Iceland isn’t always the first place that springs to mind when you consider your honeymoon, but for adventurous couples and newlyweds who want to spend their first holiday together as spouses somewhere truly remarkable, memorable and tranquil, there is no destination like it.
From stunning black sand beaches to awe-inspiring natural wonders, dipping into the warmth of a soothing lagoon or sipping champagne in a private hot tub, Iceland is a unique and exciting country, whether you’d like a summer holiday surrounded by rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery or a luxury winter holiday with the Northern Lights overhead.
Helping with honeymoon travel plans is always an absolute pleasure, our team at the Baltic Travel Company has collated this guide to highlight some of the activities, accommodations and excursions we’d recommend to ensure your Iceland holiday is something special.
Planning a Honeymoon in Iceland: The Basics
One of the first aspects to think about is timing, which may depend on your scheduled wedding date or might be open if you’re keen to travel abroad at a specific time or during a certain season. There are myriad potential Iceland holidays, so you might prefer:
- A wild adventure with lots of outdoor activities and sporting excursions
- A luxurious city break with site-seeing, culture and fine dining
- A winter escape during the Northern Light season, characterised by snow, ice and festivities
The summer months, from July to October, tend to be the busiest, and the warmer weather means some rural regions that become impassable due to snow and ice in the winter are more accessible. However, the winter can also be in demand when visitors from around the world flock to the Arctic Circle.
If you’d love to go whale watching, you’ll be best with a honeymoon around June and July. The quieter months, such as October, may also be ideal, as you’ll find many of the beaches, coastlines, walking routes, and natural hot springs much more peaceful.
Other popular aspects of an Icelandic honeymoon are available year-round, including the amazing cuisines and cultural attractions in Reykjavik, the wellness and spa-centred resorts famous for their natural treatments, and the hospitality and warmth Iceland is known for.
Where to Stay on Honeymoon in Iceland
Most travellers fly into Reykjavik and either arrange a private transfer to their hotel in the city or connect from there with other regional destinations. There is a wide array of options, with retreat hotels in and around Grindavík, close to the famous Blue Lagoon, which is around 45 minutes from Iceland’s capital city, or a 20-minute journey from Keflavík International Airport.
Other options with minimal travel include holidays towards South Iceland, which is perfect for a countryside retreat during the summer in an area known for its peace, dramatic landscapes, and sensational views over the coast and Westman Islands. You could also opt for:
- Accommodation in the southwest around Nesjavellir with activities and guided tours that range from glacier trekking and ice fishing to hiking and kayaking.
- Siglufjörður is a quieter area and one of the most charming towns in Iceland, with museums, a marina, harbour and a local brewery, surrounded by the cool waters of the fjord and the mountain ranges.
- The Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, about two hours from Reykjavik, with views and tours over the nearby lava fields, glaciers, mountains and coastal waters.
Many couples prefer to see as much as possible during their honeymoon and choose a package that combines luxury stays in the city with excursions and trips further afield. You’ll find more information about packages and the chance to stay in a wilderness retreat, Aurora camp or ice hotel through our Iceland holiday information packages.
What to Do During an Icelandic Honeymoon
We’ve touched on a few of the unmissable activities and excursions specifically for couples looking for a romantic getaway and chances to relax and unwind after wedding planning—ensuring you use your time away to connect.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon or some of the smaller natural geothermal pools is well worthwhile. The warm, soothing, azure waters are enriched with minerals that are thought to promote relaxation, wellness and peace. Spa treatments are also on offer.
Our Iceland experts suggest taking a day to explore the terrain, whether you’d love to get active and head out around the mountain walks, cliffs and lava fields, would like a guided tour on a snowmobile or quad bike, or would prefer a gentle stroll around some of the picturesque fishing villages and coastal communities.
Other Recommendations for Excursions and Adventures in Iceland
Depending on where you plan to stay and the types of activities you are interested in, you might like to try some of these day trips and overnight outings:
- Heading to the Golden Circle, a key area to see the Northern Lights and the fantastic Icelandic wildlife in winter. You can stay at a camp, rural lodge, or retreat or book a glass igloo to watch the Aurora Borealis overhead in complete privacy.
- Booking a day to visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk the trails, fish on the lake, or book a horseback riding excursion.
- Seeing the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, which is found within the Golden Circle at the Hvítá River Canyon. The crashing waters plunge over 31 metres down, making it a striking and impressive site.
- Photographing the beautiful Icelandic horses, which are distinct to Iceland owing to an ancient law that prevents any horses from being brought into the country. Locations like Sólvangur and Akureyri offer tours and experiences to learn about these tough, resilient animals.
- Heading to the water to spot whales—although the best time to see humpbacks, porpoises and orcas is in the early summer, they’re also found in the seas around Iceland from April until roughly mid-October.
Finally, nothing says romance, drama, and excitement like visiting a volcano. You can book a tour that will take you right into the heart of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano—an experience that you will be sure to remember.
If you’d like more tips, suggestions or advice about planning your honeymoon in Iceland, please get in touch. Our talented travel experts are always on hand to assist you and create a custom itinerary perfect for you and your new spouse.
This entry was posted on Monday, October 28th, 2024 at 10:22 am; on the subject of Iceland.