Iceland as a Honeymoon Destination

I was challenged by a reader some time ago to find a honeymoon destination that was out of the ordinary~ full of intrigue and excitement. I pondered African safaris and river rafting in Bali; in the end, I couldn't tear myself away from the incredible images from the land of Fire and Ice.

Not necessarily romantic but good-to-know facts about Iceland

Located in the most northern part of Europe and on the Mid-Atlantic ridge (ridge that almost splits the Atlantic Ocean from north to south and where molten rock seeps through) Iceland is a hot spot for geological action. A country this far north should be covered in ice but the ridge keeps the ice at bay. Thus~ the land of Fire and Ice.

That said, Iceland has many volcanoes, natural hot springs, geysers, rivers, lava fields, glaciers, etc. to see and experience. Gaze upon the pure, raw beauty of this country! Hmm, if I could re-do my Carribbean honeymoon, I just might trade it in for an Icelandic one...

City of Reykjavik

Reykjavik (Rey-ka-vik) is the capital of this country, where most of the population lives (and parties) and is the gateway to all things fantastic in Iceland.

Famous Hot Spot: The Blue Lagoon

Note to self: first stop is this geothermal spa. Reported to be only a 20 min. drive from the airport.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a tourist route that covers the SW peninsula and can be done in a day! Gotta see sights include: Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss golden waterfall and Thingvellir state park

Geysir

The mother of all geysers

Gullfoss Waterfall

Beautiful rainbow! I can just hear the roar of the water.

Thingvellir National Park

Just stunning!

Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis. Imagine being bundled up in a blanket with your new husband watching this late night , laser show. WOW! This my kind of drama!

Icelandic Horses

Horseback riding is sooo romantic...

Drama, splendor and romance...sounds like the perfect honeymoon destination to me!

Fun Facts:

2^nd largest island of Europe. Same distance from NY to Iceland as NY to Los Angeles.
Is it freezing or what? Gulf Streams makes for moderate year-round temps. Bring your bikini only for the natural hot springs and hotel though.
Not a lot of snow (MN is probably colder and has more snow)
Language: Icelandic (but most speaka English too)
When to go: uh, Spring and Summer (July temps hover around 54ºF)
Daylight: Mid-winter has 4-5 hours daylight. Summer does not have too much darkness but Spring and Fall are about the same as North America.
Do Icelanders believe in Elves? Maybe. You’ll have to ask them and report back.