The Top 5 Places for a Honeymoon in Iceland

Nína Þorkelsdóttir

5. June 2018

When you think about a honeymoon, you might picture a sunny resort by the beach where you can sip margaritas all day long. If that’s the kind of honeymoon you fantasise about, then Iceland might not be the place you’re looking for.

If, on the other hand, you’re an adventurous type of traveler that loves unique nature and new experiences, Iceland might be the ideal destination for your honeymoon. I’ve selected five destinations in the land of fire and ice which I think are perfect for spending a honeymoon, or a romantic getaway, with your significant other.

1. Downtown Reykjavik

Swans and ducks on Reykjavik's pond. Sunny day in Reykjavik. Tjörnin, "The Pond" in Reykjavik. Unsplash/Evelyn Paris.

Being based in Reykjavik’s city center could be a good idea for honeymooners. Staying at a nice hotel in the city while going on day-tours to explore Iceland’s magnificent nature sounds like a good plan, right?

If you need ideas with some things to do and see in (and around) Reykjavik, here are a few suggestions:

2. Hotel Rangá

A cabin-style hotel, dark sky and bright green northern lights. Aurora borealis lighting up the sky at Hótel Rangá. Flickr/Greenland Travel.

Hotel Rangá is a gorgeous hotel in the southern part of Iceland, within reach from most of Iceland’s most amazing natural sites. The hotel is a fantastic place to stay, whatever the season, and very strategically located, close to the ring road. The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and Vík are located within an hour's drive, as well as the beautiful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.

I recommend renting a car to make it easier for you to explore those attractions nearby.

During the colder months, Hótel Rangá is an ideal spot for Northern lights hunting.

Check out Hotel Rangá’s website here.

3. Búðir

A small black church built of wood at Búðir, Iceland. Blue sky and green grass. Búðakirkja church. Unsplash/Ghost Presenter.

Búðir is a true gem, located in the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland’s western region. Búðir’s most famous landmark is Búðakirkja Church, which is extremely pretty and suitable for small weddings (in case you haven’t tied the knot already!).

You can travel to numerous interesting sites from Búðir or do miniature road trips during the day. Apart from everything that the Snæfellsnes peninsula has to offer, you can easily access the Golden Circle, Reykholt and even the Westfjords during your stay. I would recommend visiting the sites of the Golden Circle either on your way to Búðir or on the way back. The Golden Circle consists of three amazing attractions: the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir national park (which is a UNESCO world heritage site).

If you are a fan of the Icelandic horse, riding on the beaches of Snæfellsnes peninsula is an activity that's both fun and romantic.

The hotel at Búðir is definitely “nice enough” for a honeymoon and they have a pretty good restaurant at the hotel as well.

4. Akureyri

An outdoor barrel hot tub at the beer spa, northern Iceland The Beer Spa is a pretty unique spa, just 20 minutes away from Akureyri. Wonderguide/Nína.

If you visit Iceland, you should definitely check out the northern region if you have the chance.

Akureyri is the biggest town in the north of Iceland: it's a very charming town and has loads of nice hotels and restaurants to choose from. The best thing about being based in Akureyri is that there are so many amazing attractions within reach, and a famous tourist route called The Diamond Circle. Here are some suggestions of things to do and see around Akureyri:

5. The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland, seen from air. The Blue Lagoon is ideal for a relaxing honeymoon. Wonderguide/iStock.

If you want your honeymoon to be a multi-day spa session, staying at the Blue Lagoon is definitely the way to go. The hotel at the Blue Lagoon is upscale and a bit pricey, but it’s an ideal alternative for those who are determined to have an incredibly luxurious honeymoon. The Blue Lagoon is located in Reykjanes peninsula, midway from the Keflavik Intl. Airport and Reykjavik, which makes it easy for you to spend just one or two nights there and then spend the rest of your honeymoon where the rooms are maybe a bit cheaper.

This article is entirely based on my opinion. The hotels that are featured in this article did not offer sponsorship of any kind when the article was written.