People wait all year for the beautiful purple lupines to start to bloom. Especially in South Iceland. Likely because they are happy sign that Summer is here. But if you’ve never visited our tiny island before, you might want to know more about Icelandic lupines. …and our Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons team today is ready to educate you!
History of Lupines in Iceland
Lupines, were imported and introduced to Iceland in the 1940’s as part of efforts to combat soil erosion and improve soil fertility. Why? Because overtime, the harsh volcanic landscape of Iceland, combined with deforestation and overgrazing, left large areas of land susceptible to erosion. The Alaskan Lupine, was chosen for its hardiness and ability to thrive in poor soils.
First, lupines were initially planted in the Mosfellsheiði area and quickly spread across the country. Second, they proved effective in stabilizing the soil and enriching it with nitrogen. Third, which benefits plant growth.
However, their rapid and extensive spread also led to controversy among locals. For example, the lupines in some areas outcompete native vegetation. Which raises concerns about biodiversity loss and changes to the local ecosystems.
We’ve found that either locals are lovers or haters of the plants, nothing in-between. And while the Icelandic lupines continue to play a role in land reclamation and soil improvement. Efforts are also being made to manage their spread and mitigate negative impacts on native flora.
Myths about LupineS
Every year, we get a plethora of questions surrounding the Icelandic Lupines. So our Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons team thought it would be fun to bust a few of the most common myths about them….
- Myth: Icelandic lupines bloom year round.
- Busted! The generally are only blooming fully between mid-June to mid-July give or take a few days depending on weather.
- Myth: Lupines make fabulous wedding bouquets.
- Busted! Unless you want to be covered in the purple dye that hides inside of them, go another route.
Best Places to Find Icelandic Lupines
As mentioned early, Icelandic lupines are during their peak blooming season in June into July. Here are the top 8 most notable locations to find them…
#1 – Skagafjörður:
This area in North Iceland is renowned for its picturesque lupine fields set against a backdrop of mountains and fjords.
#2 – Þórsmörk (Thorsmork):
A nature reserve in the Southern Highlands, Þórsmörk offers stunning landscapes with vibrant lupine fields amidst rugged terrain.
#3 – Mývatn:
Located in North Iceland, the Mývatn region is known for its geothermal activity and scenic beauty, with extensive lupine fields adding to its charm.
#4 – Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord):
Close to Reykjavík, this fjord provides easily accessible and breathtaking views of lupine fields along the fjord’s shores. Remember the gorgeous Glymur Waterfall Wedding on our Iceland Weddings & Honeymoons blog? A lupine covered waterfall was a part of their agenda that day!
#5 – Reykjanes Peninsula:
The peninsula, with its diverse landscapes, is home to numerous lupine fields, especially around Lake Kleifarvatn and the Krýsuvík geothermal area.
#6 – Vík í Mýrdal:
Near the famous black sand beaches of Vík in South Iceland, lupines can be found contrasting strikingly with the dark volcanic sands.
#7 – Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands):
Additionally the rolling landscapes of the Westman Islands prove to be abundantly covered in Summer with lupine. It is worth a day trip and a boat ride to witness the beauty!
#8 – Skogar Iceland:
From the fields surrounding and the multiple waterfalls in the area and endless amount of Icelandic lupines await you! For instance, remember Amy and Todd’s South Iceland Waterfall Wedding Day?
Lastly, these locations not only offer abundant lupine blooms but also showcase some of Iceland’s most beautiful and diverse natural scenery.
Getting Married in a Field of Lupines in Iceland
In conclusion, it is totally possible for you to plan your Iceland wedding or elopement in a field of lupine. Our Iceland Weddings and Honeymoons team would love to share with you our personal favorite spots! Ready to begin Iceland Wedding Planning? Feel free to reach out to us and get that conversation started!
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