11 Most Romantic Places to Propose in Iceland
Planning a breathtaking proposal to your partner in Iceland? Imagine proposing in an ice cave surrounded by glaciers, volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls—an unforgettable experience tailored just for you and your partner to get engaged in Iceland.
Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders, is a top destination for couples seeking a memorable and romantic proposal. From majestic waterfalls and serene lagoons to dramatic black sand beaches and the ethereal Northern Lights, Iceland offers a variety of stunning locations perfect for popping the question. This guide will help you choose the ideal spot to make your proposal unforgettable.
Why Choose Iceland for Your Proposal?
Iceland is renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for a romantic proposal. The country's natural beauty is unmatched, with glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you're looking for an adventurous location or a serene and tranquil setting, Iceland has it all.
One of the most captivating aspects of Iceland is its ability to transform throughout the year. In the summer, the land is lush and green, with waterfalls flowing freely and long days under the midnight sun. In the winter, Iceland becomes a snowy wonderland, with frozen waterfalls and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Each season offers a unique and enchanting environment for your proposal.
Iceland’s Most Romantic Proposal Options: waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland's major tourist attractions. Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that can be fully encircled, dropping 60 meters (200 feet) in height. It is quite spectacular. Imagine standing behind a waterfall. That's what you get when visiting Seljalandsfoss in Iceland. This Icelandic waterfall should be at the top of every travel and bucket list. It's beautiful, fascinating and full of adventure.
Where located: South Iceland. 1 hour 42 minutes drive away from Reykjavik.
Best time to visit: Seljalandsfoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland all year round. If you prefer to have a bit more privacy and are planning to propose during summertime, you might want to consider late evening time in the summer, when the sun doesn’t go down at all so there is also a lot of daylight for pictures. For wintertime, they do close the path to go around the waterfall due to ice.
Proposal tips: Make sure to have waterproof clothes when visiting Seljalandsfoss. With this proposed place option, you also get to walk around the waterfall.
Skogafoss waterfall.
Situated in the south of Iceland, it is a popular tourist attraction and is pictured in many brochures. This waterfall is an easy walk from the parking lot and you don’t need to worry about taking your car down a bumpy trail to see it (other waterfalls in Iceland may require that). It is said that the waterfalls got their name when an old outlaw hid in a cave behind them. After being caught and arrested, he swore revenge. Soon after he was released he came back to the Skógafoss with shackles on his feet. After chaining himself to the very same rock from which he had been freed, the waters began to rise. In an act of remorse, the old man drowned himself and it is said his ghost still haunts the waterfall.
Where located: South Iceland. 2 hours and 1 minute away from Reykjavik.
Best time to visit: Access to the waterfall is open all year around. One of the most visited waterfalls in the country.
Proposal tips: If your planning to propose during the daytime, be prepared you won’t be the only one at the waterfall. During wintertime, the walking path gets icy so you will need crampons in order to get closer to the waterfall itself.
Gljufrabui waterfall.
The knowledge of Gljúfrafoss waterfall has grown in the last years and more people have been visiting and it has become a popular place to visit. Located in South Iceland, close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, to visit the waterfall you must enter a narrow canyon where the waterfall is. The access is not always doable depending on how much the water is coming down since you have to walk by the river made by the waterfall.
Where located: South Iceland, 1 hour 42 minutes away from Reykjavik.
Best time to visit: Access to the waterfall available all year around.
Tips for proposal: You have to hop on small rocks next to a river to make it to the waterfall. Sometimes the stream is very high and your not able to get to the waterfall. Please note that you will be getting wet at this waterfall.
Kvernufoss waterfall.
Very close to Skogafoss is this absolutely beautiful waterfall that also has grown it’s popularity and no wonder by looking at pictures of it! During summertime, you might need to schedule your visit there if you value privacy while proposing.
Where located: South Iceland. 2 hours and 2 minutes drive away from Reykjavik.
Best time to visit: Access to the waterfall is all year round. Spring-Autumn is best to walk behind the waterfall. During wintertime, the path behind the waterfall might not be easy to access without crampons.
Proposal tips: The landowner has limited some spots on where to access since they are trying to grow back the grass and protect the land that has been damaged due to visitors to the waterfall. Talk with your local photographer for the best options.
Þórufoss waterfall
Broad 18-meter-high falls on the river Laxá í Kjós, used as a filming location in "Game of Thrones." During wintertime, Porufoss is known to freeze all over. During spring and autumn access to walk a path to the waterfall itself is good if there is no snow or ice on the path.
Where located: Close to Reykjavik. Only 47 minutes drive away from Reykjavik.
When to visit: From spring til autumn your able to walk down a path to the waterfall itself. Wintertime there might not be access due to frozen paths and very slippery rocks on the path.
Proposal tips: If you're proposing during wintertime, schedule the proposal for daylight times. The example picture above was photographed in January during sunrise time and that’s how we got the sunlight in pictures.
Say Yes in Iceland: black sand beaches
Stokksnes beach
The black sand beach is located in the east, close to Höfn town. Known for its mountain, Vestrahorn, in the background. It’s a less visited beach since it’s outside of the ring road, even if it’s only a 20-minute detour. The beach Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain also offer different hiking trails.
Where located: In the east of Iceland. 6 hours and 13 minutes drive away from Reykjavik.
When to visit: Access to the beach is open all year round.
Proposal tips: You need to pay an entry fee to get to the beach. Besides paying to enter the beach, you also get to visit a Viking village in the same area. Wear good shoes when visiting the beach.
Reynisfraja beach.
Reynisfraja Beach is known for its black sand and also for its very moody atmosphere. It’s also one of the most rainiest places in South Iceland. Being one of the most visited beaches in Iceland, it needs scheduling to have your elopement at Black Sand Beach and to visit with less tourist time of the day.
Where located: In South Iceland, the drive time is 2 hours and 36 minutes.
When to visit: Access to visit Reynisfraja is open all year round.
Proposal tips: Visitors to Reynisfjara must be made well aware of the potential dangers present at the beach. First of all, the rolling, roaring waves of Reynisfjara are particularly violent, often pushing far further up the beach than many would expect. These are called sneaker waves, and they can appear when least expected, even on incredibly still days. There are no significant landmasses in between Antarctica and the shores of Reynisfjara, meaning waves have thousands of kilometres to build. A number of people have died because of sneaker waves.
Visitors are advised to never turn their back on the waves, and keep a safe distance of at least 30 meters (98 feet).!!
Wear good shoes when visiting the beach.
Djúpalónssandur beach.
Djúpalónssandur is a sandy beach and bay on the foot of Snæfellsjökull in Iceland. It’s a beach known for its high lava walls. The beach was formed from volcanic activity back in the day and when visiting the beach you can see how the volcanic activity formed the beach.
Where located: In Snaefellsnes peninsula, drive time from Reykjavik is 2 hours and 47 minutes.
When to visit: Access to visit Djúpalónssandur is open all year round.
Proposal tips: Just like Reynisfraja, Djúpalónssandur, can also get strong waves from the ocean and can pull visitors to the ocean.
Wear good shoes when visiting the beach.
Epic Proposal Locations: ice caves
Katla Ice Cave.
Iceland's ice caves should only be visited with a professional guide and appropriate gear. The professional guides know the areas best, they know the glaciers and ice caves and also drive in bumpy road conditions. Ice caves are forever changing and they shape themselves. During summertime, there is a higher risk of ice cave melting and falling ice on you. This is why you should never visit a glacier alone.
Katla ice caves are all the time changing and re-shaping themselves. The pictures you find online or on Instagram might be from ice caves that don’t exist anymore.
Where located: In South Iceland. The tour pick-up and drop-off is in Vik town, that is 2 hours and 29 minutes drive from Reykjavik. From Vik, you will be transported with a jeep to the ice caves and drive time is around 40 minutes.
When to visit: Access to Katla is available all year round. The ice caves do change a lot during summertime due to higher temperatures.
Proposal tips: For the best proposal experience, book a private ice cave tour.
Ice caves in Vatnajökull.
Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, offering enormous options for glacier and ice cave visiting. Just like Katla ice caves, you cannot visit these without a professional glacier and ice cave guide and there is no road access to the different areas with a regular car and you also need a permit to drive there.
Where located: In South-East Iceland. Depending on which part of Vatnajökull your proposal would be taking place, the drive time from Reykjavik is from 4 hours and 17 minutes to 6 hours.
When to visit: Vatnajökull glacier is one of the glaciers that are highly affected due to global warming. This does affect ice caves melting. Recommended times to visit these are from the middle of September till April.
Proposal tips: Book a private tour for the best proposal experience in the ice caves! One of the most significant advantages of booking a private tour is that it offers a personalized experience. Unlike a group tour, a private tour allows you to customize your itinerary according to your preferences. You can spend more time at the ice caves, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, or take a break whenever you want. With a private tour, you'll have a guide who can tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring that your visit to the ice caves is an enriching and memorable experience.
Propose with a View: canyons.
Nauthúsagil canyon.
To get inside the canyon, you need to be wearing Wellington boots since on the way to Nauthusagil, you will be making river crossings. Waterproof hiking boots are not always enough to keep the water away. This proposed location is definitely for adventurous couples since, at one point of the journey, you need to climb up a chain in order to proceed with the journey. The walking route in Nauthusagil is over 20 minutes and at the end of it, you will see a waterfall.
Where located: In South Iceland. Drive time from Reykjavik is 2 hours. To get to Nauhusagil, you need to have a 4x4 car, regular small cars won’t make it well since there are some small river crossings.
When to visit: During summertime.
Proposal tips: Don’t hesitate to get Wellington boots. The path is 99% hopping on rocks in a river.
How to Plan the Perfect Proposal in Iceland
To ensure everything goes smoothly, careful planning and preparation are essential. Here are some key tips to help you propose in Iceland successfully.
Timing and Weather Considerations.
One of the first things to consider when planning your proposal in Iceland is the timing. Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, with significant variations between seasons. Understanding the best time to visit can help you choose the right location and ensure a seamless experience.
Summer (June to September): This is the peak tourist season, offering long days with nearly 24 hours of daylight, known as the midnight sun. The weather is relatively mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring natural attractions. Waterfalls are at their fullest, and the landscapes are lush and green. However, popular spots can be crowded, so plan for early mornings or late evenings for a more intimate experience.
Winter (November to March): Winter in Iceland is magical, with snowy landscapes and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. However, the weather can be harsh, with short daylight hours and potentially challenging driving conditions. If you're planning a winter proposal, be prepared for cold temperatures and possible weather-related disruptions.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons offer a balance between decent weather and fewer tourists. Spring brings blooming flowers and melting snow, while autumn offers stunning fall colors. Both seasons also provide opportunities to see the Northern Lights with less competition from other visitors.
Regardless of the season, always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Iceland's weather can change rapidly, so being prepared is crucial.
Importance of Planning and Logistics for the proposal
Careful planning and logistics are essential to ensure your proposal goes off without a hitch. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended for getting around Iceland, as many beautiful locations are best accessed by road. Ensure you have a reliable vehicle, especially if you're visiting in winter when roads can be icy. Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and conditions.
Accommodation: Book your accommodations in advance, particularly if you're visiting during peak seasons. Choose locations that are conveniently located near your proposed spot to minimize travel time.
Permits: Some locations in Iceland may require permits for certain activities or photography. Research your chosen spot to ensure you have the necessary permissions. For example, proposing within a national park or at a popular tourist site might require advance arrangements.
Professional Photography/Videography Services on capturing the proposal.
Capturing the moment of your proposal is a priceless keepsake. Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to document this special occasion. Iceland is home to many talented photographers who specialize in engagement and proposal shoots, and they can also help with location scouting and timing to ensure the best possible lighting and backdrop.
Professional services can also provide valuable insights into less-known, yet equally stunning, locations, helping you avoid crowded spots. Moreover, they can assist in navigating the often unpredictable weather, ensuring that you get the best possible shots regardless of the conditions.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Respecting local customs and etiquette is important when proposing in a foreign country. Icelanders are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, but it's still crucial to be mindful of a few key points:
Respect Nature: Iceland's natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions, but it's also fragile. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Privacy: While public proposals can be charming, be considerate of other visitors, especially in popular tourist areas. Choose a spot and time that allows for a private moment without causing a disturbance.
Cultural Sensitivity: Learn a bit about Icelandic culture and customs before your trip. For instance, understanding local greetings and basic phrases can go a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the local culture.
Backup Plan for Weather Disruptions on the proposal day
Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by sudden changes. Having a backup plan is essential to ensure your proposal can go ahead smoothly, regardless of the weather.
Flexible Itinerary: Build some flexibility into your travel plans. If possible, allocate a few days for your proposal to account for potential weather disruptions. This way, if your preferred location is inaccessible on one day, you can try again on another.
Alternative Locations: Identify a few alternative proposal spots in advance. If your primary location is affected by bad weather, having backup locations ensures you still have a beautiful setting for your proposal. For example, if an outdoor location is too windy or rainy, consider proposing a cosy café with a view or at a geothermal hot spring.
Indoor Options: If the weather is particularly uncooperative, have an indoor option in mind. Iceland offers many unique indoor settings, such as charming churches, museums, or even your cosy hotel room with a scenic view.
Additional Romantic Activities in Iceland.
Iceland offers a range of activities that are perfect for couples. Here are some additional romantic activities in Iceland that will make your trip unforgettable.
Romantic Hot Spring Baths
Iceland is famous for its geothermal activity, and there are numerous hot springs where you can relax and enjoy the warm, soothing waters with your partner. Here are a few top spots:
Secret Lagoon: Located in the small village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is one of Iceland's oldest natural hot springs. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, it offers a more rustic and less commercialized experience. The water temperature is perfect for a relaxing soak, and the surrounding natural environment adds to the romantic atmosphere. It's an excellent spot for couples looking for a quieter and more authentic hot spring experience.
Mývatn Nature Baths: Situated in North Iceland, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and Lake Mývatn. The mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. The relatively remote location means fewer crowds, allowing you and your partner to enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience.
Horseback Riding on Icelandic Horses
Icelandic horses are known for their small size, friendly nature, and unique gait called the tölt. Horseback riding is a wonderful way to explore Iceland's diverse landscapes and connect with nature. Several companies offer guided tours suitable for all skill levels:
Nupshestar. You can ride through lava fields, alongside rivers, and past the Highlands of Iceland. From 1 one-hour riding tour, you can even have a 5-day riding journey in the Highlands themselves.
Vik horse adventures. Have you dreamed of riding a horse on the black sand beach itself? Then this is an amazing dream come true for you. The Riding Tour is the approximately one-hour duration and we welcome riders of all abilities who are looking for a gentle ride in our stunning surroundings!
Exploring Ice Caves and Glaciers
Iceland's glaciers and ice caves are some of the country's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Exploring these icy landscapes is a thrilling and romantic adventure:
Vatnajökull Glacier: As Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull offers several ice cave tours that allow you to explore the mesmerizing blue ice formations. Guided tours typically start from the town of Jökulsárlón and provide all the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable experience. Walking through the crystal-clear ice tunnels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you and your partner will cherish.
Langjökull Glacier: Located in West Iceland, Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in the country. One of the unique attractions here is the man-made ice tunnel that takes you deep into the glacier. Guided tours allow you to explore the stunning ice formations and learn about the glacier's history. It's a fascinating and romantic way to experience the beauty of Iceland's icy landscapes.
Skaftafell Ice Cave Tours: Situated in Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell offers a variety of ice cave tours. These tours take you to some of the most beautiful and accessible ice caves in the area. The tours are led by experienced guides who ensure your safety while providing insightful information about the glaciers and their formations.
Private Tours and Luxury Stays.
For those looking to add a touch of luxury and exclusivity to their Icelandic adventure, private tours and luxury accommodations are the way to go:
Private Tours: Several companies offer private tours that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you want to explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, or the remote Westfjords, private tours provide a more personalized and intimate experience. You'll have the flexibility to set your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path locations that are less crowded.
Luxury Stays: Iceland boasts a range of luxury accommodations that offer exceptional comfort and stunning views. Here are a few top choices:
ION Adventure Hotel: Located near Thingvellir National Park, ION Adventure Hotel offers modern accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields. The hotel's Northern Lights Bar is a fantastic spot to watch the aurora borealis in winter.
Hotel Ranga: Situated in South Iceland, Hotel Ranga is known for its cosy log cabin-style accommodations and excellent service. The hotel offers various suites, including the luxurious Master Suite, which features a private balcony with hot tub views of the Hekla volcano.
Hotel Jökursarlon: My absolutely favourite hotel to stay at in Iceland. There is no other breakfast buffet like this one!
More proposal planning tips:
Looking for the most outstanding place where to propose? Contact our proposal photographer and proposal planner. We will make it easy, stress-free, fun and an outstanding experience. All the bookings, planning and logistics will be made for you. All you need is to come to Iceland and have the ring for you.
