Is Iceland overrated? Absolutely not! Iceland is a country full of natural beauty, from stunning waterfalls, to dramatic terrain, to impressive glaciers, Iceland is a bucket list destination that is worth visiting.

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Is Iceland Overrated? 10 Things To Consider

As with any place, there are pros and cons to visiting Iceland. Can Iceland be crowded with tourists and expensive? Sure. However, if you plan it right, there is definitely a way to experience the best of Iceland.

So, is Iceland overrated? Check out the following 10 things to consider to help build realistic expectations for your trip to Iceland.

1. Is It Worth It Going to Iceland? Or Is Iceland Overrated?

Yes, Iceland is worth visiting at least once in your life. Pictures simply cannot do Iceland justice, the landscapes are stunning and give you an out of this world feeling. Iceland also offers something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes, to relaxing hot springs, to activities full of adventure.

Reasons Iceland is Worth Visiting

Iceland is Stunningly Beautiful

Iceland is beautiful in a way that is different from most places. It is truly an island of ice and fire, and the volcanic activity and glaciers have given Iceland a dramatic and stunning landscape. Iceland is also very green, full of a uniquely beautiful moss in many places. Additionally, there are more waterfalls in Iceland than there are people, and those waterfalls are stunning.

Iceland is full of adventure

From amazing hikes to stunning waterfalls, there is so much to explore in Iceland. Iceland offers a chance to do bucket list activities like hiking a glacier, snorkeling between two continents, horse back riding, or taking a super jeep to explore an ice cave. The list of adventures to be had in Iceland is endless!

Iceland isn’t overrated, it’s the perfect place to find relaxation

There is nothing more relaxing than spending time in nature and Iceland offers so much of that. Sure you may have to travel outside of Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, but there are so many peaceful places to enjoy and relax. Additionally, Iceland offers some of the best hot springs in the world, which is perfect for relaxation.

2. Why do People think Iceland is Overrated?

Iceland is a beautiful place, that has been left mostly uninhabited by people. In fact, the population of Iceland is only around 360,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated countries on earth.

Tourism in Iceland has skyrocketed in recent years which of course causes certain attractions to be overcrowded and expensive, thus leaving some to feel Iceland is overrated.

Importance of Having Realistic Expectations

As with most popular destinations, it is not that the destination is overrated as a whole. There are just certain attractions that have become overpopulated. Instead of focusing solely on visiting popular attractions try to just enjoy Iceland like it should be – drive the Ring Road and explore.

Additionally, as with other destinations, social media can give unrealistic expectations – for example that you’d have the Blue Lagoon all to yourself during summer season (you most definitely won’t but Instagram influencers pretend that they do).

3. Is the Blue Lagoon Overrated?

The Blue Lagoon can certainly be considered overrated as it is typically crowded, expensive, and it is a man made lagoon.

Is the Blue Lagoon still worth visiting? Yes, it’s worth a visit. It can be relaxing, and in my opinion is a nice way to end or begin a trip.

However, the Blue Lagoon isn’t the highlight of Iceland. Far from it actually. It is one attraction, that has been made to look surreal on social media. The reality is that the true beauty of Iceland is found in nature, not at the Blue Lagoon.

4. Is the Golden Circle Overrated?

The Golden Circle is located within a short drive from Reykjavik and consists of several famous Iceland attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Secret Lagoon to name a few.

Due to the close proximity to Reykjavik, many people only visit the Golden Circle, which makes it more crowded than other locations in Iceland. The Golden Circle is definitely worth visiting, and is great for families or people that only have a few days in Iceland.

To experience the best of Iceland, its best to go beyond the Golden Circle – even if that means only going as far as Vik or Glacier Lagoon. Ideally, if you have 10-12 days, I recommend driving the entire Ring Road to really experience Iceland without the crowds.

5. Is Iceland Expensive?

Iceland can be expensive. As an island country, the cost to import food and other goods is more expensive than on the main land. This causes for increased prices.

In my experience, food and drink prices were especially high in Reykjavik, and so if you would like to visit Iceland on a budget, plan to only stay a day or two in Reykjavik.

Can You Visit Iceland on a Budget?

Absolutely. Here are some of the best ways to save money in Iceland

• Limit time in Reykjavik due to higher costs
• Enjoy the free activities (aka nature!) most of the natural attractions in Iceland, such as Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Glacier Lagoon, are all free to visit.
• Buy food at grocery stores and at gas stations (gas station hot dogs in Iceland are actually great and it’s no different than grabbing fast food in the US)
• Buy any alcoholic beverages at the airport before leaving as it’s duty free

Where to Stay on a Budget in Iceland

Hotels in Reykjavik:

📍 Center Hotels Plaza – Click Here to Check Prices and Book

📍 Loft – HI Hostel – Click Here to Check Prices and Book

Hotels in Vik:

📍 The Barn Hostel – Click Here to Check Price and Book

Hotels in Akureyri:

📍 Akureyri Backpackers Hostel – Click Here to Check Prices and Book

📍 Akureyri Berjaya Iceland Hotel – Click Here to Check Prices and Book

Another option? Rent a campervan and camp at campsites. Note that camping in Iceland can only be done at official campsites. You aren’t allowed to just camp anywhere.

6. Is Iceland Overrated and Crowded?

Iceland can be crowded at certain locations, especially in the summer months. Places like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle can become crowded at times and that gives it less of that magical feel.

Can the Crowds be Avoided in Iceland?

You can absolutely avoid crowds in Iceland, in fact, we traveled to Iceland in June and went days where we only saw a few other people. We experienced beautiful scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and more all to ourselves. You can do this to by renting a car and driving along the Ring Road.

Driving further away from Reykjavik will give you the chance to experience more places without the crowds.

7. Do Icelanders Like Tourists? Are Icelanders Friendly?

In our experience, Icelanders were some of the friendliest people we have met. Icelanders are extremely kind, and seem to go out of their way to help others. There is a sense of community in Iceland that is difficult to find in other places.

Based on the local Icelanders we spoke with, they do like tourists – but only the respectful ones. Iceland is full of beautiful nature, but that nature is fragile and must be respected.

As travelers it is so important to respect the place we are visiting – from following local rules (such as not walking on moss as it destroys it the landscape) to leaving no trace.

8. Is Iceland Overrated? The Weather Sometimes Can Be

The weather in Iceland is unlike most destinations, and it’s important to be prepared for it. Even in the summer, the weather can change in an instant. It’s important to always check the latest weather conditions, especially before heading out on the road. To check conditions, you can go to road.is or vedur.is.

Things to Know about Weather in Iceland:

Wind – Iceland is known for it’s wind. The wind can be strong enough at times to knock a person over. Hiking, walking, or driving in high winds can be dangerous. So again, it is important to check that there are no wind related warnings.

Tip: On a windy day, park your car facing the wind and don’t leave your car door open. Certain places like South Iceland can have wind strong enough to pull the car door off!

Winter storms – Iceland’s winter storms are nothing that you want to drive in. The wind and snow can make visibility near zero and there aren’t street lights or other cars to follow when your far out on the Ring Road. Winter storms can occur in fall and spring as well, so again, check the weather forecast. I also highly recommend a renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

9. How Does Iceland Compare to Scandinavian Countries? Is it Better to Visit Norway or Iceland?

Iceland is worth visiting, even compared to other Scandinavian countries like Norway. As with any destination there are pros and cons, and it really comes down to personal preference.

Both Norway and Iceland tend to be expensive places to visit, but both are filled with amazing natural landscapes, chances of seeing the northern lights, stunning waterfalls, history and culture, and great hiking options. Norway offers incredible fjords, while Iceland has amazing geothermal hot springs and glaciers.

10. Why do People Like Iceland so Much?

People like Iceland for so many reasons. Iceland is naturally beautiful, peaceful, and serene. Icelandic people are friendly and the country is full of history, culture, and has delicious food. There are a plethora of adventurous activities such as snorkeling, horse back riding, glacier hiking, and exploring ice caves. At certain times of year, you may even see the beautiful Northern lights.

The Wrap Up: Is Iceland Overrated?

Iceland is most definitely not overrated. Iceland is one of the most beautiful and stunning countries in the world. Not only is Iceland full of gorgeous waterfalls and beautiful nature, but it also offers so much adventure and relaxation. Iceland is a bucket list destination and is worth visiting.