George Boyle
Iceland is a unique honeymoon destination, offering adventurous travellers the chance to explore glaciers, black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and natural wonders. The Nordic island nation is known for its dramatic landscapes, featuring volcanoes, geysers, natural hot springs, and lava fields. With its short flight time from the US, Iceland is an ideal destination for couples seeking a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. From hiking and exploring the Ring Road to relaxing in geothermal spas and admiring the Northern Lights, Iceland has something for every couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America |
| Language | Icelandic, but English is widely spoken |
| Currency | Icelandic króna (ISK) |
| Flight time from the US | Direct flights from major US cities like New York and Boston to Reykjavik take approximately 5 to 6 hours |
| Transportation | Renting a car is the most popular option, but there is also a public bus system called Strætó, and taxi services are available |
| Accommodation | Options range from private cabins to eco hotels with panoramic views of the landscape |
| Attractions | The Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, black sand beaches, waterfalls, whale watching, and more |
| Best time to visit | July is recommended for warmer weather and longer days |
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What You'll Learn
Romantic accommodations, from eco hotels to private cabins
Iceland is a dreamy honeymoon destination, with its rugged landscapes, natural wonders, and opportunities for adventure. When it comes to romantic accommodations, you can choose from eco-hotels to private cabins, each offering a unique and memorable experience.
Eco-Hotels
If you're looking for sustainable luxury, Iceland delivers. Here are some eco-friendly hotels that provide the perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty:
- ION Luxury Adventure Hotel: This designer hotel, located in a geothermal hotspot, combines green technology with sleek Nordic design. It offers 45 rooms, secluded escapes, and an opportunity to indulge in sustainably sourced cuisine.
- The Retreat at Blue Lagoon: This environmentally friendly spa hotel offers exclusive access to a private geothermal lagoon and a subterranean spa. Its suites are luxuriously minimalist, designed to blend in with the surrounding natural features.
- Greenhouse Hotel: Nestled in South Iceland, this eco-haven offers a unique blend of modern comforts and natural beauty. It's a great base for adventures in the south and provides locally sourced, sustainable cuisine.
- Silica Hotel: Located on the Blue Lagoon, this hotel offers stunning views, a calming atmosphere, and a romantic ambiance. The Retreat Spa package provides a luxurious spa experience, while its Culinary Adventure showcases award-winning cuisine.
Private Cabins
For a more intimate and secluded experience, private cabins offer the perfect escape. Here are some options to consider:
- Airbnb Cabin Vacation Rentals: From cosy cabins with breathtaking views to well-equipped lodges, Airbnb offers a range of private cabin options. Some even feature geothermal hot tubs, perfect for relaxing while taking in the beauty of the Northern Lights.
- Brún Cottage: A cosy, small cabin near Geysir, offering the perfect peaceful retreat.
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Exploring natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches
Iceland is a perfect destination for honeymooners who want to explore natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches. The country offers a range of daytime and evening activities, from witnessing the northern lights to soaking in the Blue Lagoon. With its dramatic landscapes and natural wonders, Iceland provides an unforgettable experience for couples seeking adventure and romance.
Exploring Glaciers
Iceland's glaciers are a highlight for many visitors, and there are several options for exploring these majestic wonders. Sólheimajökull glacier, located on the south shore, is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the icy world. For a more extended adventure, consider a trek in the highlands or a visit to the Glacial Lagoon, where you can spend the night in a campervan and take in the stunning ice beach. The Golden Circle, a 300-kilometer circular route, also offers the opportunity to see glaciers up close, along with other natural wonders like Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Volcanoes and Lava Fields
Iceland, known as the "Land of Fire and Ice", boasts an impressive array of volcanoes and lava fields. The dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano, located near Reykjavík, offers a unique caving tour where you can descend 400 feet into the heart of the volcano. The Fagradalsfjall eruption site is another popular destination, with hiking trails, cameras, and accessible information about gas emissions and safety. The Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa, provides a relaxing experience surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
Black-Sand Beaches
For a unique beach experience, Iceland's black-sand beaches, such as Reynisfjara, offer a dramatic and romantic setting. Located on the south shore, it is easily accessible and provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the iconic basalt columns. The nearby village of Vík also offers charming accommodations and local cuisine with stunning mountain and sea views.
Transportation and Accommodations
Renting a car is highly recommended for couples who want to explore Iceland at their own pace. The Ring Road (Route 1) encircles the island, providing access to many famous natural sights. There are also public bus systems and taxi services available. For accommodations, Iceland offers a range of options, from private cabins to eco-hotels with panoramic views. The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon and the Silica Hotel are popular choices for honeymooners seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty.
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Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and other geothermal pools
Iceland is known as the "'land of ice and fire'" due to its glaciers and active volcanoes. The presence of volcanoes means there is a lot of geothermal activity, resulting in numerous natural hot springs across the country. The Blue Lagoon is one of these hot springs and is perhaps the most famous. It contains 6 million liters of geothermal seawater that naturally renews every 40 hours, with an average temperature of 38°C/100°F.
The Blue Lagoon is located in the town of Grindavík, just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 45 minutes outside of Reykjavík. The Retreat Hotel and the Silica Hotel are located right on the Blue Lagoon and offer luxurious spa treatments and award-winning cuisine. The Blue Lagoon is also known for its skin care products, which contain silica, algae, and salt.
In addition to the Blue Lagoon, there are other geothermal pools and hot springs that can be found across Iceland. These natural hot springs offer a more rustic experience compared to the amenities and services of the Blue Lagoon. For those looking to explore the country by car, it is worth noting that there is a lack of tourist infrastructure in terms of parking options when stopping to explore.
For those interested in a more comprehensive spa experience, the ION Adventure Hotel in Nesjavellir offers a relaxation spa, cozy rooms, and suites. It is less than an hour's drive from Reykjavík and provides easy access to many of Iceland's famous natural sights, such as lava fields and the Northern Lights.
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Hiking and road tripping along the Ring Road
Iceland's Ring Road, or Route 1, is a 1330-kilometre highway that loops around most of the country's perimeter. It is a great option for honeymooners who want to hike and road trip. The Ring Road provides access to many of the country's most famous natural sights, including volcanoes, geysers, natural hot springs, lava fields, and black-sand beaches.
If you plan to drive the Ring Road, it is recommended to spend at least a full week on it. The road trip is about 800 miles and will take about 30 hours of driving, so dividing the total driving time by the number of days you have will help you determine how much time you can spend at each stop. A week is a comfortable minimum, and a few more days will allow you to slow down and make time for longer hikes and other unique experiences.
There are several notable stops along the Ring Road that offer hiking opportunities. In South Iceland, you can visit the Solheimajokull Glacier, which is a popular glacier hike. You can also stroll along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, hike up to see a glacier at Sólheimajökull, tour the open-air folk museum, and see a beautiful waterfall at Skógafoss. Another notable stop is the city of Akureyri, Iceland's second city, where you can gas up, stock up on groceries, and explore the town church. Near Akureyri, you can visit Mývatn, a giant lake that anchors a region of intense volcanic activity, and hike through otherworldly lava formations.
If you have more time, you can add a night in Hofn to explore the glacier and ice lagoon area. The Vatnajökull glacier is a popular destination for glacier hikes, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon offers boat trips and the chance to see 500-year-old ice. The South Coast, stretching from Reykjavik to the southeast end of Vatnajökull, is also worth exploring, with its geothermal areas, black sand beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, and ice caves.
When planning your Ring Road trip, consider renting a car or van to explore the country at your own pace. Be prepared for chilly temperatures and quickly changing weather, even in the summer. It is also important to note that Iceland has freedom to roam laws, but there may not be many places to pull over and stop. Make sure to pack a good daypack for all your daily essentials, including hiking gear and waterproof clothing.
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Seeing the Northern Lights
To maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, it is advisable to rent a car and drive away from towns and cities to minimise light pollution. You can also check the Northern Lights forecast to ensure there is no cloud coverage and to check how active the Aurora is on a scale from 0 to 9. The ION Adventure Hotel, located in Nesjavellir, offers Northern Lights excursions and is less than an hour's drive from Reykjavík.
For a more convenient option, you can book a Northern Lights tour with an expert guide who will take you to where the Aurora is strongest and light pollution is low. A Super Jeep Aurora tour is a highly recommended option, as it includes a professional photographer to help capture the moment. If you prefer to stay in one place, you can book a stay at the Northern Lights hotels in Iceland, which are located where the Aurora is highly visible when it's dark.
If you are planning on taking photographs of the Northern Lights, there are several camera settings you should consider adjusting. Increasing the ISO to at least 400 or 800 will help capture more light, and turning your aperture as low as possible will have the same effect. For shutter speed, a long exposure of 15 to 30 seconds will result in more light being captured.
With its dramatic landscapes, Iceland is the perfect destination for a honeymoon road trip. The Ring Road, or Route 1, encircles the island, providing access to many of the country's famous natural sights. Along the way, you can marvel at the Northern Lights, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, and explore volcanoes, geysers, natural hot springs, and lava fields.
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Frequently asked questions
Renting a car is the most popular option for getting around Iceland as it gives travellers the most flexibility. However, there is a public bus system called the Strætó, and taxi services are also available.
Iceland offers a variety of honeymoon accommodations, from private cabins to eco hotels with panoramic views of the rugged landscape. The Silica Hotel and the Retreat Hotel, both stationed at the Blue Lagoon, are ideal for couples. For those looking to stay in the capital, the Icelandair Hotel in downtown Reykjavik is a great option.
Iceland offers a range of daytime and evening activities for honeymooners. This includes marvelling at the northern lights, taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon, exploring the Golden Circle, and visiting the black sand beaches in Reynisfjara. For those looking for more adventure, there are also glacier treks, whale-watching boat trips, and caving tours of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano.
July is considered the best time to visit Iceland, as it is less likely to be cold and rainy compared to June. The summer months in Iceland mean endless sun, while in the winter, daylight can be as short as four hours long.
Iceland is known for its quickly changing weather, so it is important to be prepared for chilly temperatures and sudden storms or wild winds. It is also useful to know that Iceland lacks some tourist infrastructure, such as parking spaces. English is widely spoken in Iceland, and the local currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK).
