American tourist ends up in wrong part of Iceland due to 'typing error on GPS'

'I did enjoy the scenery on the way. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And the horses!'

(Getty)

An American tourist is enjoying his moment in the Icelandic spotlight after accidentally ending up in the wrong part of the Nordic country due to a typing error on his GPS.

Noel Santillan, according to reports in the local newspaper Vísir, ended up taking the scenic view with his journey coming to an end at Laugarvegur Street in the fishing village of Siglufjörður in North Iceland, instead of Reykjavík’s main highway.

It was reported that the 28-year-old’s error was to type the word Laugarvegur - with an extra "r" - instead of Laugavegur, one of the main roads in the capital Reykjavik, where he had expected to find his accommodation.

According to the local newspaper, however, the misunderstanding could have been caused by the fact that the address of Hotel Frón – where the American was booked to stay – is listed with an extra “r” on many online booking websites.

Mr Santillan from New Jersey explained to the local newspaper that road conditions had been poor due to snowdrift but he had enjoyed the scenery during the drive. He added: “I was very tired after the flight and wanted to get to the hotel as soon as possible. That’s why I kept driving. I did enjoy the scenery on the way. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And the horses!”

Gísli Úlfarsson, the manager of Hótel Frón, told Vísir that something like this had never happened before. “No, never,” adding that he found it “curious” people would not check the city or town they are going to. “He called us last night and I thought this was some sort of joke. I refused to believe he had driven all the way to Siglufjörður.”