It’s the romantic month of February, and that’s when most of us think of traveling with a partner. Chances are, that the destinations like Rome or Paris or Amsterdam have crossed your mind.
But what if the romantic experience you imagined in an iconic European city turns out to be just another crowded trip? Sadly, that’s the reality of many so-called “romantic” cities around the world.
Game of Thrones may be over, but if you’re looking for a destination that truly takes you by surprise and makes you feel like you’re living inside a movie, Iceland might just be it.
Romantic Places in Iceland
Iceland may be known for fire and ice, but beneath its dramatic landscapes lies one of Europe’s most unexpectedly romantic destinations.
Imagine waking up in a cozy camper van for two (maybe one of the Reykjavik Cars) with a view of wide open landscapes with strange surreal beauty. Think quiet waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal lagoons, and endless horizons where it feels like the two of you are alone in the world.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or a soul-stirring escape, these romantic places in Iceland are pure magic.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Iceland – the land of Ice and Fire via Flickr
Floating icebergs, soft light, and complete stillness—Jökulsárlón feels like stepping into another realm. Watching chunks of ancient ice drift slowly across the lagoon while wrapped in a blanket together is one of the most quietly romantic experiences Iceland offers. Come at sunrise or dusk for the most intimate atmosphere.
There’s something deeply sensual about the contrast of jet-black sand, crashing waves, and misty air. Walk hand in hand along Reynisfjara Beach, listen to the Atlantic roar, and feel completely untethered from the outside world. It’s raw, dramatic, and undeniably romantic.
Often called “Iceland in miniature,” Snæfellsnes is perfect for couples who want variety without crowds. The reason why it’s called so is because it has the best of everything that Iceland is famous for in one area. Moreover it is just 2 hours away from the capital, so perfect for a Campervan Reykjavik trip.
From lava fields and coastal cliffs to charming fishing villages, it’s an ideal romantic Iceland road-trip destination where every turn feels cinematic.
The Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Yes, it’s famous—and yes, it’s worth it. Slipping into warm, mineral-rich waters while steam rises around you is a classic Iceland romantic getaway moment. Go early in the morning or late evening for a more intimate, spa-like feel.
Westfjords
If solitude is your love language, the Westfjords deliver. Remote fjords, dramatic cliffs, and near-empty roads make this one of the most romantic places in Iceland for couples who want privacy, adventure, and a sense of shared discovery.
Romance in Iceland isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about shared moments in wild, beautiful places that feel almost sacred.
Chase the Northern Lights Together
The Northern Lights – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire
Standing under the aurora borealis, watching green and purple lights ripple across the sky, is pure magic. Few experiences bond couples quite like waiting in silence, looking up, and witnessing nature’s most romantic show.
Take a Slow Road Trip
Waking up to the best view – camper van trip in Iceland
An Iceland romantic getaway is best experienced on the road. Drive the Ring Road or explore quieter regions, stop wherever the landscape calls you, share playlists, and let the journey be just as meaningful as the destination.
Soak in a Hidden Hot Spring
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Hveragerdi, Iceland via Flickr
Beyond the famous lagoons, Iceland is full of secret geothermal pools tucked into valleys and hillsides. Sharing a warm soak in the open air—sometimes with snow falling around you—is one of the most intimate romantic things to do in Iceland.
Visit Waterfalls at Sunrise or Sunset
Iceland for couples – Visit a waterfall at sunset or sunrise
From powerful cascades to gentle streams, waterfalls are everywhere in Iceland. Visiting early or late in the day offers privacy, soft light, and moments that feel just for the two of you.
Imagine lying in a bed and watching the starts from the glass ceiling (or maybe a big window). Book a remote cabin or a glass-roofed stay where you can watch the stars—or the northern lights—from bed. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, wilderness, and romance.
Final Thoughts
Iceland isn’t traditionally romantic in a roses-and-candles way—and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a place where love feels expansive, grounded, and deeply alive. If you’re dreaming of a romantic Iceland escape that’s unforgettable, soulful, and wildly beautiful, this island delivers every time.
PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!
If you’ve found this webpage, then it means that you are thinking of visiting Iceland. After all, this island country is known for its otherworldy landscapes and strange beauty. As per frequent travelers, the best way to explore Iceland is by driving through it, but you knew that already that’s why you’re here, am I right?
So, if you’re on a journey to manifest the ultimate road trip, filled with dramatic landscapes, wild adventures, and the freedom to explore at your own pace — a camper van trip in Iceland should be at the top of your bucket list.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, driving the legendary Ring Road, or waking up next to a thunderous waterfall, Iceland is the kind of place that turns every stop into a memory. And with a camper rental, you can experience it all on your own terms.
Let’s break down why exploring Iceland by campervan is one of the most unforgettable ways to travel.
1. Save Money, Travel Smart
Coffee with a view in Iceland with camper van via Unsplash
Let’s be real: Iceland isn’t cheap. But a camper rental can help you save big. Instead of paying for hotels, restaurant meals, and tours, you can cook your own food, stay at affordable campsites, and travel on your own time.
One of the best places to look for camper vans to rent Iceland is cozy campers and they have both premium and budget campervans. Some of the budget camper vans also have an openable sky roof for panoramic views (OMG imagine Nothern Lights!)
Bonus tip: book your camper early, especially during peak season, to get the best price. Many travelers use a credit card with travel perks to cover gas, groceries, or even the rental itself.
If you have been following my travel blog, then you know already that we love road trips, the freedom that comes with it, especially when we travel with a camper van.
Iceland is built for van life. With its scenic Golden Circle, epic South Coast, and the famous Ring Road wrapping around the country, you’ll find new jaw-dropping views every few hours. A camper or rental car gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you like — whether it’s to hike a hidden trail, watch a geyser erupt, or just take in the view.
No need to book multiple hotels or stick to a tour schedule. Your camper van is your hotel, restaurant, and ride — all rolled into one.
3. Wake Up With the Best Views
Waking up to the best view – camper van trip in Iceland via Pexels
Want to fall asleep next to a glacier and wake up by the sea? With a campervan, it’s totally possible. Iceland has an incredible network of campsites, many with unbeatable views and easy access to national parks and trails.
You’ll find places to camp all along the South Coast, near top sights like Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Jökulsárlón. Some even have hot showers and cooking areas — no roughing it needed.
Watching Northern Lights from Van in Reykjavík, Iceland via Pexels
From late fall to early spring, Iceland becomes a top destination for Northern Lights hunters. But why cram into a tour bus when you can chase the aurora in your campervan?
Check the aurora forecast, drive to a dark, open space, and just look up. Bring a blanket, pour a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the show — all from the comfort of your van.
5. Beginner-Friendly and Safe for First-Time Campers
Never done van life before? No worries. Iceland is one of the easiest and safest places to try it. Roads are well-marked, locals are helpful, and many rental vans come fully stocked with essentials. Some even include WiFi, heaters, and cooking gear — perfect if you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even with kids years old.
Just make sure to drive safely, especially in winter, and check road conditions daily. Respect the land, follow local rules, and only camp in designated spots.
From glacier hikes and whale watching in the north, to volcanic landscapes and thermal rivers in the south, Iceland is packed with wild experiences. Some highlights not to miss:
Thingvellir National Park: Part of the Golden Circle, it sits between two tectonic plates.
South Coast Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are must-stops.
Hot Springs: Don’t skip the less-touristy options like Reykjadalur hot river.
Whale Watching: Húsavík is the top spot for sightings, especially in summer.
Final Travel Tips
Book your camper rental early, especially in summer.
Use a credit card that includes rental insurance.
Stock up at grocery stores like Bonus or Kronan to keep costs down.
Be ready for all weather — it can change fast.
Respect nature. Leave no trace, and stick to marked roads and campsites.
Whether you’re 25 or 65, solo or with friends, this is the kind of trip that sticks with you forever. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, cozy campsites, and endless sense of freedom make it perfect for anyone with a love for travel, nature, and the open road.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road. Iceland is calling — and your camper van is waiting.
PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
It’s summer time in Europe but winter is coming to Westeros.
If you’re a GOT aficionado (like us), then we’re sure you can’t help yourself from watching the season 7 trailers just one more time. Did you ever wish that you could be a part of Westeros for just one goddamn day?
Good news – you can visit Iceland, which is pretty much the same thing. After all, they call it the land of Ice and Fire for a reason. You can expect to see glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal pools, and landscapes that are strange yet beautiful.
Here’s what the north of Westeros “beyond the wall” would look like if it were real.
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Jay Kumar [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr
Jökulsárlón is a large glacial lagoon and it’s near Vatnajökull National Park. To make things more interesting, the water here is jeweled with several icebergs.
In Icelandic, Jökulsárlón literally means “glacier river lagoon”. It came into existence when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started thinning from where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon – Iceland – the land of Ice and Fire – By Andrés Nieto Porras [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr
This lagoon (or lake) is home to several sea fishes that reach here from the Atlantic Ocean. These fish also attract several hundred seals for their meals.
Looks familiar? You may have seen it in Die Another Day or Batman Begins. For GOT Season 7, Jökulsárlón has been a major filming spot.
Víti, Askja
Location: Askja, Central Highlands
Askja is a caldera that’s located in the middle of a lava desert. It is in Iceland’s uninhabited interiors and can only be visited for a brief time in summer.
Fire under Ice in Víti, Askja – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By EleKtr•ORL [CC BY NC ND 2.0] via [Flickr]
Next to Askja is a geothermal lake, Viti that’s smaller in size. It is possible to swim in Víti’s milky waters but has a strong smell because of sulfur.
Víti, Askja – Fire under Ice – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By EleKtr•ORL [CC BY NC ND 2.0] via [Flickr]
As if it wasn’t fiery enough, there is a “canyon of dragons” nearby. It is called Drekagil and it looks like a movie set from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Black Sand Beach, Vík
If Khaleesi’s dragons ever spit fire on a beach, the result would be something like this. Welcome to Iceland’s Black Sand beach!
Vík is a popular tourist destination and is located in South of Iceland. It has glaciers, beaches and a stunning viewpoint from where you can get a bird’s eye view.
Reynisfjara, Black Sand Beach, Vik, Iceland – By dconvertini [CC BY SA 2.0] via Flickr
The Black Sand Beach with its strange basalt columns forms a fascinating picture. It is usually a part of Iceland’s South Coast tours. Don’t forget to capture a stunning photo of this spot.Check this post that has excellent suggestions on cameras for traveling.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano
Ever thought you can go inside a volcano? Yes, you can literally go on a journey to the center of the earth and walk on fire if you visit Thrihnukagigur Volcano.
Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano – Iceland – By Dan (catching up) (CC BY-ND 2.0) via Flickr
The Icelandic name for this volcano is Þríhnúkagígur and it is a dormant volcano near Reykjavík. It’s the only volcano on the entire planet where visitors can go into the magma chamber. You can surely do a self guided tour of Reykjavik but will need a guide for going inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano – Iceland – By Dan (catching up) (CC BY-ND 2.0) via Flickr
Jarðböðinn (Mývatn Nature Baths) and Grjótagjá
Location: East of Reykjahlíð
Mývatn is a popular destination in Iceland because of its amazing geothermal pools where one can take a relaxing bath. The geothermal lake and the area around it both are referred to as Mývatn.
Mývatn Nature Baths – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Richard Baer [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr
This lake is situated in an area that is frequently fed lava by Krafla volcano. The area around it is dominated by volcano landforms. As a result, this lake is mineral rich.
Do you remember the famous GOT episode where Jon Snow and Ygritte take a very special dip in a lagoon that’s inside a cave? Well, that lagoon cave is called Grjótagjá and it is near Myvatn Nature Baths.
Grjótagjá Cave – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – Dan (catching up) (CC BY-ND 2.0) via Flickr
Grjótagjá is a little lava cave that has a thermal spring inside it. However, the water can be as high as 50°C and is not always fit for a bath. It does look a little special, no?
Diamond Beach is another beach in Iceland with black sand but it has pieces of ice on it. This ice glitters in the light like a diamond, hence giving the beach its name.
Diamond Beach, a.k.a. Jokulsarlon Beach, Iceland – By www.davidbaxendale.com [ CC BY-ND 2.0] via Flickr
This beach is near Jökulsárlón lagoon and is also referred to as Jokulsarlon Beach. Many people just stop at Jokulsarlon and turn back. However, the Diamond Beach is towards the sea and on the other side of Road 1.
It is the father of all the world’s geysers, and is named appropriately; Geysir in Iceland is another popular tourist destination. Several hundreds of years back Geysir would gush out water that was up to 80 m high but the activity has reduced.
Strokkur, Geysir – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Audrey [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr
Actually, the main Geysir rarely erupts but next to it is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. It can go as high as 30 meters high in the air before disappearing back into its hole. This natural activity can easily be perceived as an alien phenomenon.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Hveragerdi
Hveragerdi – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Bernard McManus [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr
Another active geothermal field, the pictures of Hveragerði will remind you of GOT’s Riverlands. You can also enjoy a 3km long hike to reach Reykjadalur Hot Springs and bathe in the wild.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Hveragerdi, Iceland – By Juan [CC BY NC 2.0] via Flickr
Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Fjadrargljufur Canyon – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Dirk Dallas [CC BY NC 2.0] via Flickr
More than Game of Thrones, this landscape may remind you of the Avatar movie. This magical canyon in 2 kilometers long and up to 100 meters wide. Iceland’s Fjaðrá river flows through it.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Kirkjubaejarklaustur – By Andrés Nieto Porras [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Flickr
The trail that leads to Fjadrargljufur canyon starts at the car park. This canyon is close to Iceland’s famous ring road, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur village.
The Northern Lights
What can be more magical than watching the fire in the sky? Words alone won’t do justice so I will leave it to pictures
The Northern Lights in Iceland – the land of Ice and Fire – By TPSDave [CC0 Public] via Pixabay
How lucky are the people who live here! Their winter nights are full of magic. Here’s one last picture that will make your eyes pop.
The Northern Lights – Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire – By Shaherald Chia [CC BY-ND 2.0] via Flickr
Are you daydreaming about visiting Iceland already? If you have visited this spectacular country and have a few pictures of your own to share, let us know in the comments.
Heading to Iceland soon? Check out this post which will tell you what to pack for Iceland for a week.
PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!
Iceland.. the land of surreal landscapes, unpronounceable names, geothermal hot-springs and Northern lights. Yes, these are the images that flash in literally everyone’s minds at the mention of this country.
Mostly because of Game of Thrones’ episode that featured Jon Snow losing his virginity in a natural pool, episode Kissed by Fire. Also, the extremely famous Blue Lagoon is a part of everyone’s Iceland itinerary.
Enough about Iceland’s hot spring, but hey – have you ever heard about Icelandic food? I’m specifically talking about Iceland’s strange but interesting food local food that every meat lover should try if they like to get adventurous with food.
Due to Iceland’s harsh weather conditions, the locals are known to preserve their food for a long time so that nothing goes to waste. Not just cultural significance, these dishes also hold tremendous historical importance.
Even if you have already seen pictures of Icelandic food, these things are sure to shock you. In fact, the first picture did shock me on Instagram, which in turn inspired me to write this post.
Strange Things to Eat in Iceland –
01 | Svid (Svið) – Boiled Sheep Head
Svid is a local delicacy in Iceland that is made with a boiled sheep head. Sounds disgusting? But here’s the thing – this dish originated from a time when people couldn’t let any part of the caught animal remain unused. Would you ever try it? I’m not sure if I will. If your imagination hasn’t run wild already, here are a few pictures that I found on Instagram that will make you go crazy.
Hákarl is a fermented shark and is Iceland’s national dish. It is usually made with Greenland Shark which has high content of urea and is poisonous when it’s fresh. To prepare this, freshly caught shark is cured with preservatives and hung to ferment for four to five months. It is usually consumed as a side dish but also alone.
Saltfiskur is dried and unsalted codfish. This dish again demonstrates Iceland’s old tradition of preserving food by drying. Many locals describe it as a local equivalent of bread.
What’s the weirdest food that you have tried while traveling? Let me know in comments.
PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!
Hello Travelers!
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India. I've been writing about my travels since 2015.
I love European city breaks, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, music festivals, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
