The Perfect Iceland Honeymoon Itinerary

Photo courtesy of Icelandair

What makes the perfect Iceland honeymoon? Wild adventures and lavish spa days. Unobstructed scenic views and a taste of Icelandic culture. The dream Icelandic honeymoon itinerary marries an exciting adventure with ease.

When Jack and I began planning our Iceland honeymoon, we wanted something both wild and luxurious. A honeymoon featuring treks on Icelandic horseback across black sand beaches beneath volcanic cliffs. We dreamed of a road trip stopping at every hot spring pool and bathing in the spray of rushing waterfalls.

Naturally, our Iceland honeymoon began with champagne and enviable comfort aboard our Icelandair flight in Saga Premium Class. Just seven and half hours from our home in Portland, the flight felt nearly as quick as flying to the East Coast of the US. Connecting 37 cities across Europe and USA to Rekjavik, it’s never been easier to get to the Land of Fire and Ice.

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Photo by Daniel Gorostieta

And if you can swing it, upgrading to Saga Premium Class makes your trip all the more honeymoon-worthy. Not only is Saga Premium Class more spacious and comfortable but also it comes with perks making your journey even quicker. Take advantage of express check-in and security, priority boarding and baggage pick-up. Plus, enjoy complimentary drinks, unlimited snacks and an elevated dining menu.

Iceland Honeymoon Itinerary: Where We’re Going…

Icelandair helped us dream up an alternative itinerary. One that included iconic Icelandic features – natural hot springs, waterfalls, volcanos and beaches – but, felt more secluded and apt for romance. And of course, riding those adorable, fluffy Icelandic horses at home, our itinerary had to include a dream-come-true trek through the Icelandic countryside.

Thus, our Iceland honeymoon road trip led us through the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the wild and untamed North, and finally, the delicious capital city of Reykjavík. Below we’re sharing our own perfect honeymoon itinerary for two. Once you’ve bookmarked your favorite ideas you can customize your honeymoon with more unique destinations, tours, hotels and ideas with Icelandair’s vacations.

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Photo via Deplar Farm

West Iceland: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

My Icelandic Horse trainer, who lived in Iceland, gave me her secret travel tip: “Snæfellsnes is the most beautiful part of Iceland. And yet, feels practically unexplored”. While many will head South after landing in Keflavik, those looking for more romantic seclusion for their Iceland honeymoon can head West to this breathtaking region. Always taking tips from local experts seriously, we chose this as our first stop along our Iceland road trip. The peninsula felt like a drive through one of the world’s most scenic national parks. Yet, we found very few tourists in sight.

What to do in Snæfellsnes

Hosting one of Iceland’s three national parks, Snæfellsnes boasts a pristine and breathtaking landscape. See towering waterfalls, unique basalt cliffs and snow-capped mountains. A drive along the coast spoils you with one beautiful viewpoint after another. Marvel at the glacier-peaked Snæfellsjökull and stop to hike around the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell (rushing waterfalls included).

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Wild roaming horses of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

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Soaking in the algae pools at Lysulaugar

After your waterfall hikes, soothe your muscles at Lysulaugar’s geothermal algae pools. Unlike the famous spas of Iceland, the swimming pool and hot spring tubs feel like a locally kept secret. A popular spot for Icelanders and savvy travelers who happen to pass through. Relax under volcanic cliffs while listening to the neighs of wild roaming horses.

At Lysulaugar, you can do the traditional bathing circuit. First, brave the plunge into an ice-cold bath. Then, rewarm your muscles with a swim through the medium-temperature swimming pool. Finally, heat things up with soaks in the two ‘hot’ and ‘hotter’ tubs all for about $10 US dollars per person. When you leave, you’ll feel as though you just received a full body massage.

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Where to Stay in Snæfellsnes

Waterfalls and volcanoes to your right, the ocean to your left, the approach to Hótel Búðir feels like a scene from James Bond. Within a few kilometers of arrival, you notice the solitary Scandinavian hotel and famous black church sitting quaintly along the ocean shore. The only thing more scenic and charming than the drive-in is the views from the hotel itself.

Quaint yet luxurious, Hótel Búðir offers limitless views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and coastlines. Plus, a world-class restaurant. Often credited with helping modernize Icelandic cuisine, the hotel is as much a foodie destination as it is a lavish rest stop for honeymooners on the island. Also, for any couples planning a wedding or elopement with their Iceland honeymoon, look no further than the iconic black chapel Búðakirkja on the hotel’s grounds. The perfect place to say, “I do” paired with sophisticated accommodations and dining.

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The lounge at Hótel Búðir

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Photo courtesy of Deplar Farm

North Iceland: Tröllaskagi Peninsula & The Arctic Coast

Wildlife lovers: North Iceland is calling for you. The Tröllaskagi Peninsula (often called the ‘Troll’ peninsula) is known to be the adventure capital of Iceland. Rarely chosen by the typical Icelandic tourists, this region offers unspoiled territory for horseback riding, heli-skiing, e-biking, hiking and whale watching along the Arctic Coast. Plus, being the most fertile land in Iceland, it’s home to more horses than anywhere else on the island. Consider Tröllaskagi horse lover’s paradise.

Where to Stay in Tröllaskagi

In the North, ‘What to Do’ and ‘Where to Stay’ can be easily tied together. Many of the best hotels of the North offer a wide variety of activities, tours and companies they work with to make your North Iceland adventure as exciting and memorable as possible.

For instance, luxury honeymooners looking for the most exclusive accommodations can book a stay at Deplar Farm. Hidden in a valley between glacial-peaked mountains, this hotel is an architectural wonder, paying homage to Icelandic design while featuring the most modern and luxurious of digs.

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Riding horses at Langhus Farm

The hotel provides guests with an itinerary of their choosing, including riding the iconic Icelandic Horse along black sand beaches with Langhus Farm (which Jack and I will remember forever!) Whatever your activities include, return to Deplar to soak in their own geothermal pool and ease into a sumptuous night of farm-to-table fare and locally made spirits.

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Photo courtesy of Siglo Hotel

Or, opt to stay in the idyllic seaside town of Siglufjörður. Perhaps the most ‘Icelandic’ destination we visited, Sigló is a historic fishing town that looks iconically Scandinavian. Colorful houses sit at the edge of this Arctic fjord and look relatively unchanged from centuries before.

Spend your nights sleeping over water at Sigló Hótel, a posh dockside hotel offering unbelievable views of the harbor and mountains. Soak in the geothermal pool as Arctic waters splash against rocks mere feet away. Enjoy local seafood steps away at TORGIÐ and Harbor House Cafe or even wood-fired pizza at Kaffi Rauðka.

And the best is, you can still book and access the same variety of adventures and tours offered throughout the region. Most notably, whale watching tours at Arctic Sea Tours in nearby Dalvik. With a 98% view rate, you’re nearly guaranteed sightings. Whales passing through Iceland’s Arctic waters include Humpbacks, Orcas, Minkes and the world’s largest mammal, the Blue Whale.

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Geothermal hot tub at Siglo Hotel

Secret Tip: Looking for the best “local’s only” geothermal pools? The Icelandic word for swimming pool is “sundlaug”. Type sundlaug into Google Maps (which, hopefully, you’ve saved offline before your trip) along your route and you’ll find the best swimming pools to stop at along the way. That’s how we discovered Hofsos Sundlaug on our drive to Tröllaskagi Peninsula. An incredible geothermal infinity pool and hot tub overlooking Arctic waters.

Hofsos Sundlaug

Reykjavík

Most often used as a take-off point for Icelandic adventures, Rekjavík has far more to offer honeymooners than most realize. With Michelin-star restaurants, natural wine bars and luxury spas, Reykjavík is worth far more than a quick one-night stay. For those that really want to understand Icelandic culture, the capital city has a whopping 60% of the country’s population. In short, this is where most Icelanders truly live.

Where to Eat in Reykjavík

The most important topic when it comes to Reykjavík? Where to eat. Try traditional Icelandic fare and sophisticated New Nordic cuisine. The city is bursting at the seams with great things to eat. And, it’s not all ‘hot dogs and fermented shark’.

For hearty Icelandic food plated in beautiful fashion, try Old Iceland. Similarly, Skal! (‘Cheers’ in Icelandic) in the Hlemmur food hall pairs rustic ingredients with natural wines in a fun and casual counter dining space.

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Dinner at Old Iceland

The tasting menu at Matur og Drykkur is an experience in itself. Six courses with an optional (and absolutely worth it) beverage pairing introduce diners to many old Icelandic recipes with a modern twist. Delight in dishes like seaweed tempura, lamb fat-crusted cod and angelica cake. You’ll also be spoiled with traditional Icelandic meads and local spirits made of rhubarb and crowberry.

Finish the night at Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar, a hip natural wine bar hidden below the trendy walking street, Laugavegur.

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Photo courtesy of Sky Lagoon

What to Do in Reykjavík

Spas are central to any Iceland honeymoon. New to the Icelandic spa scene is Sky Lagoon, a luxury spa perched on the ocean just ten minutes from downtown Reykjavík. Carved into volcanic rocks the spa is built to look like a traditional Icelandic turf house. It’s a marvel before you even enter the geothermal lagoon.

Our pro tip? Opt for the Sky Pass package which includes access to private changing rooms and the seven-step Ritual. You’ll plunge in a cold pool, gaze into the ocean from the sauna, stand under the mist of the rain room, lather your body in sumptuous scrubs, moisturize in the steam room, shower, then return to the infinity lagoon. Visitors can order drinks at the swim-up bar. We recommend going early in the morning (or end of the evening) for even more privacy.

Where to Shop in Reykjavík

Now’s the time to fill up that extra checked bag included in your Saga Premium Class ticket. Shop for unique Icelandic sheepskins and wool sweaters at Rammagerdin. For designer clothing made in Iceland, browse Farmers & Friends for hip neutrals and eco-friendly designs. Or, visit KIOSK for minimalist, Scandinavian womenswear.

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Soaking in the infinity pool at Sky Lagoon

Where to Stay in Reykjavík

There is truly no shortage of wonderful hotels to choose from in Reykjavík. We loved our stay at Sand Hotel, a boutique hotel built above arguably the city’s best bakery Sandholt. The rooms are stylish and the location is perfect for exploring the city by foot. But, the cherry on top: the downstairs bakery breakfast is perhaps the best we’ve ever had included in a hotel stay.

Note: We saved the romantic, city-escape portion of our Iceland honeymoon for last. That way, our drive back to the airport would be the shortest. However, you could absolutely start your trek in Reykjavík to get acclimated to Icelandic time before heading to Snæfellsnes second.

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Sandholt Bakery below Sand Hotel

Lupine fields of Tröllaskagi Peninsula

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Kirkjufellsfoss

Essential Info

Start booking flights, hotels, rental cars and excursions for your Iceland honeymoon on Icelandair’s website.

Want to see more? Enjoy a Stopover in Iceland. That means you can experience two destinations in one trip, spending up to seven days in Iceland for no additional airfare.

Follow Icelandair on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to discover amazing destinations, things to do and itinerary ideas for your dream honeymoon.

This post was made in partnership with Icelandair.