Years ago, on our honeymoon, my husband and I set out on a romantic Iceland adventure around the Ring Road. By the time we reached Húsavík, we were smitten (not just with each other), but with Iceland itself.
Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a honeymoon, thinking about eloping, or just want a cozy adventure with your special someone, Iceland is the perfect choice.
In this guide, I’ll share some useful tips about planning your couples getaway, the most romantic things to do, and unique experiences.
Are you ready to find out everything you need to plan your ultimate romantic Iceland trip?
Let’s get into it!
Why Iceland is a Dream for Couples
Iceland is the perfect destination for a couples getaway.
The landscapes are dreamy, and the country is full of stunning natural wonders. There are waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and rugged volcanic fields.
It also feels incredibly serene.
Sure, if you travel during peak season, there will be crowds, but there are plenty of hidden gems where you can escape and enjoy some quiet, intimate moments.
And if you’re planning a couples trip to Iceland in winter, the snow-covered landscapes make everything feel absolutely magical!
Planning Your Romantic Iceland Vacation
Planning a romantic trip is so much easier when you understand how you and your partner like to travel.
So my first bit of advice is to understand your travel style.
Some people love having a beautifully structured, done-for-you itinerary to follow, while others prefer choosing their own routes and leaving room for spontaneous moments.
Taking a minute to identify your travel style will help you pick the right activities, the right pace, and the right level of structure for your romantic Iceland getaway.
Want help figuring it out?👇
➡️ READ: How to Plan Your Iceland Trip Based on Your Travel Style
Tips for Booking Romantic Hotels in Iceland
You’ll find every kind of Iceland accommodation, from boutique romantic hotels in Reykjavík to remote cabins and cozy guesthouses tucked along the Ring Road.
And honestly?
If you’re looking for romantic accommodation in Iceland, the quieter places surrounded by nature win every time!
Prioritize location: What makes a stay feel romantic in Iceland is often the scenery: private hot tubs, sweeping views, peaceful surroundings, and dark skies perfect for stargazing or catching the Northern Lights in winter.
Book early: The moment you know your travel dates… book! Places fill up fast, and booking late often means either paying more or missing out on your top choices.
To make searching easier, I always use 👉 Booking.com.
You can filter your search by location and budget, and even find places with free cancellation, making it easy to plan your adventure stress-free.
Check for nearby or on-site experiences: Look for extra touches that make a stay memorable, like horseback riding, lava field walks, farm-to-table dinners, or spa treatments. Some hotels offer private hot tubs, geothermal pools, saunas, or steam rooms. All the cozy things!
Some Romantic Hotels in Iceland
These hotels are perfect for a romantic Iceland getaway!
Buubble Hotel – Ölvisholt: If you’re hunting for unique-looking AND romantic accommodations, this hotel in Selfoss, Iceland is it! The luxury private tents look like big glass bubbles set in a beautiful garden with stunning views. It’s perfect for a honeymoon in Iceland! Take a look at what you can expect when staying here.
👉 Make a booking: Buubble Hotel – Ölvisholt
Seljalandsfoss Horizons: The minimalist, sleek black cabins of this hotel are classically Scandinavian and such a striking contrast to the landscape. Can you imagine getting out of bed and pulling back the curtains to those unreal South Iceland views… then sipping on a cappuccino before heading out to breakfast with your person? The location is perfect too, with both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss nearby. Plus, you’ve also got plenty of hiking routes nearby for couples who want a little adventure mixed into their romantic escape.
👉 Make a booking: Seljalandsfoss Horizons
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon: Fosshotel is close to some pretty big highlights like Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón (one of the best places on earth!). But what really makes it romantic are the little touches: outdoor hot tubs perfect for stargazing, optional Northern Lights wake-up calls, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace where you can unwind together after a long day exploring. There’s also an on-site restaurant, ba,r and even a dry sauna. They’ve thought of everything!
👉 Make a booking: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hotel Búdir: If you’re traveling to West Iceland, one of the most iconic little churches is Búðakirkja. It’s a popular spot for photography and weddings in Iceland, and the best part? Hotel Búdir is just a minute away. Oh, and there’s an in-house wine expert who has hand-picked the perfect wines to pair with the traditional Icelandic dishes served at the hotel. Yum!
👉 Make a booking: Hotel Búdir
Have Your Wedding in Iceland
Location! Location! Location!
Can you imagine saying your vows against the dramatic backdrops of Iceland: towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, or volcanic fields?
Getting married in Iceland means you can choose from some of the most picturesque churches in Iceland.
Búðir church: This little black church in Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula makes for a stunning, intimate ceremony. Can you imagine how beautiful the church looks in winter surrounded by the white snow? 💚
Reykjavík Churches: Historic chapels in the capital like Hallgrímskirkja give you a classic, picturesque option with city conveniences for an Iceland wedding.
Waterfall Venues: Popular Iceland waterfall wedding locations include Skógafoss waterfall, Svartifoss, and Gullfoss, for an unforgettable outdoor setting.
Could you imagine?! Perfection!
Pro tip: Consider hiring a local wedding planner who knows permits, photography spots, and weather considerations – this can save a lot of stress!
Eloping in Iceland
More and more couples are skipping the traditional wedding and jetting off to Iceland for something wilder, quieter, and way more breathtaking.
Some of the most popular places to exchange vows include Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords, and the sparkling shoreline of Diamond Beach.
Seasons matter, too. Summer gives you long days and accessible roads, while in winter you’ll get gorgeous snowy landscapes and cozy escapes under the Northern Lights.
Pro tip: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, so always have a backup plan or flexible schedule.
Whether you’re dreaming of a big wedding with family and friends or an intimate elopement in Iceland, just the two of you, Iceland offers some crazy beautiful settings.
Ah, if I were to do it all over again…
Plan a Honeymoon in Iceland
There’s just something about escaping into the quiet corners of the country that only a few people know about, that makes an Iceland honeymoon so special.
As I mentioned, every couple travels differently, but Iceland offers the perfect blend of peaceful, quiet moments and adventurous activities, if that’s what you’re after.
You could end the day with a soak in a natural hot spring, a hike across a glacier, or even a helicopter ride over volcanic landscapes.
So, if you’re wondering whether a honeymoon in Iceland is worth it, I can tell you from experience: heck yes!
Pro tip: When we had our honeymoon in Iceland, we did a lot. The pace was fast, and while that worked for us as pretty active travelers, if I could go back, we’d definitely slow down a bit and leave room to just be together.
Trying to squeeze in too much can make your Iceland honeymoon feel rushed, and nobody wants to be stressed on what’s supposed to be one of the most romantic trips of their life.
7 Romantic Things to Do in Iceland
Every couple defines romance differently.
Some crave adventure while others want calm. Whether you’re into adventurous glacier hikes or slow mornings and scenic drives, Iceland has it all!
1. Romantic Hot Springs in Iceland
A classic romantic Iceland experience is soaking in a hot spring with your special person.
There are so many hot springs in Iceland to choose from.
The most popular ones being the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, Selvallavatn Lake, and plenty of lesser-known gems scattered across the country.
(If you’re short on time and can’t decide, check out my 👉 Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoonblog to see which one of these spa experiences would suit you best).
And honestly, what can be more romantic than sitting in a pool of steamy, soothing water in beautiful Iceland?
Check out more hot springs, pools, and spas here👇
➡️ READ: Top 10 Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Hot Springs, Pools, and Spas That Are Just as Breathtaking
2. Hiking and Waterfalls in Iceland
Another amazing activity for a couple is hiking,
Now, some people might not think of hiking as romantic, but there’s something special about just the two of you being out in nature together.
Even if you spot a few other people on the hike, it still feels like a private, one-on-one experience.
If you know me, you know waterfalls in Iceland are my love language. And what’s even more magical is that so many hiking trails end with one.
You get the thrill of the hike and the reward of a waterfall moment.
Some of my favorite hikes include Mount Esja, Reykjadalur, and Glymur, but I’ve put together a list of my top hikes in Iceland below.👇
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
3. Hunting for the Northern Lights on Your Romantic Iceland Vacation
If you’re visiting during the winter, one unforgettable activity is heading out to hunt for the Northern Lights.
Picture a dark Icelandic landscape: you’re bundled up, maybe with some hot cocoa, gazing at the sky and waiting for the Aurora to appear.
And when it does…it’s breathtaking!
How romantic would that be?
Learn how you can make it happen here.👇
➡️ READ: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland: Best Viewing Spots, When To Go And MORE
4. Go Out for a Fancy Dinner
A classic way to spend a romantic evening in Iceland is by booking a fancy dinner.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a cozy night out, Reykjavík has plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from.
One thing to note is that even if you’re heading to an upscale place, you don’t need to pack designer outfits (or your Louboutin heels!). A nice pair of pants and a sweater will suffice.
(One thing to note is that even if you’re heading to an upscale place, you don’t need to pack designer outfits (or your Louboutin heels!). A nice pair of pants and a sweater will suffice.)
Some of my favorite places for a nice dinner include The Fishmarket in Reykjavík (Fiskmarkaðurinn), Apotek, and Kopar.
And if you really want to experience Iceland romantically, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Getting away from the crowds makes the evening feel even more intimate.
Take a look at my top restaurant picks along the Ring Road route.👇
➡️ READ: Best Restaurants in Iceland Along Ring Road: Indulge at These Top 16 Dining Spots!
5. Take a Tour Together
Iceland is full of incredible tours, making it easy to discover some of the most romantic places in Iceland.
You could go food tasting, horseback riding, visit the ice caves, the list really goes on.
Tours are special because they let you experience Iceland in a completely different way.
One of my favorite stories: I recommended an ice cave in Iceland to a follower planning to propose to his girlfriend.
He later sent me pictures, and it just melted my heart. What a beautiful, unforgettable experience to share together!
For more tour ideas, check out my Tourdesk below.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Tours + Activities in Iceland
6. Unique Experiences + Romantic Places in Iceland
You don’t always have to stick to the typical tourist spots.
Some of the most memorable moments come from venturing off the beaten path, like exploring the charming little villages and towns in Iceland.
Places like Stykkishólmur, Seyðisfjörður, or Vík have cozy cafes, colorful houses, and scenic surroundings that make for a romantic stroll away from the crowds.
I also wrote a blog about some of my favorite hidden gems in Iceland, places that let you experience the country without the crowds.
Whether it’s waterfalls, hot springs, Northern Lights, or quiet locations and romantic hotels, there are so many romantic things to do in Iceland.
7. Romantic Photoshoot, Iceland
Whether you’re searching for Iceland elopement photography, celebrating an anniversary, or just capturing your love for the heck of it, why not do it in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth?
It’s so fun to have a romantic couple’s photoshoot.
Couples will often search for wedding photographers in Iceland who know the best spots for dramatic landscapes and epic backdrops.
We did one for our 10-year anniversary, and it was so incredibly special. 💚
We worked with Ivar Eythorsson, a photographer I’ve been obsessed with for a while, and he took us to this amazing spot just 30 minutes outside Reykjavík.
In under an hour, he captured so many incredible shots with lakes, mountains, and black sand all around us.
And the best part? He made the whole shoot fun and easy, even putting my husband at ease, who usually hates being in front of the camera!
➡️ BOOK A PHOTO SHOOT: Ívar Eyþórsson Photography
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon in Iceland, this is the dream destination for couples.
From epic waterfalls and glaciers to cozy hot springs and hidden villages, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences to share together.
Need Help Planning Your Romantic Iceland Trip?
Taking a romantic Iceland trip is utterly magical…
Until you actually start planning it!
It’s a lot to figure out, and if you’ve never been to Iceland before, trust me, it’s nothing like planning a regular vacation.
Panic can set in fast!
You probably have a million questions, like:
Which sights are worth seeing?
How much can I realistically fit into a day?
Where should we book accommodation?
And how do you see all the must-sees without turning your trip into a marathon?
There are often high expectations for a romantic trip to go smoothly.
I get it, because I went through the exact same overwhelm on my honeymoon.
That’s why I created my done-for-you 👉 Iceland Itineraries.
They include:
✅ Daily routes with accurate driving times.
✅ Recommended time at each stop.
✅ Places to rest, eat, and recharge.
✅ Fully mapped-out days so you never wonder, “What’s next?”
Plus, each itinerary comes with a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations – from gas stations and clinics to must-see landmarks and romantic hidden gems.
These itineraries are plug-and-play yet fully customizable, so you can adjust it to your pace for a romantic Iceland getaway.
Happy Planning!
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