There may be many reasons not to go to Iceland, but there are also reasons why it’s a popular destination. This article debunks 35 common misconceptions about Iceland and what to expect when you visit.
With breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant culture, there are more things to do in Iceland than you can imagine. But is it safe? Is it too cold to vacation? This informative guide sets the record straight.
Read on to learn cool facts about Iceland and answers to your most common questions.
Key Takeaways
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Despite popular myths, Iceland’s climate is mild and experiences day-long hours of sunlight during the summer.
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Iceland can be pricey, but there are budget-friendly tours, accommodations, and activities for travelers.
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Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world and ideal for solo travelers.
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The country offers something for everyone, from unique nature adventures to relaxing city tours.
- See also: 15 Reasons to Visit Iceland
Myth 1: The Weather Is Too Harsh
It may be the land of ice, but Iceland’s weather is relatively mild. Summers aren't scorching, and winter temperatures can be warmer than in many places in Europe and North America.
Even cities in lower latitudes, such as New York and Berlin, can get much colder than Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik in winter, for example.
Myth 2: It's Always Windy in Iceland
Iceland sure gets windy, but we also have lovely, calm days, as you can see in the picture above. It was taken at the Snaefellsjokull National Park, near the coastal towns of Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
Iceland is considered a "rock" in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and there's no landmass between it and Antarctica, which is a recipe for temperamental weather.
However, we often also have calm and sometimes even sunny days!
As the local saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Iceland, just wait for five minutes."
- See also: National Parks in Iceland
- Book a Day Tour to Snaefellsnes National Park
Myth 3: You Can Get Killed by a Volcano
With so many Icelandic volcanoes, you may wonder whether Iceland is safe for tourists. Even though there are a lot of volcanoes in Iceland, none are near a major city or town. People in Iceland are rarely harmed by direct contact with them.
In fact, volcanic eruptions have become attractions, captivating both local and foreign visitors. Iceland is home to 30 active volcano systems — on average, a major volcanic event occurs every five years.
Myth 4: You Hardly See the Sun in Iceland
If you visit Iceland in the summer, you'll see more sunlight than in most other places in the world. The sun never fully sets from May to August, especially during the weeks around the summer equinox.
During this period, the nights are always bright with daylight, even after the sun sets beneath the horizon — a phenomenon known as the midnight sun.
Although Iceland's summer may be relatively short and temperatures may not rise very high, the season is bright, colorful, and beautiful.
Myth 5: Winters Are Nothing But Darkness
Just as it's very bright in summer, Iceland in winter gets very dark, especially during December and January.
While this may sound like a reason not to visit, it's actually one of the best reasons to go. The winter season creates the perfect conditions for viewing one of nature's most beautiful sights: the northern lights.
Although the auroras are unpredictable, you'll have the best chance of seeing them when the sky is dark and clear. Just as no two northern lights shows are the same, neither are two winter nights in Iceland.
Winter may not be the ideal time to travel, but it’s unquestionably the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland. If you plan to hunt for them yourself, stay on top of the cloud cover and aurora forecasts.
Myth 6: The Beaches Are Black and Grim
There are several black sand beaches in Iceland, but we assure you they are far from grim.
Though ominous under certain conditions, the black-sand beaches are mysteriously appealing. Reynisfjara Beach, in particular, is world-famous for its unusual geology. Another unique one, Diamond Beach, has icebergs.
If black beaches don’t sound too appealing, you can also find red, white, and yellow sand beaches in Iceland, such as Raudasandur Red Sand Beach in the Westfjords.
Myth 7: The Food is Disgusting
Contrary to popular belief, Icelandic ingredients are known for being fresh, healthy, and sustainable.
You’ll find some of Iceland’s best restaurants in Reykjavik, with many offering exciting fusions that incorporate Icelandic herbs, seafood, and lamb into foreign-style dishes.
Traditional Icelandic food is often pickled, smoked, or salted, so tourists may have to get used to the taste. That's because Icelanders historically had to find ways to preserve their food, which was often scarce. However, some delicacies, such as smoked salmon, remain popular internationally.
Myth 8: Nature is Gray and Colorless
This misconception couldn't be further from the truth. Iceland is the land of contrasts: ice and fire, glaciers and volcanoes, mountains and lakes, waterfalls and geysers.
While the weather in Iceland can be mild and gloomy, the landscape is an otherworldly spectrum of colors.
Myth 9: Reykjavik Is Boring
There are many things to do in Reykjavik, from world-class dining to wild nightlife to pristine museums and historical sites.
Reykjavik is renowned for its charming beauty, with colorful houses featuring old tin roofs and vibrant-colored walls. You can find the same quaint look in other towns and villages all around the country.
Reykjavik is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. This is because it’s the capital and because of its colorful buildings, painted murals, and vibrant atmosphere.
- See also: Top 11 Museums in Reykjavik
- See more: Reykjavik Nightlife Guide
Myth 10: It's Too Cold for Flowers to Grow
Cold weather is no match for the nation’s strong flora. There are more than 5,500 species of wild plants in Iceland, and botanists keep discovering new species each year.
All of these plants help make Iceland an even more vibrant and colorful country. When visiting Iceland, you can explore the Botanical Gardens in Reykjavik and the Akureyri Botanical Garden. Both locations offer stunning views of Icelandic flowers and herbs.
Speaking of stunning flora, the most photographed flowers in Iceland are the non-native lupines, which cover vast swathes of the island from springtime.
Myth 11: The Waterfalls in Iceland Aren’t Worth It
Iceland is home to numerous beautiful waterfalls, many of which are constantly changing. New waterfalls form each spring as melting snow and ice carve through the landscape, and older ones slowly erode over time.
While smaller waterfalls tend to freeze during the colder months, larger ones continue to flow throughout winter. This offers breathtaking views no matter the season.
You can find some of Iceland’s best waterfalls along the South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (pictured in the video above), which is a stop on most South Coast tours.
Myth 12: Nature in Iceland Is Not That Unique
The truth is, you'll find many things in Iceland that you won't see elsewhere. Only those who have walked through lunar landscapes will have seen anything resembling Iceland's otherworldly landscape.
Sure, you can see fjords in Norway and volcanoes in Hawaii, but the combination of contrasting elements is what makes Iceland unique.
It makes sense that Iceland is a popular movie filming location, especially for those set in outer space, dystopian futures, and fantasy universes. The most popular ones are, no doubt, Game of Thrones and Star Wars.
Myth 13: It’s Hard To Find Waterfalls
While vacationing in Iceland, you'll find incredible waterfalls in almost every region. For example, the impressive Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in the country, holding the title of Europe's most powerful waterfall.
Dettifoss Waterfall is located on the Diamond Circle trail, and travelers often visit it alongside other waterfalls such as Godafoss and Selfoss. Tours to these attractions usually depart from Akureyri, the largest town in the region, and Lake Myvatn.
Myth 14: Iceland Is Too Expensive for Tourists
One common myth about Iceland is that it’s far too expensive for most tourists to enjoy. While the country can be pricier than some destinations, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.
For example, you can find budget-friendly places to stay in Iceland and book free or low-cost attractions, such as cheap hot springs tours. With a little planning, you can still experience the best parts of Iceland while sticking to your budget.
- See also: 19 Tips on How to Save Money in Iceland
Myth 15: Iceland Is Just Water With Ice
From mountains and volcanoes to the famous northern lights, Iceland has much more to offer than glaciers. Still, the island nation has its fair share of icy spots, one being the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
At 814 feet (248 meters), it's the deepest lake in Iceland and contains many massive icebergs from the nearby Breidamerkurjokull Glacier outlet. It's also growing to the point that it could soon become the country's largest lake.
When the icebergs tip over or break, they reveal a beautiful blue color and veins of ancient ash.
- Read more: Glaciers in Iceland
Myth 16: You Can Get Burned By Scalding Water
The Icelandic hot spring Geysir (from which the English word “geyser” comes) used to regularly spout large quantities of water up to 230 feet (70 meters) into the air. While this may sound alarming to visitors, you’ll be relieved to know Geysir no longer erupts.
The Geysir Geothermal Area is on the Golden Circle route, where you’ll still see smaller hot springs that create tiny streams with very high temperatures.
It's located 66.5 miles (107 kilometers) from Reykjavik.
Myth 17: Iceland Smells Badly
Iceland is dotted with seething, bubbling, vividly colored geothermal areas. These places are rich in sulfur, which turns the earth into various colors and gives off a distinctive odor.
Some people have no issue with the smell. Others dislike it, saying it reminds them of rotten eggs. In some places, the smell can be very pungent. Although the scent is not pleasant at first, many people get used to it quickly and are not bothered.
- Read more: Geothermal Areas in Iceland
Myth 18: Iceland Is Only for Hikers—and Hiking Comes with Too Many Rules
While Iceland is famous for its hiking trails, it’s far from a destination just for hardcore hikers. The country offers something for every traveler—whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or incredible scenery.
Popular routes like the Golden Circle take you to sights like the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park. For even more excitement, you can snorkel between tectonic plates in the Silfra Fissure or go glacier hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier.
That said, Icelanders are serious about protecting their natural environment, and for good reason. The moss-covered landscapes are delicate and can take centuries to recover if damaged.
It’s important to stick to marked paths and follow local guidelines when exploring. To help you travel responsibly, we’ve put together a guide on what not to do in Iceland—worth reading before your visit.
Myth 19: You Can’t See Nature Up Close
This statement couldn't be further from the truth, and you'll discover that when you go to Iceland.
Camping and hiking in Iceland are the most popular ways to explore nature up close, especially in the summertime. There are also many accessible hiking routes around the country, where you can even go hiking on the glaciers.
However, you should not go camping inside an ice cave, as they are very unstable. Instead, you could join ice cave tours with a guide who knows the area well and can ensure a safe visit.
Wherever you go outside the cities, you'll find unspoiled nature, from waterfalls and icebergs to geysers and volcanoes.
Myth 20: Icelandic Nature Stops Air Traffic
You may have heard about the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull Volcano (known abroad simply as "Iceland's volcano") that grounded air traffic in Europe in 2010. It made the headlines worldwide because of the air traffic disruption, though it didn't really affect any domestic flights in Iceland.
At the time, one of the best ways to view the volcano was from a helicopter. Still, people also drove there in four-wheel-drive vehicle rental cars, hiked, and drove snowmobiles to reach it. The eruption was quite an attraction both for locals and tourists.
Myth 21: It’s Too Remote and Difficult To Get Around
Contrary to the myth that Iceland is hard to navigate, it’s actually well-connected, depending on the route.
For example, you can take a self-drive tour to see the best attractions by the Ring Road Route, which circles the entire island. This drive offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes.
We recommend taking at least a week to enjoy self-drive tours in Iceland and see everything it has to offer.
Whether you're sticking to popular routes or venturing off to find hidden gems, be sure to leave a travel plan on the SafeTravel website. That way, the Icelandic Rescue Services will know where to find you in case of an emergency.
- Read about the Icelandic Mountains
Myth 22: Winter in Reykjavik is Grim and Boring
There are plenty of fun and safe things to do in Reykjavik and outside the city during the winter. For example, you could take this tour of the Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajokull Glacier, which is only available at this time of year.
It's not uncommon for Europeans to go vacationing in Iceland for a winter weekend, hoping to witness the northern lights and swim in the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Area.
Myth 23: Iceland Isn't the Only Country With Ice
Ice and glaciers are found in many countries, but Iceland is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull, which is easily accessible.
With 12 percent of Iceland's surface area cloaked in ice, activities such as glacier hiking, ice caving, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding are more enjoyable here than in most other cold places in the world.
Myth 24: You Can’t Visit the Volcanoes
While visiting Iceland, you'll see that many volcanoes are quite easy to reach and more easily accessible than those in the rest of the world.
Not only can you hike on top of Iceland's volcanoes, but you can also venture inside them.
Thrihnukagigur Volcano, for example, is the only volcano in the world where you can go inside its vast magma chamber. But, don't worry — it hasn't erupted for 4,000 years and is safe. As it's one of the top experiences to have in Iceland, we highly recommend booking your Inside the Volcano tour ticket with good notice.
Myth 25: It's Too Cold to Go For a Swim
Iceland has plenty of natural hot water that streams from the ground. Various hot springs, the most famous of which is the Blue Lagoon, are suitable for bathing.
There's also the Secret Lagoon Geothermal Area in the south of the country and the Myvatn Geothermal Baths in the north.
Additionally, there are tons of swimming pools around Iceland and in Reykjavik, as well as a variety of hot tubs to choose from to just want to soak and relax.
So, even though Iceland is cold in winter, you'll have opportunities to enjoy swimming any time of year.
Myth 26: There Are No Trees in Iceland
While it’s mostly true that Iceland has few trees, this actually allows for incredible views. They stretch as far as hundreds or even thousands of meters on clear days, allowing you to see all the nearby mountains, waterfalls, and valleys.
And if it's trees that you want, you can always head toward Iceland's largest forest, Hallormsstadaskogur in East Iceland, or the second biggest forest, Vaglaskogur in the North Iceland region.
- See also: The Forests of Iceland
Myth 27: It’s Hard To Photograph Iceland’s Natural Scenery
Sure, the difference between summer and winter is drastic in Iceland.
However, if you’re into landscape photography, Iceland offers incredible settings depending on the season and the weather. Even if you’re familiar with a particular location, it can look almost unrecognizable on another day.
Many professional photographers will agree that Iceland is worth visiting more than once, especially at different times of the year.
- See also: Photography in Iceland and Iceland's Seasonal Contrasts
Myth 28: The Highlands Are Just Inhospitable Deserts
While the Highlands region consists of deserts, there are also lakes, craters, volcanoes, hot springs, and glaciers.
Most of the highlands are relatively remote, with few roads or signs and no shops. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden and punishable by heavy fines, as it damages the delicate natural environment.
On the other hand, hiking in the Highlands is very popular, especially tours of the Landmannalaugar Area, although most people use cars to reach their starting location. Most roads are accessible during the summertime.
- See also: The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland
- Learn more: F-Roads in Iceland: A Guide to Icelandic Mountain Roads
Myth 29: There Are Few People and Even Fewer Animals
While only around 360,000 people live in the country, Iceland is home to the largest puffin colony in the world. You'll find that the best places to see puffins in Iceland are along the coast, where roughly 10 million of them nest each summer—about 28 puffins per capita.
The oceans surrounding Iceland are also thriving and bountiful, with over twenty species of cetaceans living on the island. Humpback whales, orcas, blue whales, and seals are year-round residents.
Myth 30: There's No Cute Wildlife in Iceland
Photo by Fabiana Rizzi
The arctic fox, mainly found in the Westfjords, challenges this perspective. It's easily spotted in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the most remote area in that part of Iceland.
There's also the beautiful and sturdy Icelandic horse, which you can see all along the Ring Road Route. There are farms just outside Reykjavik and Akureyri where you can interact with them.
- Learn more: Best Farms You Can Visit in Iceland
Myth 31: Iceland is Behind on Modern Architecture
Those who believe this myth haven’t heard of Harpa, Reykjavik's concert and conference hall. It opened in 2011 and was designed by Olafur Eliasson, a Danish designer of Icelandic heritage, and Henning Larsen, a Danish architecture firm.
Harpa Hall is one of the leading examples of modern architecture in Reykjavik. The glass panels resemble basalt column blocks, an element commonly included in Icelandic design and architecture.
The impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church also resembles basalt columns, and the designer used real columns to decorate the facade of the National Theater.
- See also: The History of Icelandic Architecture
Myth 32: There's No Art or Culture
Art lovers will be happy to know that there are many artists living in Iceland, from musicians to comedians to drag queens to painters. Reykjavik has a thriving street art scene, with giant murals decorating walls in large and small buildings.
There are also many boutique art galleries and fine arts museums around the city. Statistically speaking, one in every ten Icelanders will publish at least one book in their lifetime.
Myth 33: Iceland's Music and Fashion Scenes Are Terrible
As a small country with an equally small population, Iceland is home to many musicians, some of whom have been very influential.
Björk, for example, is by far the most recognized Icelandic artist. She is known for both her music and fashion sense, having worked with international icons such as Alexander McQueen.
Icelanders are very fashion-conscious, and several fashion designers are around the country. For the latest trends in Icelandic fashion, check out the Reykjavik Fashion Festival.
- See also: Top 25 Festivals in Iceland and learn about Icelandic Clothing & Fashion Brands
Myth 34: Your Photos of Iceland Will Always Look Gray
This is also not true. There are some incredible days when the weather and the natural landscape work in your favor, making your pictures of Iceland look as amazing as the one above.
Icelandic skies can vary from gray to pink and bluish hues during sunrises and sunsets, especially when they're clear of clouds.
Fortunately, there can be long spells of crisp and clear still days in between winter storms. In summer, despite being a bit cold, you can have beautiful days with great light for photography, especially during the midnight sun.
Icelanders call that type of weather "window weather," where it looks fantastic but is quite cold.
Myth 35: Icelanders Don't Know How to Party
If you're wondering if Iceland is fun, you'll be in for a surprise. On the weekends, cafes in Reykjavik turn into bars and nightclubs and stay open until 5 AM or 6 AM.
Plenty of festivals are going on all year round, all over the country. On New Year's Eve, almost everyone in the city sets off fireworks from around 11 PM until early morning.
FAQ's About Visiting Iceland
Still unsure about visiting Iceland? Find answers to your most frequently asked questions below.
Is Iceland Cold?
Yes, it can be, but not as cold as you probably think. In the winter, cities like New York and Berlin can get colder than Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. In the summer, daytime temperatures can be as low as 41 F (5 C) and as warm as 77 F (25 C). Winter temperatures can range from 5 F to -4 F (-15 to -20 C).
Is Iceland Worth Visiting?
Yes, Iceland is absolutely worth visiting. From its stunning views of nature to adventurous guided tours, the country often tops lists of the best places to visit.
What Is Iceland Like?
Iceland is a land of extremes. It is, after all, called "the land of fire and ice." Although the weather can be a bit wild, so is the natural scenery, which includes massive glaciers, majestic waterfalls, massive craters, and towering volcanoes.
And let’s not forget Mother Nature's most spectacular visual display: the northern lights.
Is Iceland Safe?
Absolutely! Iceland regularly ranks among the safest countries in the world, both for travelers and locals.
Conclusion
Iceland may not be the perfect destination for every traveler, but many reasons not to go to Iceland are based on common misconceptions. As long as you research and plan, the country offers amazing experiences for adventurers, nature lovers, culture seekers, and more.
From exploring glaciers and volcanoes to immersing yourself in Iceland’s vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. So, why wait? Take a look through some of Iceland’s top tour destinations and vacation packages to plan your dream trip today!
Did we cover all of the myths you’ve heard? What else is stopping you from visiting Iceland? Let us know in the comments below!
