Time to Get Romantic in Iceland’s Most Beautiful Places

Iceland may not be the first that comes to mind when someone mentions a romantic getaway. But that’s just because we’ve been bombarded with advertisements establishing white sand beaches and cocktails at overcrowded resorts as some sort of romantic ideal.

That is not romantic to us. Being cuddled up in a private setting while watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky… now we’re talking.  You’ll find plenty of these romantic opportunities in some of Iceland’s most beautiful places.

This article will take you on the ultimate romantic journey across Iceland, and reveal some of the must-visit locations with your beloved.  With Iceland’s otherworldly beauty and endless opportunities for adventure, our island will become your go-to romantic getaway.

The Top 10 Most Romantic Places in Iceland

The following is our curated list of must-visit romantic spots here in Iceland:

1. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Yes, we put an entire Peninsula on the list, but that’s because this region in Iceland is known for its spectacular landscapes. We recommend renting a campervan in Reykjavik upon arrival and then road-tripping Snæfellsnes, taking in every scenic bit of it, and creating romantic memories all along the way.

From Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Kirkjufell Mountain with its panoramic views to one of our few white sand beaches, Skardsvik, and the hidden gem of Raudfeldsgja Gorge - Snæfellsnes Peninsula will blow you away.

2. Diamond Beach

There’s probably no better place to get out that diamond ring and pop the question, than at Diamond Beach in Iceland. Here, pieces of ice lie scattered across the black sand as it gets washed ashore, and where they sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight. It is a breathtaking sight, especially if you visit during the early mornings or late afternoons when the light is at its best and most romantic.

3. A Few of Our Natural Hot Springs

Iceland is famous for our natural hot springs due to all the volcanic activity on the island heating our underground water supply. While you will find plenty of these hot springs that are tourist hot spots such as Reykjadalur River, others have a much more intimate setting that usually offers a little extra privacy.

Some of these include Hrunalaug, Kvika Footbath, and Landbrotalaug. Please note that we’re not mentioning privacy in a wink, wink, nudge, nudge way, though. Absolutely no nudity or hanky-panky will be tolerated, and it will make for a pretty embarrassing rap sheet. Be respectful of these incredible sights and considerate of others.

4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara Blank Sand Beach seems to stretch out endlessly along the Icelandic coastline with magnificent black basalt cliffs towering above. This beach is the absolute best for those romantic leisurely strolls where you can just immerse yourself in each other’s conversation and the incredible beauty around you. 

5. Our Breathtaking Waterfalls

If you’re looking for a romantic waterfall in Iceland, you’re in luck because we have so many that you might need to dedicate an entire trip itinerary solely to the theme. These are just a few to consider adding to the list:

• Seljalandsfoss; a staggering 60-meter tall waterfall that allows you to walk behind its veil of water and peer across the Icelandic landscape through a watery lens.

• Dynjandi: this is probably the most on-the-nose waterfall for a romantic outing with people debating whether Dynjandi resembles a bridal veil or a tiered wedding cake the most.

• Skogafoss: you can get quite close to this powerful waterfall that makes for incredible photos. For this reason, it’s also quite popular when it comes to proposals.

• Gljufrabui: it’s also known as the hidden waterfall here in Iceland, and resembles something out of a fairy tale, as the waterfall tumbles from above into the tiny moss-covered cavern. It is hidden away in a gorge behind a boulder, not far from Seljalandsfoss.

6. Couple’s Pampering at Our Geothermal Pools

Perhaps you’re a couple that likes to enjoy the finer things in life and enjoys getting pampered together. You will find ample opportunity to do exactly that at some of our famous geothermal pool “resorts”. Our hot spring water is famous for its healing properties, and that’s why you will find that many of our geothermal spa venues also offer spa treatments. A few that come highly recommended are:

• The Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa

• The Seven-Step Ritual at Sky Lagoon (an incredibly unique and special spa experience, and not as ominous as the name makes it sound)

• Laugar Spa

• Bjorbodin Beer Spa (yet another unique experience to share together)

7. Being Wine and Dined in the Capital City

Reykjavik is known for its incredible nightlife and that includes restaurants offering delicious Icelandic dishes sourced with only the freshest of local ingredients. For a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience such as this, we recommend the following romantic go-to’s:

• Messinn Seafood Restaurant

• Prir Frakkar

• Sajavargrillid (The Seafood Grill)

8. Unique Accommodation

Unique romantic experiences in Iceland don’t need to begin and end with what you see, do, and eat, but also where you stay. We have a few accommodation options here in Iceland that seem like they’ve been ripped straight out of a romantic movie! Check these out:

• Aurora Igloo Hut

• Panorama Glass Lodges

• The Bubble Hotel

• Iceland Lakeview Retreat

• Torfhus Retreat

9. Riding Horseback on the Black Sand Beaches of Vik

This might not be for everyone, but going horseback riding in Iceland is not just unique because of the breathtaking scenery, but also because of the horses themselves. You see, Iceland boasts its own breed of horse!

These horses look more like ponies despite being full-grown, they have a lovely friendly nature and have thick fluffy coats during the colder months. They’re also famous for being able to perform a fifth gait. This definitely gives a different feel for what a romantic horse ride on the black sand beaches in Iceland looks like.

10. Thridrangaviti Lighthouse

Thridrangaviti is probably one of the most exclusive and private romantic settings in Iceland. It’s not cheap to pull this one off, but it’s definitely worth every penny. Thridangaviti is an active lighthouse found in the West Islands, roughly 7.2 kilometers off the south coast of Iceland.

But what makes this lighthouse unique is that it sits on top of a long rock tower that is completely inaccessible except via helicopter. It’s a very dramatic sight and truly an experience never to be forgotten.

Time to Pack Your Bags & Fall in Love All Over Again!

With our list of top 10 romantic destinations here in Iceland, it’s easy to fall in love all over again. By adding another intimate detail such as a campervan into the mix, you’ll be able to visit most of the places mentioned above while living in comfort, all cuddled up. So, immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes and natural wonders and see why Iceland is simply unparalleled as a romantic destination.