater. Worry not! The water doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. In fact, it is completely clean and has nourishing minerals good for your skin. The Blue Lagoon now also has a luxury restaurant, hotel, and a shop where you can buy luxury skin products. The lagoon occupies an area of roughly 8700 square meters. This is probably one of the best man-made structures available for the public in Iceland. It provides a perfect setting for a romantic date.
PS: People with long hair (ladies or gentlemen) please take care of your hair and ensure that you have applied conditioner before entering the lagoon. The conditioner is free.
Go on a Nice Dinner
Any romantic date is incomplete without a candle-night dinner. The centuries-old tradition of a romantic dinner never gets old. And Iceland is the perfect escape for couples to enjoy each other’s company in this Nordic country. Whether you want to have a fancy dinner or some unique delicacies, Iceland won’t disappoint you. A romantic dinner-date requires a few things: delicious food, a good atmosphere, a lively place with some excellent music, and outstanding service. You will find many restaurants and diners in Reykjavik offering an excellent atmosphere ticking all the qualities required for a perfect evening with your significant other.
Some of the most visited restaurants are Matarkjallarinn – Foodcellar, Fiskfelagid – Fish Company, Grillmarkadurinn, Tapas Barinn, and many others. Seafood and grilled meats are the most common local cuisines you will find in most Icelandic restaurants. Even international cuisines such as Thai, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and European are available at restaurants around the city.
Visit a Waterfall
There is a reason why the world’s oldest civilizations like Indus Valley or Mesopotamia first started near the river-banks or where there were plenty of water resources. There is something beautiful about standing in front of a waterfall with your romantic partner. The display of natural power, the force, and the beauty a waterfall holds can’t be explained but witnessed. And let’s face it. We love taking selfies near/in front of waterfalls.
Iceland is endowed with many beautiful waterfalls, ranging from 100-meter tall to few meters. The most popular waterfalls are Gullfoss in the Golden Circle route, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss in the South, Godafoss in the North, and Rjukandi in the East. Almost every corner of Iceland has at least one waterfall. Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in terms of water-volume stemming through. This is the king of all the waterfalls in Iceland and perhaps the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. Both Dettidfoss and Godafoss or the “waterfall of the Gods” is located in northern Iceland. It should be a must-stop if you are passing through the north. One of the most romantic waterfall destinations is none-another than Skogafoss. Few experiences can match sharing a kiss with your love while standing before a waterfall. From ‘Thor’ to ‘Game of Thrones’, the scenic beauty of Skogafoss has been captured in the popular imagination through these films. Although you might not lift Thor’s hammer surely you can hold your love’s hand. The natural setting makes it perfect for those who are eager to down on their knees. He or she may find it hard to refuse.
Take a walk in Reykjavík
Exploring the beautiful city with your partner on a walk is a wonderful date idea. There is something about strolling through the streets of Reykjavik that make people fall in love with each other. The capital city provides an endless number of things you both can enjoy. You can’t capture all the scenic beauties of this beautiful city without setting your foot on the streets. Walking through the city can be an enthralling experience. Although smaller in area, Reykjavik offers many different zones that have their own feel. Take a bicycle if you want to complete the city-tour in one day.
A little planning is you all need to make it a memorable romantic date. Get your conversation going while you take your partner to some memorable spots in the great city of Reykjavik. Below are some of the places you both would love to visit while walking around the city:
1. Hallgrimskirkja
Climb to the tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja. From here you will get a 360-degree view of the entire city, the mountains around, and the coasts stretching from Greenland to all the way to America. Take a picture with your partner, it’s worth it.
2. Laugavegur Street
There is something common among girls, they love shopping. And for that, there is no better place than Laugavegur Street in Iceland. Here, you will find all of the city’s best bars, galleries, and restaurants. Located in the heart of the city, the high-end street is also known for its renowned boutiques, exhibition, and museums.
3. Harpa Concert Hall
Complete your walk by attending a concert at Harpa Concert Hall. Opened in 2011, the building features a top-notch design inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. There is something going on every night of the week, from music concerts to theatre-dramas, and free concerts. The building remains open to the public from early morning till late at night. However, the best time to enjoy and appreciate this cultural icon is around night when the façade’s shifting color-patterns light up the night sky.
Go on an Adventurous Date
It’s time to spice up your romance with adventurous journeys. For the tireless souls, Iceland is the place to go. There are many adventurous journeys you can opt for. From glacier hiking to scuba diving, immerse your souls with nature while you take the journey of your lifetime.
1. Glacier Hiking
Iceland is simply heaven for those who want to experience glacier hiking and ice climbing. Don’t worry if you and your partner are not professional hikers. People from all walks of life without necessary experiences can be found climbing on glaciers. All you need is to book an ice-climber guide. They will provide you all the necessary equipment such as Ice axes, crampons, and safety lines, and guide you to reach the top of the glacier. We bet, this is probably one of the most romantic thing you would ever do.
2. Sea Kayak through the Fjords
What can be more romantic than both of you captaining your sea kayak over the serene water of a glacier fjord? Get indulged in conversations while you paddle around the coastline and the shores of the countryside. There are sea kayak services available from Reykjavik and the best place to enjoy this ride is Hvalfjörður. Approximately 50kms away from the capital, the fjord is approximately 30 km long and 5 km wide. If you are traveling further, the Westfjords are the perfect place to go kayaking along the magnificent fjords.
Another thing that matches sea kayaking between the beautiful natural attractions of the Westfjords, is kayaking on a glacier lagoon. Kayaking between huge ice bergs while watching the seals swim around is something that you will remember for a lifetime.
3. Raft on The Hvítá River
We could go on and on overall the adventurous activities you can do in Iceland. But for fit couples, rafting on the Hvita River we think must be included in the list of things to do in Iceland.
Many believe that rafting is not the ideal sport for Iceland given its frigid year-round water bodies. We beg to differ. Hvita River may probably seduce you both to change your mind with its natural scenic beauties including canyons, rapids, and adrenaline surges. The 7 km long run of this river makes a sudden stop only at Brúarhlöð canyon, where fearless souls dive into the glacier waters.
PS: If you are acrophobic or someone afraid of cold water, don’t make a jump from the cliff. Go easy. It is equally fun, trust us.
Apart from these, there are also other places you might love to opt for: Scuba Dive at Silfra; Snowmobile across a Glacier; and visiting the crystal ice caves.
Go on a Food and Beer Tour
Reykjavik offers a variety of mouth-watering cuisines. From local Icelandic cuisines mostly seafood and lamb-stake to international cuisines including Thai, Japanese, Ethiopian, Continental, and many more. There is so much variety to explore, you can’t taste all even in one month.
The best place to truly taste the Icelandic delicacies is Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Here, you will find most of the traditional cuisine along with craft beers. You can book a local guide to take you on food and beer walks. You will learn about Icelandic culture, food, and traditions as your guide lead you through glasses of craft beers and locally source food. A romantic date on a food and beer tour is something you both will enjoy while learning the Icelandic food culture. If you are not up for this, you always have the option to choose an international diner.
Iceland is the perfect destination for romantic time spending. Being surrounded by natural beauties and hot springs, you will leave this place with unforgettable memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Love is in the air, in the ice, in the Blue Lagoon, almost every place in Iceland is filled with love. Take the journey of your life with your love. There are numerous things you can do in Iceland. From gazing into the Northern Lights to climbing on a glacier, these natural settings provide a gateway for adventurous couples to mingle their souls. Iceland is the perfect destination to visit all seasons. We recommend that you read about each season in Iceland to figure out what would suit you the best. We are certain that if you both share a common passion for natural landscapes, look no further. Visit Iceland. The unique blend of Viking culture and modernism, along with scenic beauties will leave you in awe.
