What Our Dear Visitors Really Think of Our Most Beloved Waterfalls, According to Google Reviews
Iceland’s stunning landscapes, often hailed as some of the world’s most breathtaking, are supposed to leave every visitor in awe. However, the reality is that not every traveler walks away enchanted. From complaints about overcrowding to parking fees, a chorus of disappointed voices reveals that the tourism experience often leaves much to be desired.
Gullfoss
Edgar Boda-Majer finds Gullfoss to be just another waterfall among many, but one marred by its popularity. “If you’re staying in Iceland for more than a day, do yourself a favor and skip this one—unless you enjoy being swept along with a massive crowd,” he notes, giving it a mere two stars. Ashley Ljungbäck echoes this sentiment, deeming the experience a “waste of time” and “very touristy.”
Skógafoss
“Another waterfall… nothing interesting,” comments Lukas J, lamenting the thick mist that obscures the view, which earned his review two stars. Xavier Mtz de Guereñu adds, “So crowded it takes away the desire to go. There are a thousand more beautiful waterfalls in Iceland!”—another two-star observation.
Dettifoss
For some, like SmArT, Dettifoss was disappointing for reasons beyond its physical beauty, reporting “dirty and disgusting water quality.” Marijana Cizmadija encountered further frustration with the site being closed, despite a lovely day for a visit.
Glymur
Ollie Buschert’s review offers a unique perspective: “It would be five stars if it were in Greenland, but since it’s in Iceland, I can’t bring myself to like it,” he writes. Patricia Clevy found herself wandering aimlessly, struggling to find the waterfall despite enjoying a “great walk,” earning a modest two stars.
Godafoss
Thomas Lilleengen describes Godafoss as “underwhelming,” especially for a place dubbed the waterfall of the gods. “There was water… It fell,” is Jesse Sehl’s minimalist review, both offering only two stars.
Seljalandsfoss
Luka Koerber had strong feelings about the experience: “The water pressure was too intense, aggressively smacking against the rocks. And the cold? I expected better.” His feedback received two stars. Matt DeAbreu requested, “Too much water, need to turn down water. Iceland, please fix water. Thx ❤️,” also rating it two stars.
Brúarfoss
Vivian Wu shared her frustration about the muddy trek, stating, “We walked more than three and a half hours, only to find the roads were terrible. Why doesn’t the Icelandic government fix the roads?” S Gron blasted the site as a “total rip-off,” describing the waterfall as lackluster compared to its pictures and earning a generous two-star rating.
Svartifoss
David Roberts criticized Svartifoss, warning visitors about its hefty parking fee of 750 kr and crowds, suggesting it ranks towards the bottom of Iceland’s waterfalls if they’ve already seen others. Elbo Wright felt compelled to compare back home, saying, “Our waterfalls in British Columbia are way more superb,” granting Svartifoss just one star.
Throbbing
Lastly, Irene Boccato raised concerns about the future of the site, noting, “Now parking is 750 ISK, and they’re building a useless cement path to the waterfall. The trail is closed, yet they still charge for visits. It’s crucial that we rethink how we manage tourism.” Kat shared the importance of arriving early to avoid cruise tourists, highlighting the detrimental impact they have on the landscape, ultimately offering three stars.
These varied guest experiences shed light on the complexities of Iceland’s natural wonders and the pressing need for improved tourism infrastructure. While the beauty of these waterfalls is undeniable, the visitor experience could benefit greatly from a thoughtful approach to managing both tourist flow and the preservation of these natural treasures.
