It’s no secret that Iceland has been among the most-hyped travel destinations in the world, attracting millions of people to its surreal landscapes every year. Before booking those tickets to the Land of Fire and Ice, let’s discuss the detriments and remarkable experiences that set Iceland apart and help you make an informed decision on whether or not it’s worth your time and money.
Reasons You Might Want to Skip Iceland: Eye-Watering Prices
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. You can easily expect to pay 30 U.S. dollars or more for a simple meal in a basic restaurant, not to mention that even the lowest-class hotel room will cost upwards of 200 U.S. dollars per night.
Costly everything makes even a short stay highly priced and worth an investment.
Unpredictable Weather
The weather changes every other minute; most of the time, it just forces you to change or cancel elaborately planned activities. You could get rain, snow, wind, and sunshine in the same hour, making correct packing or sticking to an itinerary a bit of a challenge.
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Crowds of Tourists
Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle are popular spots during peak season, but one may say they can feel more like theme parks than natural wonders. You’ll often find yourself sharing those ‘unspoiled’ views with hundreds of other tourists, all vying for that perfect shot to put on Instagram.
Minimal daylight during the winter months
In winter, you will have only 4-5 hours of daylight, which greatly limits the time you can spend sightseeing. This can make it very difficult to fit everything in and may make you feel that you are missing out.
Long Distances Between Points of Interest
Even though Iceland’s Ring Road makes navigation fairly easy, driving distances between popular attractions are long. You will drive for several hours through often- similar-looking landscapes to get to where you want to go.
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Barren Landscapes
Much of Iceland’s interior comprises stark, treeless desolation, which some visitors may find rather monotonous. This is an area with unique volcanic land that, after days of touring, seems to be the same – rather stark and uninteresting.
Limited Eating Facilities
Traditional Icelandic food is certainly not to everybody’s taste, and the limited number of restaurant choices, especially in small towns, gets boring very fast. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are getting better but can still be problematic outside Reykjavík.
Seasonal Limitations
Tourist traffic makes travel a nightmare during the summer months, and in the winter months, most of the attractions and roads are completely inaccessible. Therefore, it can be very challenging to find an ideal time to visit.
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Language Barriers in Rural Areas
Even though all Icelanders speak good English, in the most remote areas, there can be some difficulties in communicating, especially in emergencies or when seeking help from locals.
Basic Infrastructure Outside the Cities
The moment you leave Reykjavík, there are very few places to buy food or fuel, and accommodation is scattered. This can lead to difficult compromises regarding your plans.
Why Iceland Is Actually Worth Every Penny: Northern Lights Spectacle
It’s a treat to see the Aurora Borealis perform its routine dance across an Icelandic sky. This sight alone should be the reason for taking a trip to Iceland, as the country is at the perfect northerly latitude and relatively free of light pollution.
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Unique Geological Features
Where else in the world can one walk between tectonic plates, watch geysers erupt, and/or witness active volcanoes in all their raw power? Nature’s geological features are a treat not available elsewhere.
Pure, Unspoiled Nature
Despite droves of tourists in places of interest, huge parts of Iceland remain untouched and unspoiled. In the highlands or along the remote fjords of the Westfjords region, solitude is still very much available.
Midnight Sun Experience
During summer, the everlasting daylight offers an otherworldly atmosphere that enables very extensive exploration. Hike at midnight, and shoot colors of sunset that sometimes last for hours.
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World-Class Adventure Activities
From glacier hiking to exploring ice caves, Iceland offers adventure activities that suit all levels. Its fascinating landscape forms a backdrop to some truly unforgettable experiences.
Therapeutic Hot Springs
Besides the well-known Blue Lagoon, Iceland is full of natural hot springs and local swimming pools. These geothermal wonders offer tourist attractions at incomparable prices.
Safe and Organized Tourism
Iceland enjoys exceptional tourist infrastructure, and comfortable independent tourism is possible. The extremely low level of criminality and high-quality rescue services further enhance the feeling of safety for travelers.
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Friendly Local Culture
Icelanders are known to be warm and hospitable, going out of their way with offers to help visitors. Traditionally minded and wedded to folklore, this adds a special dimension to your holiday of travel.
Clean Energy Innovation
Experience Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy with its geothermal and hydroelectric power plants – inspiring in the pursuit of sustainable living. The country is full of environmental awareness everywhere you go.
Photography Paradise
The dramatic landscapes, unique light conditions, and the variety of natural phenomena make Iceland a dream for every photographer. Every turn offers new possibilities to shoot spectacular images.
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Wildlife Encounters
From colonies of puffins to whale watching, Iceland offers multiple opportunities to encounter unique wildlife in their natural habitats. Being an animal enthusiast during the summer months can bring more rewards.
Cultural Festivals
Throughout the year, various cultural festivals of music, art, and traditions take place in Iceland. Such festivals are interesting for learning about the cultural past of Iceland.
Unique Seasonal Experiences
Not a single season is like another in Iceland, from summer with its midnight sun to winter’s ice caves. It is well worth visiting the country during different seasons if you want to have a proper appreciation for diversity.
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Will You Vacation in Iceland?
Iceland is not a place; it’s an experience that changes the dimensions of your mind and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. As real challenges and costs persist, this unique combination of natural wonders, adventures to be had, and cultural experiences gradually turn Iceland into one of those places that, for most travelers, is worth spending every penny and putting up with each minor hassle.
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