Introduction
Let me guess: you and your partner have a few precious days off, a shared craving for somewhere wildly romantic, and just enough energy to panic-Google “long weekend in Iceland” after your third flat white. Sadly, I’m not a magician, or a genie for that matter – but I can grant you the wish of answering that search to the best of my ability.
A long weekend in Iceland can be anything you want it to be: steamy hot springs, epic waterfalls, candlelit dinners in greenhouses, or simply cosying up in a boutique hotel with delicate touches so good they make your phone’s storage weep. The secret to a truly unforgettable couples’ escape? The perfect base – without further ado, I give you The Hill Hotel.
As someone who knows Iceland like the back of his frost-nipped hands, I can say with full confidence: this place is the romantic, rejuvenating base you’ve been dreaming of.
Why Iceland Is the Perfect Long Weekend Destination for Couples
It’s got everything: dramatic landscapes, natural hot tubs, a sense of peaceful isolation, and the kind of scenery that makes you fall in love all over again.
Iceland lends itself beautifully to romance — whether you’re road-tripping through volcanic plains or soaking in hot springs with steam curling up around you.
In just three or four days, you can travel from waterfalls to glaciers, from ancient lava fields to serene countryside hideaways.
And in May, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, blooming valleys, and fewer crowds.
After all, there’s something wonderfully irreplacable about having a waterfall all to yourself.
Why Base Yourself at the Hill Hotel in Flúðir
You could base yourself in Reykjavik and spend half your time in traffic.
Or you could stay in Flúðir — a quiet, geothermal village at the heart of the Golden Circle — and let the magic of Iceland unfold right outside your door.
The Hill Hotel offers the ideal mix of comfort and location.
It’s tucked away just enough to feel like an escape, yet perfectly positioned for effortless day trips to the country’s best-known sights.
And after each adventure, you return to calm surroundings, warm hospitality, and proper countryside stillness.
The Secret Lagoon – A Soak Steeped in Icelandic Tradition
On your first afternoon, after checking in to the Hill Hotel, it’s only right to walk to the nearby Secret Lagoon.
This natural hot spring is one of the oldest in Iceland, and it’s everything a couple needs after a flight and drive.
Warm, mineral-rich water. Steam rising into crisp air. The odd plop of geothermal activity in the background. It’s unspoilt, authentic, and far less crowded than its more commercial cousins.
Relax into the water, watch the late afternoon light play across the hills, and breathe in that sweet, sulphur-tinged air (you’re now taking the first few steps in becoming a Viking). Your trip has begun.
Fríðheimar – Dining in a Tomato Paradise
Dinner on your first night should be somewhere memorable, and Fríðheimar delivers just that.
Inside a working greenhouse, rows of tomato plants stretch upwards, surrounding a cosy restaurant that serves dishes entirely inspired by the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit).
Whether it’s fresh tomato soup with crusty bread, pasta tossed in slow-cooked sauce, or a Bloody Mary made from house-grown ingredients, everything here feels hearty and thoughtful.
It’s a unique dining experience and an easy stroll from the hotel – no need to bring your own Ketchup.
Gullfoss – Iceland’s Most Roaring Romance
The next morning, start your exploration of the Golden Circle with a visit to Gullfoss.
This powerful waterfall drops into a rugged canyon, throwing mist high into the air and sometimes catching the sun in a perfect rainbow arc.
It’s dramatic, loud, and deeply humbling — nature reminding you that yes, this is a proper adventure.
Wander the footpaths together, take it in from different angles, and let the raw energy of the place soak into your skin.
For those of you who wander about some of the tales of old – gaze across both sides of this mighty wonder and know that with great powerful falls also came a great and powerful romance.
Split by the thunderous waters, a farmers daughter and young man fell hopelessly in love with each other without ever being able to hear or reach the other.
Until one day the man braved the shallower waters on a more restful (a less Global Warming kinda time) day, and at long last got to embrace and marry his one true love and went on to have a number of children which continued to live on the lands for generations and generations to come (so, I assume they didn’t divorce!)
Geysir – The Original Icelandic Showstopper
A short drive from Gullfoss is the Haukadalur geothermal area, home to the famous Geysir.
While the original namesake is now less active, Strokkur is still going strong — erupting every 5 to 10 minutes and shooting boiling water 20 metres into the air.
Standing nearby, you feel the rumble, the suspense, and then the sudden, explosive rush. It’s exhilarating and strangely satisfying.
The whole valley bubbles and hisses like a cauldron, and the scent of sulphur adds to the otherworldly feel.
Þingvellir – Where Worlds and Histories Meet
Your next stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart.
The park is not only a geological marvel but also the site of Iceland’s first parliament.
Stroll through its rift valleys, past clear spring-fed streams and ancient lava. It’s a peaceful, powerful place.
There’s something grounding about walking where history and geology intersect.
Langjökull – A Glacier Adventure Worth Braving the Cold
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a snowmobiling excursion on Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
You’ll be driven up into the highlands and then whisked across snowfields with nothing but the crunch of ice under your wheels.
It’s fast, exhilarating, and incredibly scenic — like starring in your own Nordic action film.
And once the helmets come off, it’s all wide eyes and cold noses. An experience to warm up from together.
Skálholt – A Moment of Peace and History
Back near Flúðir, take time to visit Skálholt, a small but historically significant site that was once the centre of religious life in Iceland.
The modern cathedral stands on the ruins of its medieval predecessor, and the surrounding countryside stretches in every direction.
It’s a quiet spot, ideal for a slower morning or afternoon.
Sit on a bench, look out over the fields, and let the silence settle in – or take the chance to take a peek within a traditional turf house right outside.
Reykjadalur – A Hike and Dip Like No Other
For something more active, head to Reykjadalur, or “Steam Valley.”
The walk takes about an hour each way along a well-marked trail through hills, geothermal vents, and panoramic views. Your reward? A naturally warm river perfect for a soak.
There are no changing rooms, no frills — just warm, flowing water and the open sky.
It’s rustic, authentic, and deeply satisfying after the climb. A highlight for any adventurous pair.
Selfoss – Coffee, Conversation and Local Charm
Selfoss is a charming riverside town perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Its cafés are welcoming, its bookshops curious, and the pace is slow in the best way.
Pop in for coffee and cake, browse Icelandic wool goods, and enjoy being somewhere that still feels genuinely local.
It’s not a headline attraction — and that’s the point.
It’s a glimpse into everyday Iceland, and a reminder that not everything has to be extreme to be beautiful.
Reykjavik – A Cultural Detour (If Time Allows)
If your flight allows, swing by Reykjavik on your final day.
The city is small but vibrant, with excellent coffee, independent shops, street art, and seafood to write home about.
You could easily spend a few hours exploring before heading to the airport.
Grab pastries from Brauð & Co., stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy one last hit of Icelandic atmosphere before boarding your flight.
What Makes the Hill Hotel So Perfect for Two
Beyond the location and the views, the Hill Hotel offers a rare sense of serenity that’s hard to find in a world increasingly obsessed with speed.
Nestled in the geothermal heart of South Iceland, it provides not just a place to sleep but a chance to properly pause.
The rooms are warm and thoughtfully designed, blending modern Nordic simplicity with comfort that invites slow mornings and unhurried evenings.
The pace at the Hill Hotel is refreshingly gentle.
There are no distractions here apart from birdsong, distant rivers, and the occasional splash of geothermal pools.
The hotel’s lounge area is perfect for sharing a coffee or a well earned drink or two, thumbing through a novel, or planning your next day’s adventure together.
The walking paths nearby offer quiet communion with nature, whether you’re wandering at dawn or stretching your legs after dinner.
What sets it apart most, though, is how easy it becomes to simply exist. Not perform, not rush — just be.
Whether you’re watching the sky shift colours from the warmth of your bed or enjoying a glass of wine under the stars with the steam of the Secret Lagoon drifting nearby, the Hill Hotel quietly but powerfully becomes part of the story of your trip.
It’s a place to reconnect — with Iceland, with each other, and with yourself.
What to Pack for a Long Weekend in Iceland
When packing for a long weekend in Iceland, think versatility.
Start with thermal base layers to keep warm during early morning outings or when the wind picks up.
Over those, add jumpers or fleeces for insulation, and top it all with a quality waterproof jacket and trousers — not just for rain but for the spray from waterfalls like Gullfoss or misty hikes in places like Reykjadalur.
Swimwear is essential, as you’ll likely find yourself in one or more geothermal pools throughout the trip.
Whether you’re relaxing at the Secret Lagoon or dipping into a naturally warm river in a mountain valley, you won’t want to miss out because you forgot a pair of trunks.
Footwear is equally important. Choose sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip for varied terrain — from gravel trails and muddy paths to boardwalks and icy patches.
A pair of comfortable shoes for casual wear or evenings at the hotel can also come in handy.
Don’t forget accessories: gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf will serve you well even in spring, especially in the wind.
Sunglasses can be surprisingly useful too, particularly with the glare from snowfields or low sun on bright days.
Bring a decent camera or ensure your phone has ample storage — Iceland is endlessly photogenic, and you’ll want to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to the steam curling off a hot spring. A power bank is useful for keeping devices charged during long excursions, but I sense a member of Gen Z will be more helpful with the latter.
Finally, pack your sense of adventure. It might not fit in your suitcase, but it will be your most valuable companion on this journey through Iceland’s untamed beauty.
Final Thoughts: Iceland for Two
Iceland is the kind of place that lingers.
It’s raw, beautiful, unpredictable — and perfect for a long weekend escape. With the Hill Hotel in Flúðir as your base, you get the very best of Iceland: the iconic sights, the hidden corners, the warmth, and the stillness.
It’s a destination that invites you to be present, to explore without hurry, and to share something meaningful. And isn’t that what a great couple’s getaway is all about?
Book your stay, pack your layers, and prepare for a few unforgettable days in one of the world’s most extraordinary places.