8 Tourist Traps to AVOID in Iceland 🇮🇸❌ Tips from a Local Icelander💡

Summary

Discover the top eight tourist traps to avoid in Iceland, including the overrated Sun Voyager sculpture, costly airport currency exchange, overpriced souvenir shops, counterfeit Icelandic wool sweaters, unnecessary bottled water, the overhyped plane wreck site, impersonal big bus tours, and the expensive grocery store 1011. Insider tips for authentic experiences and cost-effective alternatives are provided.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ The Sun Voyager is considered a tourist trap due to its underwhelming appearance and inconvenient location, especially in bad weather.
• 💸 Avoid exchanging currency at the airport in Iceland as it's more expensive; use city banks or cards instead.
• 🛍️ For souvenirs, skip the 'puffing stores' with mass-produced items and head to local boutiques or the Kort flea market for unique finds.
• 🧥 When buying an Icelandic wool sweater, ensure it's authentic by purchasing from the Iceland Hand Knitting Association to support local artisans.
• 💧 Don't buy bottled water in Iceland as tap water is safe to drink, saving you from unnecessary expenses.
• ✈️ The plane wreck site on the south coast, while a popular attraction, involves a long walk and may not be worth the effort for some visitors.
• 🚌 Large bus tours can be impersonal and crowded; opt for small group tours with local guides for a more authentic Icelandic experience.
• 🛒 Avoid shopping at 1011 for groceries as it's overpriced; instead, go to local stores like Bónus or Kronan for better deals.
• 🌍 Visiting Iceland can be costly, but by avoiding these tourist traps, you can save money and have a more enjoyable trip.
• 📸 The video suggests that some popular attractions might be overhyped and encourages visitors to consider the value and experience of each activity.

Q & A

What is the first tourist trap mentioned in the script and why is it considered a trap?

The first tourist trap mentioned is the Sun Voyager sculpture. It is considered a trap because it is often underwhelming, always filled with travelers taking photos, and its location is exposed to wind, making it less appealing.

What advice is given regarding currency exchange in Iceland?

It is advised not to exchange money at the airport as it is more expensive. Instead, it is recommended to exchange money at a bank in the city or use a debit card, credit card, or Apple pay.

What is 'Lunabúð' and why should tourists avoid it?

Lunabúð translates to 'puffing store' and refers to souvenir shops in Reykjavík. These shops often sell mass-produced items at inflated prices. It's suggested to buy souvenirs from local boutiques or the kort flea market instead.

Why should tourists be cautious when buying an Icelandic Lopapeysa?

Tourists should be cautious because some shops sell fake Lopapeysas made from Icelandic wool but manufactured in China. To get the real thing, visit the Iceland Hand Knitting Association shop.

Why is buying water in grocery stores in Iceland considered a tourist trap?

Buying water in stores is a trap because the water available in stores is the same as the tap water, which is safe to drink. Tourists often overpay for bottled water when they could simply use a water bottle to fill up from the tap.

What is the opinion on visiting the plane wreck on the south coast of Iceland?

The plane wreck is considered overhyped. It requires a long walk of 4 kilometers each way, and the site can be underwhelming, especially in bad weather.

Why are big bus tours in Iceland not recommended?

Big bus tours are not recommended because they offer a mass tourism experience with large groups, which is less personal and intimate compared to small group tours with local guides.

What is the suggestion for grocery shopping in Reykjavík to avoid overspending?

To avoid overspending, it's suggested to shop at local grocery stores like Bónus or Kronan instead of the overpriced 10-11 store located in downtown Reykjavík.

What is the website mentioned for booking small group tours in Iceland?

The website mentioned for booking small group tours is wakeaek.com.

What is the main reason for the Sun Voyager being underwhelming on regular days?

The Sun Voyager is underwhelming on regular days because of its location, which is exposed to wind, and the fact that it's always filled with people taking photos, which can detract from the experience.

What is the冰岛手工艺协会(Iceland Hand Knitting Association) and why is it recommended for buying Lopapeysas?

The Iceland Hand Knitting Association is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Icelandic hand knitting. It is recommended for buying authentic Lopapeysas because it plays a significant role in celebrating and sustaining Iceland's rich knitting heritage.