Iceland, the second largest island in Europe, is a picturesque country with numerous natural wonders. Besides being renowned for the Northern Lights, this Nordic nation has unspoiled beauty, comprising rugged, natural landscapes and wildlife, creating an idyllic getaway. A honeymoon in Iceland is truly unique.
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Is Iceland a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Iceland is an excellent honeymoon destination. It is ideal for newlyweds seeking adventure and fond memories. Although Iceland may not be a top-of-the-list destination for most people, it’s one of the most romantic honeymoon spots. This Nordic country flaunts awe-inspiring landscapes that offer the perfect setting for photos. A trip to ‘the land of fire and ice’ will not disappoint.
Iceland’s beauty results from geographical formations like:
- Ice glaciers and icebergs
- Lava formations (such as mountains and volcanos)
- Hot springs
- Waterfalls (like Godafoss or Dettifoss)
- Geysers
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Iceland?
- Wildlife tours: Go whale watching, wander through Thingvellir National park, and admire the puffins.
- Touring black sand beaches: Two of the best include Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar in South Iceland.
- Swimming: Take a dip in geothermal pools such as the famous Blue Lagoon.
- Watching the Northern lights: The sky lights up during winter.
- Road trips: Enjoy an epic self-guided road trip on the Ring Road or Golden Circle Tour.
- Hiking: Take on the Reykjadalur Trail and be rewarded with a relaxing hot spring.
- Sightseeing tours: Explore romantic waterfalls, magical ice caves, ice glaciers (such as Svínafellsjökull), and the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano.
- Spa treatment: Relax in traditional spas or in geothermal spas (hot springs).
- Boat tours: View the island from a different perspective.
- Horseback riding: Enjoy the scenery while being escorted by fluffy Icelandic horses.
- Dog-sledding and ice-trekking: Let the happy husky dogs lead the way through the snow.
- Lagoon-dipping: The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but there are many other lagoons to choose from.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Iceland?
Although it depends on your Icelandic honeymoon itinerary, June through August are the best months to visit Iceland. These three months mark summer in Iceland, and July is the hottest. Hence, it’s the ideal time to experience Iceland at its warmest, see the midnight sun, and go whale watching.
Autumn (late August-early November) is the best time to enjoy cheap rates in Iceland, as it’s the off-peak season. It’s also an opportune time to watch the Aurora Borealis since the Northern Lights appear from September through April. Spring (April – May) is the best time to spot puffins. It’s also an off-peak season.
However, the dead of winter is the absolute best season to watch the Northern Lights and go for ice-caving tours.
There isn’t a wrong time to visit Iceland. However, summer is the country’s peak tourist season and the most expensive time to visit Iceland. October to February are the wettest months when Iceland experiences the most rainfall.
Is a Honeymoon in Iceland Expensive?
A honeymoon in Iceland is expensive, as it’s one of the most costly destinations. According to Statista, Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, is the fifth most expensive holiday destination globally. On average, you’ll spend $5,650 (per person) during a 7-day honeymoon in Iceland.
Iceland is an isolated island nation, making living costs relatively high. It imports most of its fresh produce, and food is costly. The country’s unique geography means that the imported goods must be transported by air or on container ships.
Other factors that make Iceland an expensive destination include:
- High taxes, especially on alcohol and fuel
- Small population and market (unattractive to investors)
- Oligopoly (few companies dominate vital areas)
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Iceland
It’s undeniable that visiting Iceland for your honeymoon will cost a fortune. But this romantic getaway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you can use cost-saving strategies to make it affordable.
- Plan your vacation and book your flight and accommodation early (at least 6 months before). Research well and weigh your options. If you book early, you’re more likely to enjoy cheap flights and low hotel rates.
- Prepare a comprehensive budget. Be realistic and include all the major costs of your honeymoon.
- Visit Iceland during off-peak season. Go for a fall or spring holiday, as it’s the off-season.
- Explore the countryside. Avoid the most visited areas like the capital and major towns. Instead, retreat to remote villages like Vík í Mýrdal, where you’ll witness the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain.
- Choose cost-friendly accommodation options. Staying in a mid-range hotel, Airbnb, camping tent, or campervan will be cheaper than lodging in a luxury resort.
- Look out for freebies. You can find free bus rides (in Akureyri), hot springs, and hiking trails.
- Buy groceries. Prepare your own meals. You can also eat in mid-range restaurants, hotels, and cafes.
7 Best Cities to Stay In Iceland
Reykjavik
Being Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik is the ideal place to stay after you land in this Scandinavian country. Its vibrant city life, enticing food scene, and top-notch accommodation make it a perfect honeymoon spot.
Excursions and Activities: Helicopter flight, visiting Hallgrimskirkja (the largest church in Iceland), shopping at Laugavegur, exploring museums, iconic landmarks, and green parks.
Where to stay: Midborg (Downtown), Hlídar, Vesturbær, or Laugardalur
Akureyri (“Capital of the North”)
Endowed with captivating history and art scenes, Akureyri is the largest town outside Reykjavik. It’s also an excellent spot to sample Icelandic cuisine and the country’s best ice cream.
Excursions and activities: Visiting museums and art galleries, swimming, skiing on the slopes of Hlíðarfjall, watching the Northern lights, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ice cave tours, and whale watching
Where to stay: Town center, Akureyrarkirkja, or Kaupvangsstræti
Egilsstadir, East Fjords
Sitting on the banks of the legendary Lake Lagarfljó, Egilsstadir is also known as the ‘Capital of the East Fjords.’ The charming town flaunts scenic views, mesmerizing culinary experiences and is a haven for folklore and culture.
Excursions and activities: Spotting reindeer, hiking, visiting Skriðuklaustur, soaking in the Laugarvellir hot spring, touring Hallormsstadaskogur forest, and exploring East Iceland Heritage Center
Where to stay: Valthjofsstadur, Aðalból or Asknes
Grindavik
Grindavik is a welcoming fishing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It boasts natural wonders and top attractions, including the harbor, hot springs, an active volcano, moss-covered lava, and gorgeous mountains.
Excursions and activities: Visiting the Blue Lagoon, horseback riding, swimming in geothermal pools, spotting Icelandic horses, touring lava fields and the Fagradalsfjall active volcano, and visiting Reykjanes Art Museum
Where to stay: Town center, Víkurbraut 58, Austurvegur 26b, or Hafnargata 28
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes is like a mini-version of Iceland, as this region has almost all the Icelandic attractions and natural wonders. From beautiful national parks to mountains, geothermal pools, and waterfalls, Snæfellsnes is a one-stop-shop for sightseeing and photography.
Excursions and activities: Visiting Snæfellsjökull National Park and the Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs, touring Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss (a waterfall), hiking at Arnarstapi, and touring Stykkishólmur.
Where to stay: Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörðu, Arnarstapi, or Hellnar
Reykjanesbær
Reykjanesbær is a municipality comprising Keflavik, Njarðvík, and Hafnir. It’s a perfect backpacking destination for adventure-loving couples, offering magnificent views of its natural wonders. It’s also an art and history haven comprising museums and art galleries.
Excursions and activities: Touring the Viking World, Icelandic Museum of Rock n Roll and the Northern Lights Center, visiting the Museum of Reykjanesbær, the Giantess in the Mountain, and The Blue Lagoon (50 minutes drive from Reykjanesbær), and watching the Northern Lights.
Where to stay: Keflavik, Hafnir, Hafnargata, or Vatnsnesvegi
Seydisfjordur
A picturesque town in Eastern Iceland, Seydisfjordur, has the ideal setting for a perfect honeymoon. Surrounded by a majestic fjord and towering mountains, this is one of the most gorgeous towns in Iceland. In addition, it flaunts awe-inspiring sceneries and a relaxed town center.
Excursions and activities: Hiking up to Búðaráfoss waterfall, touring the mountains of Strandartindur and Bjolfur, dining and shopping in the town center, sailing, and skiing.
Where to stay: Botnahlíð, Hafnargata 4, Ránargata 1, or Suðurgata 8
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Iceland?
The best way to travel to Iceland from the U.S. is by plane.
A direct flight from New York City takes 5-6 hours, while you’ll travel for 7-12 hours from the West Coast of the U.S. Most international flights land at Keflavik International Airport (Reykjavik), the largest airport in Iceland.
Traveling Within Iceland
After landing in Iceland, you can take domestic flights to other parts of the country from Reykjavík Domestic Airport. You can then take a taxi from the airport to your preferred direction. Public transport is also available when traveling within Iceland; the Strætó buses are the most common.
You can also rent a car or a campervan for road trips around the country, but it’s pretty expensive due to the high fuel prices. Alternatively, use private tour buses, the most popular means of transport for tourists.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in Iceland?
A wide array of accommodations are available in Iceland. From luxury resorts to eco-friendly retreats, there’s something to match your lodging needs.
Common types of accommodations in Iceland include:
- Exquisite hotels
- Grass-roofed cabins
- Airbnb
- Boutique hotels
- Camper vans
4 Local Foods to Try in Iceland
- Hákarl (fermented Greenlandic Shark). Oddly enough, this dish is also called “rotten shark.” The texture of the meat is slightly chewy and almost tastes like blue cheese.
- Fresh cod. Unlike Pacific cod, the Icelandic variety is sweeter and has a higher fat content.
- Hot dogs. Unlike U.S. hot dogs, Icelandic hot dogs are mostly made with lamb meat. They are served in a warm bun and topped with your choice of fixings.
- Geysir rye bread. This bread, locally known as Rugbraud, is buried and baked near geothermal hot springs.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in an Icelandic Honeymoon?
Being a Nordic country, Iceland boasts a rich, deep-rooted culture. Therefore, honeymooning in this magnificent nation offers unforgettable cultural experiences, including the following:
- Visiting historical, folkloric, and architectural museums
- Exploring Icelandic villages to see the traditional turf houses, Viking sites, and Pre-Christian Scandinavian settlements
- Catch the Icelandic 3-day food festival in late February
- Celebrate Iceland’s Beer Day
- Explore the art scene in Reykjavik and surrounding towns
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Iceland
Iceland has an oceanic climate. Despite the snow-covered mountains, the winters are mild (32° F), and the summers and cool (55 °F). The exact time of year you visit will dictate your clothing, but, in general, you’ll want to pack the following:
- Waterproof shoes and outerwear
- Fleece jacket, warm socks, gloves, scarves, poncho, and a hat
- Comfortable boots or walking shoes
- Thermal underwear and light layers of clothes
- Fast-drying towels and swimsuits
- Waterproof camera
- Travel adaptor and portable power bank
- Anti-theft (and waterproof) backpack
- Reusable water bottle
Is Iceland Safe to Visit?
Iceland is one of the safest places to visit worldwide since it has low crime rates. However, the country has a subarctic climate, unpredictable weather, and unique landscapes. Hence, it helps to be alert when visiting Iceland.
Here are safety precautions to observe during your Icelandic honeymoon:
- Know Iceland’s emergency numbers (namely 112)
- Carry an anti-theft bag
- Be up-to-date with the weather forecast
- Dress appropriately
- Be careful when visiting geothermal areas
- Check the road conditions before driving
- Go for guided tours
- Let someone know where you’re going
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Iceland?
You don’t need a visa to travel to Iceland as a U.S. citizen. You can travel to Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least three months from your expected departure date. You may also be asked to prove that you have enough funds to finance your Icelandic tour.
Bonus Info For Your Icelandic Honeymoon
- The local language is Icelandic, but most people speak English and other languages, such as Danish, French, and German.
- Iceland’s motto is “Þetta Reddast!” which loosely translates to, “It will all work out okay!”
- Credit cards are the preferred method of payment.
- The water in Iceland is potable and known for being very clean and tasty.
- Iceland’s currency is the Króna (140.73 Króna = 1 USD at the time of writing).