What are tourists’ three main gripes about Iceland?

Icelandic daily Morgunblaðið asked four Icelandic tour guides about what their customers think and feel about Iceland – their frequent questions, what they find strange or attractive, and what annoys them the most.

When it comes down to major gripes, three things stand out: the poor quality of some tourist accommodation, the lack of decent toilet facilities, and the high price of alcohol.

Among their frequent questions are house prices, wages and taxes in Iceland, and when and where to see the Northern Lights. People are also interested in issues such as education, land ownership and how Icelanders survive the cold, dark, long winters.

Some visitors to Iceland find it strange how many people believe in elves and hidden people and that people leave sleeping children in prams outside in the cold. Others are surprised not to see snow and ice when they arrive, and raise an eyebrow when told that there are mosquitos in Iceland.

The beauty of Icelandic nature is a selling-point across the board – as is the cleanliness of water and air. Many single travellers are attracted to Iceland as they feel it is a safe destination.