The not-so-magical aspects of Iceland's most magical places

Let's be clear right away! I 100% loved my trip to Iceland. I am not looking to convince you not to visit Iceland or not to visit these places, quite the opposite! You absolutely should visit ALL of these places and make sure you have the time to enjoy them as they should be. But, I'm just saying you should be aware of these aspects and maybe change your expectations a little so you won't be disappointed and your visit meets your expectations.

Now that we have that cleared up, let's have a look at these magical places!

The smell at namafjall and Myvatn baths

The Myvatn Lake area has a lot to offer and plenty of things to see. From the Myvatn Baths (the lesser popular, newer version of the Blue Lagoon), to the Namafjall fumaroles and bubbling mud pits and the mars-like landscape, it is unlike any other area of Iceland and we spent two full days exploring the lava fields and other geothermal features. I loved that there were no big crowds and we were free to explore and take our time. The only part that wasn't great was the smell. I'll be completely honest, it was pungent and seemed to follow us everywhere. Anyone having visited Yellowstone or any other sulphurous mud springs will know they smell like rotten eggs, but this was something else. I was barely starting to get used to it at the end of our two days in the area. Imagine trying to relax in the blue waters of Myvatn Baths and then you suddenly get a whiff of rotten eggs that are being boiled in dead waste... I'm hoping once they are done building the baths the smell will be less intense. We still had a good time and I don't regret going to Myvatn Baths.

the crowds in diamond beach

Diamond Beach was one of the places in Iceland that I was most excited to visit, but the moment we got there I felt uncomfortable. There were people everywhere, running, screaming, jumping in front of your camera when you finally get a split second without people in your frame. It was ridiculous. A tour guide arrived with his group at some point yelling they had 10 minutes before they had to be back on the bus. They all start running every direction and yelling at each other for pictures all the while almost hitting you with their selfie-stick. 10 minutes later the guide starts whistling with an actual whistle for them to get back on the bus like they are dogs.

We walked all the way to the end of the beach and found it a little bit quieter, but not by much. The whole time we were there I was jumpy. After two years of Covid, being in the middle of a crowd that looked more like children at recess than adults on a nature visit, it was a shock.

We went back the next day in the early morning instead of the afternoon and it was so much better. There were other people, but they weren't on a tour and were taking their time to walk around. I was finally able to actually enjoy the sight of the thousands of ice diamonds on this beautiful black beach.

the fences at Fjadrargljufur canyon and skogafoss

We started our trip by visiting the East and North of Iceland and finished our tour in the crowded South. By the time we got there, I had gotten used to being able to walk freely, take my time, approach the waterfalls (by still being safe) and the South is definitely not like that. There are gates and ropes everywhere so you can barely see the canyons and there is no place to get nice pictures of waterfalls. Everyone is just walking over the ropes for pictures, but I'm just not the type of person to disrespect rules so I was just left frustrated that these ropes and gates were necessary. I get the necessity to protect Iceland's natural beauty and protect hordes of tourist that are not careful with their lives, but I hate that not everyone has the sense to be safe and not destroy these beautiful landscapes.

These places are still beautiful and worth the visit, but just be warned that you won't be able to get a good look as you are blocked on the paths that are sometimes pretty far away from the falls or the edge of the canyon.

the naked showers at Blue Lagoon and Myvatn baths

Alright, I know in Europe people aren't as prudish as we are in North America, but I personally prefer getting changed and showering in a private cabin. Just a preference. Having worked as a swimming instructor at a public pool, I totally get the importance of taking a shower before going for a swim. In these baths where the water isn't chlorinated it is especially important, but I would have preferred closed showers and changing cabins. Just be aware that you will have to shower naked in front of everyone.

the killer waves of Reynisfjara

The Reynisfjara black beach is absolutely beautiful! And the basalt columns on the side of the beach are also nice and pretty. But the waves on that beach are unsuspected killers. You'll be walking on the beach with plenty of space between the rock wall and the ocean and then suddenly there's a big wave and the water almost reaches your feet. They crash on the shore and just hearing them you know you wouldn't have a chance if you were caught in them. The beach is a must-see, but just make sure you are careful and keep an eye on the ocean.

the "Insta crowds" in multiple places, but mostly seljalandsfoss

Like I said earlier, we spent a full week in less crowded areas before getting to the very crowded South of Iceland and I just wasn't expecting such a difference. Of course, wherever there are crowds, there are people having full on photoshoots. I'm not going to lie, I love taking pictures and I definitely like getting pictures of myself wherever I go on trips, but I am also aware that the people around me are also trying to get nice pictures of their trips so there is no way I will stay in front of the view that everyone else is trying to photograph for like 10 minutes. I go, get a few pictures and get out of the way. If I'm not satisfied with the pictures, I"ll wait again for my turn and get some more. Is that so complicated?

​Plan for extra time in every place you visit in the South because you will be stuck behind photoshoots pretty much everywhere you go... Good luck!

Let's be real, if these are the worst parts of my trip, you have to guess that it was a pretty incredible trip! Iceland is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and I loved every minute of my time there, but you never see any articles mentioning these less than great aspects and I think it's important to manage expectations so you are not disappointed when you visit.

​Enjoy your trip!

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