Icelanders don't really celebrate Valentine’s Day. Instead, we have our own traditional ‘Farmer’s/Husbands Day’ (bóndadagur) and ‘Woman’s/Wife's Day’ (konudagur) that serve a similar purpose. Names aside, we decided it was time for a collective brainstorm about the most romantic places in Iceland!

The result is a collection of both well known and lesser known places meaning there’s a good chance of you having some of them to yourself...so whether you plan to pop the question, marry, go on a honeymoon in Iceland or simply fancy a romantic getaway for two, check out these staff favourites for each part of the country:

 
Romantic Places in West Iceland

Búðir in Snæfellsnes

The charming old church, the glacier in the background and a vast beach to complete the picture – there is just something so magical about this place. No wonder it’s one of the most popular locations in Iceland for wedding photo shoots!

 
Flatey Island

Sail across Breiðafjörður bay to this tiny island where time seems to stand still. Most of the houses on Flatey are from the 19th century and are beautifully preserved. Bring a picnic, stroll around the island hand in hand, listen to the waves and admire the bird life.

More romantic places in West Iceland:

• Paradísarlaut (‘Paradise Hollow’)
• Grábrók crater
• Dritvík cove in Snæfellsnes
• Englendingavík in Borgarnes
• The IceCave (opening in June 2015 – complete with wedding chapel!)

 
Romantic Places in the Westfjords

Hellulaug by Flókalundur

There are lots of natural hot spring pools dotted around Iceland. The further from Reykjavik you go and the harder they are to find, the more likely it is you may be able to enjoy a relaxing soak just the two of you alone. Why not take a bottle of champagne with you? Our favourite is this pool, Hellulaug, on the southern coast of Iceland’s rugged Westfjords. Pure bliss!

More romantic places in the Westfjords:

• Krossneslaug pool
• Rauðasandur beach
• Norðurfjörður in the Strandir area
• Dynjandi waterfall (shaped like a bride’s veil!)

 
Romantic Places in South Iceland

Þórsmörk Valley

Photo: Markus Neumann

This is many Icelanders' favourite place. Although a popular summer destination, it is easy to find a secret spot in this vast lush green valley which is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It has an oasis-like feeling and is simply unlike anywhere else in the world. We recommend hiking to Stakkholtsgjá canyon and finding the waterfall at the end.

 
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The glistening icebergs slowly floating around, majestic Vatnajökull glacier in the background, the odd seal popping its head up above the water...need we say more, this must surely be one of the most romantic places in Iceland.

More romantic places in South Iceland:

• Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon (similar to Jökulsárlón but smaller and less crowded)
• Glaciers (hiking, snowmobile and jeep tours available for adrenaline-seeking couples, glacier wedding also possible!)
• Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge by Kirkjubæjarklaustur
• Reynisfjara beach near Vík
• The beach at Stokkseyri
• Þakgil above Vík
• The Fljótshlíð area
• Foss á Síðu by Kirkjubæjarklaustur
• Öxarárfoss at Þingvellir
• Gjáin near Stöng in Þjórsárdalur valley 

 
Romantic Places in North Iceland

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Ásbyrgi is a horse-shoe shaped canyon in northern Vatnajökull National Park. According to Norse mythology, it was formed by the hoofprint of Odin's (apparently huge) eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. It is also said that Ásbyrgi is the capital of the ‘huldufólk’ (‘hidden people’ or elves). Fascinating. We recommend walking through the forest to the secluded Botnstjörn pond or hiking to the clifftop to watch the midnight sun at the height of summer merely touch the sea before it rises again.

More romantic places in North Iceland:

• Hvítserkur on Vatnsnes peninsula
• Infinity pool in Hofsós
• Grettislaug natural hot spring pool
• Goðafoss waterfall
• Dimmuborgir by Lake Mývatn
• Mývatn Nature Baths

 
Romantic Places in East Iceland

Borgarfjörður Eystri

Borgarfjörður eystri is a tiny remote fishing village surrounded by mountains and apparently home to one of Iceland‘s largest elfin settlements. No wonder many people sense something magical about this place! It is the base for one of the best hiking areas in Iceland, Víknaslóðir (‘the trails of the deserted inlets’) and also home to a large puffin colony - you can see these adorable creatures at a very close range of only 2 m/7 ft! Bræðslan music festival, reknowned for its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, also takes place here in July each year.

More romantic places in East Iceland:

• Atlavík cove by Lake Lagarfljót
• Petra’s stone museum
• Álftafjörður (‘fjord of the swans’)
• Seyðisfjörður
• Hvalnes for the view of Mt Eystrahorn

 
Romantic Places in Reykjavík and Reykjanes 

Grótta in Seltjarnarnes

Photo: ©Visit Reykjavik/Roman Gerasymenko

In summer the sunsets here are incredible. In winter, there are few better places in the capital area to view the northern lights. We don‘t know about you but we have a soft spot for lighthouses too! There is even a tiny hot spring pool on the seashore with a beautiful view towards Reykjavík’s signature mountain Esja, perfect for a romantic foot bath for two.

Blue Lagoon

We feel we don’t really need to explain this one. We. Want. To. Be. Here. Now. In fact, we wouldn’t mind visiting the Blue Lagoon every day!

More romantic places in Reykjavík and Reykjanes:

• Tjörnin lake
• Sun Voyager
• Viðey island (especially when the Imagine Peace Tower is lit)
• Lighthouses and cliffs on the south coast of Reykjanes
• Lambafellsgjá canyon
• Strandarkirkja church

We could go on and on. There are just so many beautiful and romantic places in Iceland. And if you’re looking for some romantic places to stay you have come to the right place!

Contact us for more tips on where to go and where to stay for a romantic trip in Iceland or see our list of accommodation and tour packages that are particularly suited for romantic couples.