This article was published on August 2, 2016

You can now go on a Pokémon tour of Iceland, because volcanos are boring


You can now go on a Pokémon tour of Iceland, because volcanos are boring

If the success of Pokémon Go has taught us anything, it’s that people are willing to travel in order to capture these elusive digital creatures. I’m not just talking about walking down the road, either.

In South Korea, thousands of tourists have descended upon the Northern town of Sokcho, as it’s the only place in the country where the game can be played. And in Iceland, one enterprising company has launched its own Pokemon Hunt guided tours.

For 7,500 ISK (roughly equivalent to $65 US, or €60), you get a four-hour tour through the tiny capital city of Reykjavik, guided by “experienced Icelandic Pokémon Trainers“. Their words, not mine.

Teenagers pay 3,750 ISK, and the tour is free for those under 11, but children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

According to the operator, Reykjavik Excursions, water is included, and there’s free Wi-Fi and power, but don’t forget to bring your own charge cable. Not included are items from the Pokémon Shop, so don’t think you can buy a bunch of Lure Modules and expense them.

I’m not sure what to make of this. On one hand, I really like it. Pokémon Go has brought people together in a way that no other mobile game ever has. The idea of sitting on a bus with 50 other fans, all simultaneously getting worked up about the sighting of a stray Clefairy does have its appeal.

I imagine that some parents will book it, just to keep the kids entertained.

That said, it does seem a touch opportunistic. Unlike Saffron City and Johto, Iceland isn’t a place that’s often associated with Pokémon. Indeed, many of the creatures featured on the tour’s homepage aren’t actually found in the games. They’re just random drawings, although they do look convincing.

You can book your place on the tour right now. Departures are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the tour runs until September 11th, 2016. If you go, do please tweet me and let me know how it was.

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