When it comes to honeymoons, every couple has a different idea of the perfect one. While some prefer a plan that involves relaxing by the beach/pool in the sun, others want to embark on an active adventure after their wedding.
If you and your loved one happen to fall in the latter category, you should undoubtedly consider an Iceland honeymoon. Not only does the Land of Fire and Ice contain all the adventure one could dream of, the scenery is as romantic as it gets.
This is your ultimate guide to honeymoons in Iceland. If you’ve never been here before, it can be difficult to choose where to visit and what to do. There are so many great options— you’ll probably be planning your second trip before your first is over.
Why Have Your Honeymoon in Iceland?
Some people get married in Iceland, so this is a natural first stop in their honeymoon. Others just want to chill somewhere and shake the post-wedding planning stress away by immersing in the amazing landscapes only Iceland can offer. But whatever is the reason for honeymooning in Iceland, it's a great choice.
A honeymoon in Iceland will give you long-lasting memories; whether they are filled with adrenaline-packed activities or relaxing strolls along black sand beaches is entirely up to you.
Maybe you’ll see whales for the first time, perhaps the northern lights will bless your union with their appearance, but no matter what, it’s guaranteed to be unforgettable!
What’s the Best Time to Plan My Honeymoon in Iceland?
The timing of your honeymoon trip will depend on what you want to include in your Iceland honeymoon itinerary.
To guarantee the best chance of good weather, aim for an Iceland honeymoon in June, July or August. Visiting Iceland in summer will also raise your chances of seeing the local wildlife up close and personal, including whales and puffins.
However, June to August are the busiest months for tourism in Iceland, so you’ll be competing for space if you come then. If you want to avoid crowds and (hopefully) have good weather, aim for an Iceland honeymoon in September or May.
On the other hand, if you want to see the northern lights, book your honeymoon between December and February. While the weather will be colder and you’ll have fewer hours of light per day than in warmer months, Iceland in winter has a lot to offer as well and you’ll see astonishing landscapes that will make your honeymoon unforgettable.
How to Plan a Honeymoon in Iceland
After you’ve spent the months leading up to your honeymoon engrossed in wedding planning, maybe you’ll want to be spontaneous when it comes to trip planning. While this is a fine idea, you may find yourself without spots on excursions and facing booked-up hotels in peak season. Therefore, it might be better to make an Iceland honeymoon travel plan.
Here are some ideas for how to plan your honeymoon:
Iceland Honeymoon Packages
There are a number of companies that offer pre-arranged itineraries which include where you eat, sleep, and go on excursions. In many cases, these are self-drive tours, so you’ll still need to book a rental car in Iceland in advance. But you can rest assured that the places you’ll visit have been specifically picked to give you a romantic adventure.
Iceland’s honeymoon packages cover anything from six days to two weeks. They can cover a part of Iceland or be a full tour of the Ring Road, which circles the entire island. Since in many cases they are self-guided, you’ll have a degree of flexibility.
Many Iceland honeymoon packages are all-inclusive to an extent, in that they include many pre-paid items. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to utilize the included options or not.
The Best Hotels for a Honeymoon in Iceland
In this section, we'll list some of the best hotels in Iceland for honeymooning so you can get an idea of the range of options for your stay. The great thing about the country is that every part of it is ideal for an Iceland honeymoon destination.
Fosshotel Mývatn. The location of this hotel is ideal for couples: close to Iceland’s largest lake, Mývatn, in north Iceland. You’ll wake up to incredible views, fresh air, and the sounds of thousands of birds. The hotel contains a restaurant that serves Nordic cuisine and boasts a beautiful view of the lake, so you’ll get to take in the tastes and sights of Iceland simultaneously.
Contact info:
Email: myvatn@fosshotel.is
Tel. +354 453 0000 Book your stay on Islandhotel.is
The Hanging Bubble. If you fancy experiencing something unique, spend a night in a hanging bubble. The bubble is located on the south coast, in the middle of a forest. You can experience the sounds of nature around you and, in winter, maybe even the northern lights.
Contact info: Tel. +354-773-4444 Book your stay on Bubble.com
The Siglo Hotel. If you want to go somewhere remote and experience rural Icelandic life, head to the Siglo Hotel. It’s based in Siglufjörður, a small town in north Iceland with just over a thousand people. The hotel is right on the waterfront, so you’ll have a great view of the North Atlantic. This is the perfect place to kick up your feet between activities.
Contact info: Email: siglo@keahotels.is Tel. +354 461 7730 Book your stay on Keahotels.is
Honeymoon Resorts in Iceland
Iceland doesn’t really do the big, all-inclusive resorts that you may have encountered in other European countries. However, you will find some places that do their part in catering to your every need.
Some of the best resorts for a honeymoon in Iceland are the Blue Lagoon Retreat Hotel and Silica Hotel. These two hotels–both located on the famous Blue Lagoon complex–are very luxurious. Along with the Blue Lagoon itself, you’ll enjoy three on-site restaurants, a spa and various other amenities.
In the Blue Lagoon’s Silica Hotel, you’ll have access to the exclusive Silica Lagoon, only for guests of the hotel. You’ll also have a great view of the surrounding mountains and lava fields. In the Retreat Hotel, there’s the option of several suites, all of which give you access to the Retreat Lagoon. In the Lagoon Suite, you’ll have your own private lagoon!
What to do on your Iceland Honeymoon
Iceland has so much to offer: breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, unforgettable adventures for adrenaline lovers as well as some of the most relaxing spots in the world.
We’ve selected for you some of the best things to do in Iceland that are great for couples and will make your Iceland honeymoon unforgettable:
Whale watching. Over 20 different species of whale have been spotted around Iceland, and they can be seen on every coastline. In the summer, you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales or dolphins if the weather is good. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat brings a warm feeling to a happy couple.
Snorkeling in Silfra. Silfra is a fissure created by tectonic plate movement and filled with glacial meltwater. The water remains at around 2-4°C all year, so you’ll be provided with a dry suit before you enter. Silfra contains some of the clearest water on earth, with a visibility of 100 meters, making it perfect for snorkeling.
Northern lights hunting. There isn’t much that’s more romantic than seeing the northern lights, and many cultures believe they bring good fortune. Join a tour or take your car into a rural area and keep looking up. The best time to see them is between December and February, and at any time from 8 pm onwards.
A geothermal spa or a wild hot spring visit. Icelandic spas are some of the most renowned around the world and wonderful to visit as a couple. If you are looking for the ultimate relaxing experience, there are some very luxurious options in Iceland. Aside from the Blue Lagoon, you have the Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and more. If you are looking for an even more intimate setting, we recommend you visit a wild hot spring, such as Krosslaug in the west.
A Unique Iceland Honeymoon
Now that you’ve discovered what a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice offers, you might be even more excited for your Iceland honeymoon than your actual wedding! After all, your honeymoon is just about you and your partner, so have as much of an adventure as you can.
An Iceland vacation creates memories you’ll have forever, and the build-up is a big part of it. Book your rental and start planning your itinerary to really get excited.