Tour & Activity Scams in Reykjavik, Iceland
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Reykjavik — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Reykjavik
How it works
Tourists are directed to fraudulent geothermal spa operations claiming to offer authentic Icelandic hot springs experiences near Reykjavik. The locations are either non-existent, unsafe abandoned pools, or unauthorized private pools. Operators charge high fees and provide unsanitary or even dangerous conditions. This scam targets people looking for alternatives to the crowded Blue Lagoon.
How it works
Scammers approach tourists in car parks or at popular viewpoints offering paid guided tours of natural attractions. In Iceland, almost all natural sites are free to visit and have no need for a guide.
How it works
Tour operators in Reykjavik advertise northern lights excursions with vague language suggesting sightings are likely or "highly probable," then provide no meaningful refund or rebooking when auroras are not visible — which is the case on the majority of tour nights due to cloud cover, solar activity, or light pollution. Some operators collect payment for premium "guaranteed" packages that, in the fine print, only guarantee a second tour attempt rather than a refund. Prices for these tours range from ISK 8,000 to over ISK 20,000 per person.
See all scams in Reykjavik
10 total warnings across all categories