8 TOURIST TRAPS TO AVOID IN ICELAND

1. The Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located on the waterfront of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. The sculpture resembles a Viking ship and was unveiled in 1990 as an ode to the sun and hope. It can be a bit underwhelming for some, as it's always filled with travelers taking photos. The location is very exposed to the wind, making it less enjoyable. On super clear days, the sight of Esja Mountain behind the Sun Voyager looks very cool, but the sculpture itself might not be worth the hype!

2. Currency Exchange at the Airport

It's a common tip in Iceland to avoid exchanging money at the airport. When arriving at Keflavík International Airport, travelers can exchange their money for Icelandic currency, the Icelandic krona, at the arrival hall. However, this comes with a hefty fee. It's much better and cheaper to exchange money at a bank in the city or, better yet, use a debit card, credit card, or Apple Pay. It's important to remember to have the PIN for all cards being used in Iceland!

3. Avoid "Lundabúð" (Puffin Stores)

"Lundabúð" translates to "puffin store," and these souvenir shops are common in Reykjavik. While browsing can be fun, many of these shops sell mass-produced items at inflated prices. A better choice for souvenirs are the local boutiques and shops. Many good ones can be found on Skólavörðustígur, the big rainbow road that goes up to Hallgrímskirkja church. The flea market Kolaportið, open on weekends, is another great option!

4. Fake Wool Sweaters

The Icelandic lopapeysa, a sweater made from Icelandic sheep wool, is well-known for being beautiful, unique, warm, and traditional. However, many touristy shops in Iceland sell fake versions, where the wool is shipped to China to be made into sweaters and then sent back to Iceland. For an authentic lopapeysa, visit the Icelandic Handknitting Association, dedicated to preserving and promoting Icelandic hand knitting. Their shop can be found on Rainbow Street, which goes up to Hallgrímskirkja church!

5. Buying Water in Stores

In Iceland, grocery stores sell overpriced bottled water. Most locals don't buy it because the tap water is of the same high quality. Whether at an Airbnb, hotel, or elsewhere, the tap water is safe and delicious. Bringing a reusable water bottle can save money and avoid unnecessary plastic waste!

6. Visiting the Plane Wreck on the South Coast

In 1973, an airplane was forced to make an emergency landing on Sólheimasandur, the south coast of Iceland. The plane wreck has since become a popular tourist attraction. However, it can be overhyped. To visit, you must park at a designated area and walk four kilometers (around two and a half miles) each way to reach the wreck. Given the sometimes harsh weather conditions, this long walk might not be worth it for what some consider an underwhelming sight!

7. Doing a Big Bus Tour

Experiencing Iceland in the best possible way is often done in a small group with a local guide, not in a big bus with 80 or 90 other people. Many websites and platforms offer tours of the Golden Circle and other popular sites, but they don't always mention that it will be a big bus tour. Personal and small group experiences are highly recommended. Wake Up Reykjavík offers the very best small group experiences of Iceland's most amazing sites!

One such experience is the Reykjavík Food Walk. This guided tour takes visitors around Reykjavik, stopping at top-rated restaurants. Accompanied by a local guide, participants hear fun and interesting stories about the food, sights, and Icelandic culture and history. It's a fantastic way to get to know Iceland through a local's perspective. However, in the summertime, these tours sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Use the promo code "SUMMERTIME" for an extra discount!

8. Grocery Shopping at 10-11

Iceland can be expensive, but there's no need to make it more so. Avoiding bulk purchases at 10-11, a centrally located but overpriced grocery store in downtown Reykjavik, is wise. For larger purchases, such as food for a week, local grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan offer much better prices and are also centrally located!

This guide aims to help you make the most of your trip to Iceland by avoiding common tourist traps. By choosing more authentic experiences and being mindful of spending, you can enjoy a more genuine Icelandic adventure. For a truly unique and delicious experience, book the Reykjavík Food Walk and explore the best of what Reykjavik has to offer. Happy travels!