Is Iceland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Iceland is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. The crime rate is notably low and the locals are very friendly and hospitable. There's a good infrastructure with well-maintained roads and reliable public transportation. It's highly unlikely that you'll have any trouble during your stay if you behave reasonably and follow the general rules. However, don't neglect your personal safety and always let someone know your itinerary.

Safety rating

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How safe is Iceland?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Very safe

Iceland, including its capital Reykjavik, is one of the safest countries in the world to travel to as a solo female, even at night. It has a culture that highly respects women, and crime rates are particularly low, considering it as one of the countries with the lowest crime rates globally. Public spaces are well-lit and populated, even at night. However, as always, basic precautions must still be taken, like not walking alone in isolated areas late at night or leaving personal belongings unattended.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Iceland stands as a paradise for solo travelers, including public transportation safety. Its buses, ferries, and taxis are well-regulated and reliable. The country's low crime rate extends to its public transit systems as well. Moreover, locals are generally polite and respectful, and the travelers usually feel welcomed and secure. The convenience of online booking also enhances the travel experience. Road safety is ensured nicely making Iceland is a great country for solo traveling women.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Very low

Iceland is renowned for being both incredibly safe and respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are remarkably low, with the locals generally keeping to themselves and offering assistance when asked. It's quite common for solo female travelers to explore without experiencing any form of street harassment, making this Nordic country an ideal destination for safe travel.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Very low

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with an extremely low crime rate. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are incredibly rare, especially outside of the capital, Reykjavik. However, as with any travel, it's important to uphold common sense safety measures, such as not leaving your belongings unattended.

Is Iceland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 60 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5
Nayra

Nayra

Netherlands

Iceland, Couple travel

Iceland was amazing! I went with my friend at the beginning of March in 2024, which is still the winter season. We rented a 4x4 at the airport and went on our way. The accommodation was booked in advance since Iceland is already really expensive and gets only more expensive at the last minute. We drove almost all of the ringroad. We went east towards Vik and the Diamond beach first. After that, we circled back to Thingvellir and Borgarnes. From there, we continued to Snæfellsnes and Akureyri. The north was our favourite part. We did a few mountains passes, always checking the road and weather conditions online. Make sure you bring enough water and snacks, and fill up your tank when you can. The weather can change in a heartbeat, and we found ourselves in some sketchy conditions. That being said, we did this with no previous 4x4 or extreme weather experience, and neither of us drove in the mountains before. It was definitely doable, and we felt extremely badass. In the end, we did 2500km in just 8 days. Iceland was gorgeous, like nothing I've ever seen before. It was like we had landed on another planet. Definitely would recommend it! Make sure to save up beforehand because €€€

Posted: May 7, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
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Shamira

Shamira

United States

Iceland, Solo travel

Iceland was so beautiful. The food was good, people so nice and the sights breathtaking. Also the nightlife is so much fun. Clubs open till 430am so most people don't go out till after 1245am and everyone definitely dresses up. It was a fun experience I can't wait to go back 🥰

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Jas

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, 2025
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Rachelle

Rachelle

Canada

Iceland, Solo travel

I absolutely adored Iceland, and I’m already planning to go back. I rented a car and drove around the ring road in 7 days, staying and hostels and guesthouses along the way. I felt completely safe travelling solo. In fact, I met many people from all over the world who were quite friendly. Locals were polite but not overly friendly unless you befriended them with a good chat or coffee. The food is quite expensive—I only ate out twice and bought items from grocery stores for the majority of my trip. I recommend finding accommodations where breakfast is included, if possible. The geographical and geological variety of this place is spectacular—you can drive down the main highway and find something breathtaking almost ever 5-15 minutes! A lot of beauty is right along the main road, but you can also take the F-roads for more untouched nature, but be sure to rent a 4x4 or AWD vehicle for these purposes. Volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, ice caves, black sand beaches, geysers, natural hot springs, basalt columns, fjords, lagoons and icebergs—the list goes on and on. I can’t wait to return!

Posted: January 3, 2025
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Maria

Maria

Cyprus

Akureyri, Solo travel

I recommend whale watching on a floater, taking the Diamond Circle tour, and rafting on the nearby Whitewater River. My hostel overlooked a lively street with hot dog stands (overpriced), a bakery (worth a visit), and other food shops. I stayed in a capsule bed that allowed privacy.

Posted: December 30, 2024
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Is Iceland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 16 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 16 local experiences

Brynja

Brynja

Reykjavík

99% of violent crime in Iceland is done by someone that knows the victim so it is very unlikely for a stranger to attack. Most crimes are stolen bikes. Iceland is the most safe country in the world

Posted: May 28, 2025
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Meet locals in Iceland

Ana

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

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Steinunn

Steinunn

About Me

An Icelandic girl living in Reykjavik, created the app for my own travels but am now realising I can use it to meet traveler’s in Iceland. Quite busy working and studying in life but am open to meeting up for drinks or giving advice

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Iceland

Carmen

Carmen

Iceland

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! My name is Carmen. I consider myself like a kind, curious, and friendly person. I love long strolls, dancing, cooking and meeting new people. I am eager to host other females in my place. (It is a student residence but it is ok to host people for a few days).

Speaking

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Brynja

Brynja

Reykjavík

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I live in Reykjavik Iceland with a 7 and 11 year old kids and I like to take short solo trips to new places.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Iceland

Hana

Hana

About Me

I am a student and currently going on Erasmus to Iceland for this year fall semester. I wanted to spend my first week traveling and then maybe grab a beer and explore more of the city with someone.

Speaking

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Dana

Dana

About Me

Hello, My name is Dana and I'm interested in animals, books, culture, live music, food & cuisine, nature and science

Speaking

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Safety in Iceland