If you’ve been scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen it:
Someone driving through endless green valleys, waterfall hopping in slow motion, soaking in a hot spring under the midnight sun.
And yes — Iceland in summer is every bit as magical as it looks.
But also? TikTok leaves a lot out.
Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I flew off chasing that viral dream.
☀️ It’s Daylight All. The. Time.
Midnight sun sounds romantic… until it’s 2 AM, your body is done, but the sky looks like it’s 4 PM.
🧠 What TikTok doesn’t tell you:
- You will 100% lose track of time
- Blackout curtains are not guaranteed in guesthouses
- Sleep masks become your best friend (seriously, bring one)
✨ Bonus: The 24-hour light is incredible for road-tripping — we pulled over for waterfalls at 11 PM like it was no big deal.
🛣️ Gas, Groceries, and… Gasp: The Prices
Let’s be real: Iceland is expensive. Like, “$24 for a sandwich at a gas station” expensive.
🧾 Stuff that caught me off guard:
$80+ per night for basic guesthouses
$2.50 per liter of gas (yep, not gallon)
A small bag of chips? $6. Ouch.
💡 What saved us:
Booking places with kitchenettes and cooking most meals
Shopping at Bonus (the discount grocery store with the pink pig logo)
Splitting costs by traveling in a group
🌋 You’ll See More Sheep Than People
Outside of Reykjavik, Iceland gets empty. Like, “not seeing another car for 2 hours” empty.
📵 No WiFi. No signal. No gas stations for miles.
TikTok makes the landscapes look dreamy (and they are), but being that isolated can mess with your head if you’re not used to silence.
My advice: Download offline maps, music, and podcasts before you hit the road. And embrace the quiet — it’s kind of healing.
🚿 Showers Might Smell Like Eggs (It’s Normal)
Welcome to the sulfur life! Thanks to all that geothermal energy, many places have hot water that smells… like boiled eggs.
What TikTok doesn’t show you:
The first time you shower, you’ll think something’s wrong
It’s perfectly safe (and actually great for your skin)
Cold water tastes AMAZING — straight from glaciers
🏞️ Crowds Are a Thing (Even in the Middle of Nowhere)
That one TikTok of someone alone at Skógafoss? They either edited out the crowd — or got there at 5 AM.
During peak summer (June–August), some places are swarming:
Golden Circle
Seljalandsfoss
Diamond Beach
✨ What we did instead:
Traveled in late May to beat the rush
Visited big-name spots early in the morning or late at night (thank you, midnight sun)
Took lesser-known detours — like the Westfjords (zero crowds, zero regrets)
🧊 It’s Still Kinda Cold
Summer in Iceland isn’t bikini weather. I packed like I was heading to Scotland in spring — and still froze some days.
TikTok doesn’t show the wind chill or sideways rain.
🧥 What to wear:
Thermal base layers (even in July)
A real waterproof jacket (not just a windbreaker)
Hiking boots — because sneakers won’t cut it on lava fields
✨ The Magic? It’s Still Very Real
Okay — now that we’ve covered what TikTok doesn’t show, let me tell you what it gets 100% right:
The waterfalls will wreck your idea of what’s beautiful
Glaciers feel otherworldly
Soaking in a steaming hot spring while surrounded by mountains? Unreal
And yeah, you might actually cry at how quiet and raw nature can be
Iceland isn’t a “check-it-off” country. It’s a place you feel — even if you’re cold, broke, and slightly sulfur-scented.
📌 Final Thoughts: Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely. But go in with eyes wide open, not just a TikTok-inspired mood board.
Bring layers, budget extra, sleep when you can, and don’t rely on signal.
Do that — and Iceland will be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life.
