Heading to Iceland for your honeymoon? Read on to learn about key facts and important things to know about the country before embarking on your honeymoon getaway.
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With so much to see and do in the "Land of Fire and Ice", these facts, tips, and travel tidbits should be a helpful resource for honeymooners looking to make the most of their time exploring the beautiful country.
How big is Iceland?
The second-largest island in Europe, Iceland measures about 305 miles east to west and 185 miles north to south. It's a similar size to Hungary in Europe or Virginia in the United States.
What is the terrain like in Iceland?
Home to volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, towering mountains, fjords, hot springs, and black sand beaches, Iceland's terrain truly features a little bit of everything. Read our ultimate 7-day Iceland honeymoon itinerary to see how you can get the most out of a visit to Iceland and experience many of the country's incredible natural features and awe-inspiring landscapes.
What is the weather like in Iceland?
Despite its name, Iceland actually has a temperate climate thanks to impacts of the Gulf Stream, which brings in mild Atlantic Ocean air. The temperature in Reykjavik averages about 34 degrees F in the winter and 54 degrees F in the summer. While there's no official rainy season, the bulk of precipitation falls between October and March. Summers can be quite wonderful with the warmer temperatures and nearly 24 hours of sunlight.
Where is the airport in Iceland?
Keflavík International Airport is located about 31 miles (approximately 45 minutes) from central Reykjavík. It's the hub of Icelandair and only serves international flights. The airport offers bus service, car rentals, and taxi service.
How many visitors go to Iceland?
Nearly 1.7 million international visitors went to Iceland in 2022. This number is 73% of the record number of visitors set in 2018. Nearly 50% of visitors come from the United States, the UK, and Germany.
How many national parks are there in Iceland?
The entire country almost seems like a national park, but Iceland officially has 3 national parks. The first is Thingvellir National Park, known for its rock formations, lava fields, and scenic terrain. Couples can go hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and even snorkeling in the Silfra fissure.
The second is Vatnajokull National Park, home to huge glaciers, towering mountains, meandering glacial rivers, and extraordinary waterfalls. The third is Snaefellsjokull National Park, which stands out with its lava tubes, cliffs, and black sand beaches.
How far is Iceland from other destinations?
Iceland is approximately 5 hours from New York and about 3 hours from London.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Every season is a great time to visit Iceland. The biggest crowds come in the summer months as the weather is the warmest and more people are off from work or school. Despite the darkness, the winter months can still be a great time to visit as prices are lower and there's still plenty to do and see (e.g. the Northern Lights).
The shoulder seasons in the spring and fall are also a fantastic time to honeymoon in Iceland. The weather is still milder, you'll encounter fewer crowds, and you can have your choice of unique activities, whether it be whale watching, horseback riding, or glacier hikes.
Also, keep in mind that hotel occupancy rates are at 90% or higher during the months of July and August.
Is Iceland expensive to visit?
Considering its high cost of living and high cost to import goods, Iceland certainly isn't a cheap country to visit for your honeymoon. That said, couples don't have to go over their honeymoon budget just to visit Iceland. Through smart planning (like visiting in the off season or shoulder season, visiting free attractions, and buying some food at grocery stores), honeymooners can still experience the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank.
Is a car rental necessary in Iceland?
A car rental is highly recommended if you're looking to explore freely beyond Reykjavik and the capital area. Honeymooners in Iceland will need their driver's license (and do not need an International driver's license).
Visiting during the winter? Keep in mind that there can be lots of snow and closed roads (especially as you get into higher elevations). While vehicles may be equipped with snow tires, driving can be much more challenging. Also, be prepared to drive in the dark a lot more during the winter months.
What is the time difference in Iceland?
Iceland observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year and is 4 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and places like New York City, Boston, and Washington DC. Meanwhile, the UK, Ireland, and Portugal are 1 hour ahead of Iceland.
What are the best options for outdoor adventures in Iceland?
Adventure enthusiasts will find a long list of once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experiences in Iceland. Top options include whitewater rafting in Iceland's river wilderness, snorkeling between two continents at Silfra, extraordinary glacier hiking tours, horseback riding on black sand beaches, and even seeing the northern lights via boat.
What is a "must-do" experience when visiting Iceland?
Go for a soak in hot springs, outdoor pools or geothermal water. The high geothermal activity in Iceland has produced an abundance of natural hot springs, and bathing is a very popular activity with both locals and visitors. The Blue Lagoon is certainly the most famous, but consider a trip to Laugarvatn Fontana. The facility features steam baths, relaxing soaking pools, saunas, and even a geothermal bakery.
What are some of the best hotels in Iceland?
From cozy accommodations in Reykjavik to stylish boutique hotels in the countryside, Iceland is home to some fantastic hotels -- many perfect for a honeymoon.
For premium views of the aurora borealis, drop your bags at Hotel Ranga. For a boutique option that embraces Iceland's amazing outdoor recreation options, book your honeymoon at ION Adventure Hotel. For convenience and chic design, look no further than Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre.
Will any active volcanoes impact our honeymoon in Iceland?
As a volcanic island, it's not surprising that Iceland experiences periodic eruptions from volcanoes. In fact, a volcano erupts in Iceland about once every five years. As of April 2024, there was a recent eruption along the Reykjanes Peninsula in the far southwestern part of the island. All impacts are contained to the immediate eruption area and there are no issues with air traffic or services in the country.
What is typical Icelandic cuisine?
Staples of Icelandic cuisine include fish (such as cod, haddock and salmon), lamb, and dairy. Traditional food might feature stews and fermented dishes, however modern Iceland cuisine has evolved considerably.
For instance, many modern restaurants in Reykjavik put modern twists on traditional dishes, often feature locally sourced ingredients, and incorporate the latest culinary techniques. Don't miss Dill Restaurant and Matur og Drykkur, two perfect spots for a memorable honeymoon meal.
What is the best romantic restaurant in Iceland?
We're huge fans of ÓX Restaurant, an intimate 17-seat restaurant in Reykjavík that combines traditional concepts with modern techniques. Its 12-course tasting menu will ensure a memorable and very satisfying honeymoon experience.
What is the best farm-to-table restaurant or experience in Iceland?
Take a trip to Fridheimar tomato farm, a family-run operation that grows tomatoes year-round thanks to state-of-the-art technology and greenhouses. You can enjoy a memorable food experience by booking a table at its restaurant, which serves up delicious tomato soup, salads, pastas, and more -- even tomato ice cream.
What is the best spot for cocktails or beer in Iceland?
Start with Slippbarinn for excellent cocktails, the bar at Kex Hostel, and Skuli Craft Bar, a terrific spot for quality craft beer.
What's the best place for cheap eats in Iceland?
Try Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in central Reykjavic. And don't miss the delicious fish and chips at 101 Reykjavik Street Food.
In case you missed it:
The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Honeymoon Itinerary