Last Words: What Is The Perfect Reykjavík Valentine’s Day Date?

This issue, we reached out to some friends of the Grapevine to ask a simple question: what is the perfect Reykjavík Valentine’s Day date? Here are some of the responses.

“My ideal Reykjavík Valentine’s Day is the perfect mix of reservations and spontaneity, with an excuse to dress up! Start with a glass of Prosecco at a tucked-away spot like 10 Sopar or Gilligogg, followed by dinner indulgent enough for the occasion — Grillmarkaðurinn, KOL, or Monkeys. I’d personally love to catch a show where we’d hopefully run into some friends, before heading home for the best part: kicking off my heels.” — Hrefna Helgadóttir, talent manager

“Plan the perfect date like a novel with a three-act structure: Set the scene with a blood orange and espresso. Romantic action builds as you go cross-country skiing around Hólmsheiði, or ice skating on Tjörnin. Tension arises when one of you falls and is not graceful about it (the conflict). That’s when you bring out the thermos and two love balls from Geirabakarí. The climax hits as you enjoy those balls, bathed in the golden winter sun. For the falling action, visit the sexy silent sauna at Vesturbæjarlaug. The final resolution is a glass of wine and dinner at Eldofninn.” — Rán Flygenring, artist

“Ok so I think I’ve only been on maybe two dates my whole life and I’m not even sure I realised that they were dates. Just the thought of dating freaks me out!!!!!!

But what I really like to do is have cute hangs with my besties, you know, watch a movie in bíó, go to karaoke, work side-by-side at a café without talking. Or playing shows with my friends ofc. Like on Valentine’s Day I’m playing an epic gig with lúpína and Sunna Margrét at Smekkleysa! Crying on the dance floor is allowed.” — Ida Schuften Juhl, musician

“For me, the perfect Valentine’s Day date has to include a trip to the swimming pool. It might not seem romantic; showering with strangers and then holding hands in the hot tub while old men talk about politics and children splash in the distance. However, the combination of unwritten swimming pool etiquette (no kissing) and minimal clothing (while not kissing), provides the perfect amount of tension to a date. Random snippets of conversation overheard in the pool will then produce ample material for discussion during dinner. 10/10, comes recommended.” — Þorbjörg Þorvaldsdóttir, politician & activist

“For me, the perfect Valentine’s Day would begin by sleeping in with your partner and cuddling for a while. Then you’d pop out to a bakery, 280 Bakery on Njálsgata to be precise, take it home, and enjoy it with coffee. Next would be a trip to Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur for some relaxation and one ritual round, and then straight from there to Matur og Drykkur, the best restaurant in Reykjavík. After dinner, you might stop by Bingo for one or two drinks, and then head home for a cozy evening.” — Björgúlfur Jes Einarsson, musician