Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away and we think the best gift you can give your sweetie is to whisk them away for a rendezvous a deux! We’re always seeking out the most romantic destinations since we’re celebrating both Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary. So we’ve compiled this list of 7 of the most romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day to snuggle up with your loved one on:
7. Durango, Colorado
Why Durango? Enjoy the Colorado winter with a horse drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful winter snowscapes of Hermosa Cliff and around the frozen Haviland Lake. Or race snow mobiles up and down the mountains and through the winding tree trails at Purgatory Ski Area. Or stroll around the historic town of Silverton, tucked in Colorado’s stunning San Juan Mountains at 9,318 feet.
Where to have a romantic meal? Have a romantic brunch complete with champagne and chocolates on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Brunch Train.
Where to stay? The historic Strater Hotel is full of Victorian charm and located right in the heart of downtown Durango. It’s perfect for evening strolls about town and close to many restaurants. Room rates from $106 per nights.
6. Filzmoos, Austria
Why Filzmoos? The idyllic village of Filzmoos looks like something out of a fairytale with quaint alpine chalets lighting up the mountain sides under the watch of the Bischofsmütze Mountain. Hold hands on a walk through the romantic countryside and see if you can spot any deer running through the forest. Or take a romantic horse drawn sleigh ride up to the quiet Oberhofalm, a historic mountain hut from 1648 with stunning views, and warm up with Glühwein and homemade apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce. (Book sleigh rides at [email protected]) And if hitting the slopes are your idea of a romantic getaway, there are ski runs of all levels of difficulty in the quiet mountain town.
Where to have a romantic meal? Share a bottle of wine in the cozy restaurant at Hotel Bischofsmütze. Start off with Knoblauch soup (creamy garlic soup) for two and try local specialties like the venison stew in a creamy mushroom broth with a cranberry poached pear.
Where to stay? Landhaus Filzmoos has loads of charm and romantic balconies overlook the Bograinlift ski run and the village. Winter rates are €37 per adult and breakfast is included.
5. Oslo, Norway
Why Oslo? Not as secluded as the other destinations on our list, Oslo offers a wide variety of activities such as visiting the Akershus Fortress, a variety of museums, or even attending an opera. Wrap up together in a blanket as you take a mini cruise around the Oslofjord. Or walk hand-in-hand through the wintry scenes at Vigeland sculpture park. Cap off the evening with drinks at Magic Ice Bar Oslo. Kept at a cool -5° Celsius (23° Fahrenheit) all the time, you’ll need to snuggle up to honey to keep warm!
Where to have a romantic meal? Cafe Sorgenfri is practically a museum of collectibles of days-gone-by. If you’re musically inclined, you can even play your sweetheart a love song on the piano! It has a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for scooting your chairs together while dining on the delectable food. Try the chef’s special 3-course tasting menu for
Where to stay? Elegant and characterized by a unique style, Hotel Bristol feels romantic from the minute you walk into its doors. Right in the city center, it is an easy walk to many of Oslo’s attractions. And when you feel like staying in for a bit of romance, the 1920’s style rooms are more than inviting. Norwegians know how to do breakfast and it is a lavish affair with everything from cooked-to-order omelets to yogurt parfaits and smoothies. Basically everything to give you energy for the day – or romantic night – ahead! Prices from $270 per night.
4. Tromsø, Norway
Why Tromsø? Located 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a unique getaway. Spend the days having adventures like dog sledding across the unspoilt wilderness of the Lyngen Alps and laughing like kids again as you race toboggans. At night, take a romantic reindeer sled ride on a rural farm where Sami people live and herd reindeer. Lay back as the jingle of the reindeer’s bells slices through the stillness of the night and watch for the Northern Lights!
Where to have a romantic meal? Set on the top floor of a sprawling antique warehouse, you’ll find many locals dining on the fresh catch at Arctandria, Tromsø’s best fish restaurant. Flickering candles add romance as you look out over the water. Try the trio of crab and reindeer filet.
Where to stay? Because of the Scandic Ishavshotel Tromsø‘s unique location on the quay, nearly all rooms have romantic views over the harbor, Ishavskatedralen, and Tromsdalen. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of all of Tromsø’s attractions and has an award winning breakfast developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Olympic Team. And if you’re too exhausted to keep watch for the Northern Lights after an evening of Love Olympics, the hotel offers an Aurora wake up call upon request. Room rates vary by season.
3. Gubbio, Italy
Why Gubbio? Gubbio is a well-preserved Medieval town in Umbria, quite near to Perguia. Explore the 14th and 15th century houses, the 1st century Roman theater, and wander through the winding streets. Sunsets are stunning on nearby Lake Trasimeno and the lakeside promenade is perfect for an evening stroll. Or wander around the university town of Perugia and take a guided tour of the Perugina Chocolate Factory. Wine lovers can visit local wineries in the area for tastings. What’s sexier than a day filled with wine and chocolate?
Where to have a romantic meal? A candlelit dinner in Castello di Petroia’s ancient Accumandugi Hall is magical, especially if you can snag a table right in front of the roaring fireplace! Enjoy a bottle of Umbrian red wine and let the chef tickle your taste buds with home made Umbrian specialties.
Where to stay? Can you think of anything more romantic than holing up in a real-life castle for a few days?Surrounded by the beautiful Italian country landscapes and snow-capped mountains of Umbria, Castello di Petroia is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. Soak in the en-suite whirlpool bath made for two while sipping on Umbrian wine. Prices in winter from €110 per night.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Why Zermatt? Zermatt lies at the foot of one of the world’s most famous mountains, the Matterhorn. The pristine mountain village is closed to cars and horse carriages serving as taxis are not an uncommon sight. Romance ensues in Swiss chalets dotting the hillsides. Cozy restaurants invite you in to sit close together while sharing fondue for two and a bottle of wine after a day of skiing the more than 360 kilometers of pistes in this world famous ski resort.
Where to have a romantic meal? Share a bottle of Pinot Noir and a Fondue Chinoise, a type of Swiss hot pot in which you look your meat in the broth, at Restaurant Stadel.
Where to stay? Spend one night in a romantic igloo for two at Iglu Dorf Zermatt. Share a cheese fondue dinner in the igloo restaurant and then take a starlit snowshoe walk around the igloo village. Before bed, soak in the hot tub under the stars with a glass of Prosecco. You’ll need to snuggle up together in the special expedition sleeping bag for two atop sheepskins to share body heat all night. Prices around $280 per person.
After a night at Iglu Dorf, stay at the Sunstar Style Hotel in the village of Zermatt. An ample breakfast including eggs, pancakes, fresh fruits, and a selection of alpine cheeses gives you energy to head out for a day of winter sports. The spa offers an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath to relax tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Snuggle up with stunning village and mountain views in the evening. Winter rates from around $220 per night.
1. Mývatn, Iceland
Why Mývatn? During the daytime, the sun glints off the snow covered lava formations from an eruption 2300 years ago. With very few visitors to Iceland’s north during winter, you’ll be able to explore the mysterious pseudo craters and interesting lava pillars practically by yourself. Ease your tensions away by taking a romantic bath in a natural lava cave at Grjótagjá Thermal Spring. If a bath in a cave sounds a bit too adventurous, visit the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths and soak in the thermal waters surrounded by snow-covered lava rocks. And as darkness falls, snuggle up with honey under a starry sky as you keep watch for the magical Northern Lights to dance across the sky.
Where to have a romantic meal? Try the lovely log cabin style Vogafjós Coowshed Cafe. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow you to keep watch in case the Aurora Borealis makes an early appearance. Serving home cooked Icelandic specialties from the area, you’ll find arctic char from the lake, lamb from the farm, and homemade ice cream made from milk from the cows on the menu.
Where to stay? The log cabins of Vogafjós Guesthouse are simple and designed for nothing but a night of romance! Pick-up some bottles of wine at the duty-free shop at the airport and talk the night away. Northern Lights viewing is typically best from 11pm – 2am and, if they make an appearance, can be seen right from your log cabin. In winter, a double room with private bathroom and breakfast is around $120 per night.
Adam says
Think I’d prefer the one in Italy simply because of the food 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The food at the castle was amazing, Adam! The chef had a special pasta he had made that night with black truffles and wild boar. It was delicious! Though I’m quite sure anything on the menu would be equally so.
Cathy Sweeney says
I’ve taken a ride on the Durango-Silverton train — but it wasn’t romantic since I was about 13 and with my parents! Better go again with the hubby. A sleigh ride is totally romantic – especially if in such a beautiful place. Love your romantic places selections!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Sounds like it’s time to take another trip to Durango for a more romantic ride, Cathy!
Sofie says
Boyfriend and I usually don’t do anything special for Valentine’s Day, but if we’d be offered a trip to one of those palces, I wouldn’t hesitate!:)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
They were all fantastic, Sophie! Though Iceland remains our favorite.
Poposito Popositos says
I wish I could be there.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks for sharing our post, Poposito! We hope you can make it to Durango one day soon.
Andrea says
These all sound delightful! We’re heading up to northern Norway for a belated V-day celebration, hoping to catch the Northern Lights…we’ll be celebrating our 100 month anniversary this year =)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Happy Anniversary! Where in Northern Norway are you headed? I hope you get to see the Northern Lights. They are so magical!
Ali says
That reindeer sleigh ride looks awesome!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The reindeer sleigh ride was a lot of fun. It was a very dark, snowy night so you literally could see nothing but the outline of reindeer and hear their bells.
European Travelista says
Now I would not have put Durango in the romantic category but after seeing your pictures and write up, I'm sold! Zermatt is always romantic. I'd love to visit Filzmoos and Gubbio. They all looked beautiful but those are the ones that stood out to me!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, European Travelista! Filzmoos was a surprisingly gem we discovered and had never heard of before. Storybook like, really. And Umbria is quickly becoming one of our favorite regions in Italy. It's too bad we passed over it for so long first.
Deb says
I love your suggestions and I love how they are all in winter destinations. I find winter locations more romantic than anywhere else as well. There’s something wonderful about getting cozy in front of the fire with a glass of wine after being out in the snow all day. Happy Valentines Day!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Deb! There is definitely the romantic factor in snuggling up together. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Dave!
Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says
You two certainly love the snow, haha, though I guess the cold increases the snuggle factor by 100.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I think living in the desert for the 12 years we lived in Las Vegas and Phoenix has us missing the snow. It’s rare for it to snow where live in Italy too, though we are much closer to snow now with all the ski resorts fairly close. And there’s just something so romantic about a cozy fire after a day out playing in the snow.
Stef says
That actually a great idea to spend Valentine’s Day in the snow and have some really comfy days. But I guess as Germany is already pretty cold in February, I’d prefer to enjoy some days in the sun 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We can definitely understand that, Stef! It’s cold in Italy too, just not quite cold enough to snow where we live.
The GypsyNesters says
When I saw the snow involved, I have to admit I wasn’t excited. 😉 THEN I saw reindeer rides, igloos and northern lights – okay – need to start naggin’ for one of these! Thanks for sharing! -Veronica
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely all great reasons to bundle up for!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs says
Some great choices I must admit. i would go either for Zermatt to ski or for Iceland to finally see the Northern Lights 🙂
Elena says
We went to Durango last year- definitely a beautiful place with fabulous skiing. Would love to go to Zermatt one of these days.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We weren’t in to skiing yet when we visited Durango. We did other fun snow sports like snowmobiling. We’ll have to make it back for Tim to hit the slopes there!
Laura says
I’ve been to #1 and #7. My brother-in-law lives in Durango, so I’m a little partial to that beautiful town. Myvatn was our favorite place in Iceland — can’t beat the cool geological formations and the hot springs.