Disappointing photos show a less glamorous side of visiting Iceland

Talia LakritzAug 24, 2023, 03:03 IST

Iceland is renowned for its natural beauty, but it isn't always as glamorous as it appears.Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images ; Talia Lakritz/Insider

Traveling around Iceland isn't always as picture-perfect as it appears.
On a recent trip, I found sites like Rainbow Street and Seljalandsfoss packed with tourists.

Even in the most beautiful places in the world, being a tourist has its highs and lows.

Iceland had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years due to its natural beauty and otherworldly landscapes, and I finally had the chance to visit for five days in June.

Many of the country's famous sites and attractions lived up to the hype, but I was also disappointed by some aspects of my trip.

Here are six expectation versus reality moments I had in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most famous attractions, so of course I had to go for a swim.

The Blue Lagoon.Shutterstock/S.R.Lee Photo Traveller

While there was a lot I loved about the experience, I didn't care for the long lines.

Crowds at the Blue Lagoon.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I'd seen striking photos of Iceland's black-sand beaches, and I visited one near the southern coastal town of Vík.

A black-sand beach near Vík, Iceland.Natthawat/Getty Images

The black sand appeared more grey to me, and I found the site underwhelming.

A black-sand beach in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

When I envisioned driving around Iceland, I pictured scenic mountain roads lined with wildflowers.

Skógar, Southern Iceland.Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Unfortunately, some roads presented difficulties.

A car stuck in black sand in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I couldn't wait to experience Iceland's midnight sun for myself.

Iceland's summertime midnight sun.Arctic-Images/Getty Images

While it was beautiful, I also had a hard time falling asleep.

My view as I was trying to sleep during my first night in Iceland.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I was excited to see Reykjavík's famous Rainbow Street in person.

Reykjavík's Rainbow Street.Callum Clarke/Getty Images

It turned out to be impossible to get a photo there without tons of tourists in the background.

Walking around downtown Reykjavík.Talia Lakritz/Insider

I thought Seljalandsfoss, a giant waterfall along Iceland's southern coast, would also make for a great photo-op.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland.Phillip Chow/Getty Images

But I had to wait in line at the waterfall to take my photo at the perfect spot.

Tourists at Seljalandsfoss.Talia Lakritz/Insider

It was definitely worth the wait, though.

At Seljalandsfoss.Talia Lakritz/Insider

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