Honeymoon Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

Photo courtesy of Christine Zenino via Flickr

Iceland has been amping up its tourism in the last year, inviting people to spend a few days or a few weeks enjoying everything it has to offer. For a newly-married couple looking to enjoy their honeymoon, the city of Reykjavik has much to offer.

Photo courtesy of Gavian Hellier via Getty Images

The world’s most northern capital city has many gay-friendly hotels, bars, and nightclubs for those looking for a more glamorous way to relax after their wedding. Before partying at night, couples can explore Iceland’s many natural beauties. Iceland has many hot springs, both man-made and natural. Couples can enjoy a thematic dip at a spa or in a natural lagoon.

Photo courtesy of Hristo via In Search of Balance

The country is also known for its many waterfalls. Couples can hike around and explore the ones that surround the capital such as Öxaráfoss waterfalls, a 43-minute drive northeast of Reykjavik.

Photo courtesy of Jerick Parrone via Flickr

The Imagine Peace Tower, Yoko Ono’s memorial to honour John Lennon, also demands a visit. Located on Viðey Island in Kollafjörður Bay near Reykjavik, a tall tower of light is projected from the white stone monument during various weeks of the year, creating a beacon of peace. The words “Imagine Peace” are carved into the stone in 24 different languages.

Photo courtesy of imaginepeacetower via Instagram

Iceland has been described as one of the friendliest and most inclusive places on the planet. It has a proud LGBTQ community that has been celebrating its Pride March for the last 17 years, one of the long-running queer parades in Europe. It has also hosted the Bears on Ice weekend for the last decade, the biggest gay event in Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Páll Stefánsson

In 1996 registered partnerships with same-sex couples became legal in Iceland, and 10 years later same-sex couples were granted equal rights without any limitations. It is also the first country in the world to elect an openly gay head of state. Iceland is a forward-thinking country and continues to warmly welcome LGBTQ visitors each year.

Photo courtesy of Vilhelm Gunnarsson via Iceland Magazine

Leah Morrison is a Toronto-based writer who loves weddings, boating and Oreos. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.