From Iceland — Grapevine's Best Of 2016: Best Place For A Romantic Sunset

Words by

Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Place For a Romantic Sunset

Winner: Grótta
Seltjarnarnes peninsula
The area of Grótta is something of a hidden gem. At the end of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, not far from the centre of Reykjavík, there’s a lonely, windblown, red-topped lighthouse, with a walkable causeway that’s only accessible at certain times, depending on the tide. There’s a black beach, a miniature hot pot, and a nature reserve. On a clear evening, you can see the silhouette of the Snæfellsjökull glacier against the pink sky. What could be more romantic?

Runner up: Old Harbour
Ægisgarður
Reykjavík’s old harbour area is perfect for a seaside sunset stroll. You can watch the boats coming in and out, visit the little lighthouses behind Harpa, or follow the painted lines to a bustling district of cafes and restaurants, perhaps finishing with a cocktail at Slippbarinn.

Runner Up: Laugarnes
Laugarnes
For something a bit more secluded, take a walk along Sæbraut, past the Sun Voyager sculpture, and keep going to an outcropping of land known as Laugarnes. There’s a sculpture garden there, and some tucked away benches with views across the sea to Viðey Island and Mount Esja.