Is Iceland Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Iceland
Safety rating
Women living in Iceland consider the safety level to be very high, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Iceland consider the crime rate to be very low, with an overall crime rating of 1.3 out of 5.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 15 experiences
Safety rating: | 4.5/5 | Very Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 4.3/5 | Safe |
Safety using public transport: | 4.5/5 | Very Safe |
Crime rate: | 1.3/5 | Very Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Iceland?
Ciara
Iceland
Iceland is very safe. I've heard of phones being stolen in swimming pool changing rooms, and last year there was been a couple of domestic stabbings in Reykjavík. However, the fact that this was such shocking news shows how generally safe it is here. I hitchike regularly and have never had any dodgy experiences; Icelanders are friendly and helpful people. The streets in Reykjavík can be quite empty late at night, but it feels safe to walk alone. The biggest danger is the weather & water. Dress/pack appropriately, be careful taking selfies on the edge of windy cliffs, don't stand near the tideline on steep beaches when there's swell and you're all good !
Posted: April 21, 2025Reykjavík
Mostly safe, might be some pick pocketing in touristy areas. Most parts of the city are safe to walk around after dark, but be alert if downtown especially on weekends if very late. Most dangerous thing in Iceland is probably nature.
Posted: April 18, 2025
Wiktoria
Iceland
Nowhere is 100% safe but here is definitely safer than in most countries! I wouldn’t be worried in nature,walking back home or enjoying your evening in the park, the only time when I’m a little bit worried is Saturday night downtown in Reykjavik a lot of drunk people you never know.
Posted: March 28, 2025
Steinunn
Reykjavík
Reykjavik is a very safe place to be, just like everywhere else exercise normal caution. Don’t get extremely drunk, don’t hop into a car with random people all that. Not much street crime although it can happen.
Posted: January 30, 2025Iceland
I can walk alone late at night drunk at the club and be and feel safe. Men act like evrty lady out there. I can walk home alone late at night with no worries at all. No stress no worried at all. Men are jerks but stay in their lane.
Posted: December 27, 2024Iceland
Iceland is the safest place to live. I feel very safe when I come back from work, or alone in general. It is a small country, people are friendly, and the city is beautiful. It is a great place to live.
Posted: December 10, 2024Hvolsvollur
Hvolsvöllur is a very small town which is very safe. Not alot of people walking or driving around. Town is quite busy between 16 and 17 but other than that its very quiet and beautiful. I have worked in a hostel there and it is very safe and a good environment.
Posted: November 9, 2024Reykjavík
Reykjavík is definitely the safest city I've ever been to. I've lived there for 6 months and it felt very safe to be there as a woman and especially as a queer woman. Of course it is also not 100% safe, cause everywhere there can be bad people, but it's definitely the safest I've ever experienced.
Posted: July 29, 2024
Elín
Borgarnes
Borgarnes is a very safe small town. It's safe to walk there alone at night, there are hardly every ant break ins and the crime rate is about none existent. I'd be so bold to say that any crime that does happen is between people who know each other or teenagers doing petty crime.
Posted: July 20, 2024Reykjavík
Its safe if you use just common sense and watch your drinks :) We have to be on guard more the last couple of years because we have some more of creepy men at bar mostly foreign man who dont respect woman but only that they spike your drinks
Posted: July 6, 2024Is Iceland worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 58 experiences from female travelers
Iceland, Solo travel
In 2017, I rented a van to travel 2 weeks alone in Iceland. I slept in beautiful places and always felt safe. I ended my trip by going to a festival in Reykjavik. (Secret solstice festival) There was no room left in the hotels, so some kind English people hid me in their hostel. :-) Everything went really well. Iceland is an incredible country and the people are adorable. However, you'll need to set aside a large budget.
Posted: April 23, 2025Experienced: May, 2017
Jas
Germany
Iceland, Couple travel
My friend lives in Reykjavík which is why I visited Iceland quite regularly. The overall crime rate is the lowest I have ever experienced. The people are very kind and open minded. Despite the amazing nature outside of the capital, Reykjavík has a very outgoing and healthy party and bar culture. Although everything is a bit more pricey, I can definitely recommend visiting Iceland.
Posted: March 11, 2025Meet locals in Iceland
Ciara
About Me
I'm currently living in Iceland, but can't host because I am leaving to travel for a while. I grew up in England to Irish and Indian family. I know a fair bit about travel in England, Ireland and Iceland which I'm happy to share ! I also love to learn about other cultures. I'm travelling on a bit of a budget, but otherwise up for anything :)
Speaking
Ana
About Me
I am looking forward to meeting like-minded women who love travelling, living life, building meaningful connections, and creating good memories 😊 if you wanna connect and plan something together somewhere. Send me a line 😁 All the best and safe travels! 🌍
Speaking
Safety in Iceland
Frequently asked questions
Is Iceland safe?
Is Iceland safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Iceland?
What is the crime rate in Iceland?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Iceland?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Iceland?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Iceland?
What is the risk of burglary in Iceland?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Iceland?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Iceland?
