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

4.8 /5

Based on 25 experiences

4.9 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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: 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: 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: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.

Tap water:Very safe

Iceland's tap water is incredibly clean and is ranked among the best in the world. It's sourced from pure natural resources, making it not only safe to drink but also very delicious. Don't hesitate to drink water straight from the tap during your journey. Remember to bring a refillable bottle to enjoy this perks anywhere, anytime without additional cost.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 25 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

2.2/5

Group travel experience

Easy to book a local tour. Went winter in 12 day tour. Book a room with kitchenette n bought nice meat soup and butter garlic salmon from supermarket to cook. Very delicious and better than the restaurants honestly.

Posted: November 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Ebru

Ebru

Germany

Solo travel experience

I am sooo full of infos so i wanted to share as soon as possible. So best season to travel to iceland if you wanna see lupinsis june to july. If you wanna see northern lights ofc between oct-february.. People here are not warmhearted or sympathic so dont ever get into expectations that anyone would help yiu in a proper way. I made the biggest mistake to rent an airbnb the second mistake was that this airbnb is 1 h away from city Reykjavik soo i habe to take the bus to come to the central and also have to take it when i come back from tours. Most tour busses pick you and drop you in front of hotels or in the BSI Parking place. Choose wiseley!!! Pay a bit more and stay in a hotel or hostel near city or central reykjavik. After 19 most of the busses dont drive anymore so you habe to call a specific number so that a small in their names come and ride you to your destination. BUT you can call this number ONLY when you have a islandic number. I used an E-Sim and there was no islandic number. ALSO there is no credit cars valid in busses you have to have a bloody application which you have to verify with an islandic phonenumber OR you have to pay with islandic Krones. One ticket lasts 1 and a half hour you have to pay 570 krones. SO PLEASE change your money on airport so that you wont get problems afterwards.. dont change to mich at least 30 dollars should be enough when you are going to stay for a week. Islandic krones are expensive so you wont get as much money back as you have changed. You can buy groceries and clothes and also souvenirs with credit card and apple pay and so on there wont be a problem JUST on busses. If you wanna still have an airbnb then rent a car!! If you stay in an hotel than ignore this informations. Most of the people speak english here so you wont get problems to talk to locals. Its just a social problem you will have. They dont like tourists so they will answer you shortly and cold 😊. About clothes there was already snow in middle November so buch warm clothes IN YOUR HOMETOWN. Everything is sooo expensive here. Even food.. Also if you plan to visit waterfalls buy some waterproof clothes you will thank me. Also if you habe the chance buy some protection scarf for your head face so that just your nose and eyes have place to look out of your face. The wind cones from every possible direction. Now imagine there is hail rain and snow mixed in this wind. I swear the wind slaps you from every possible directions. Maybe its the revenge from locals.

Posted: November 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent two weeks in Iceland back in May - a few days in Reykjavik and then rented a camper van and drove around the country. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. My van had WiFi but most places also had WiFi and I could get a decent signal in most places. Most people speak English and I never felt unsafe at any point during the trip.

Posted: November 6, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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africa

africa (26)

Spain

Group travel experience

Iceland is the safest country I have ever travelled to. I have been living here for almost 5 months now. It's a beautiful country with lots of things to do, but it has a very bad climate so be prepared for it when you come here.

Posted: September 7, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 1/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5
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Juliana

Juliana

United States

Solo travel experience

It was absolutely gorgeous and unique place. People was so friendly, kind, respectful and beautiful. Little costly, but you can enjoy at any way you want. I would love to go back during summer. Blue lagoon was breath taking. Food was so so good , and amazing service

Posted: August 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went at the end of October last year and had 3 full days there. On Day 1 I booked a tour around the golden circle, then when I got back from that I had time to walk around the center of Reykjavik and grab food before doing another tour in the evening for northern lights. On day 2 I went to the blue lagoon and then in the evening did the northern lights boat tour. On Day 3 I did the tour for the south coast of Iceland.

Posted: August 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I visited Iceland in November. The reason was a longer nights and bigger chance to witness Northern Lights. However, you will have shorter time to do a sightseeing because the daylight lasts for 5 hours only. So it is up to you to choose a right time to visit Iceland. Prices are quite high compared to Europe (I live in Central Europe). You will probably need to rent a car because there are no busses to take you to the places. The oil costs a lot too. So, be prepared! I can recommend you one place to eat. It is called “The Soup Company” where you can buy one soup and refill your plate with other varieties of soups. I liked the “Lava” soup: it was mouthwatering. Another thing is your outfit. You should buy waterproof jacket and boots. No matter it is summer or winter bring BOOTS! Because it rains much and when you go to visit waterfalls the ground maybe very slippery. You will do a lot of hiking too. So, convenient clothes are the must! Icelandic horses are the cutest animals! I fell in love with them! Locals are hospitable. Not so many tourists. The scenery is unimaginably beautiful. In short, Iceland is the must see! Every person who likes traveling should visit Iceland: it has a lot to offer.

Posted: July 30, 2023Experienced: October, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved my time in Iceland. Here is my itinerary: Day 1 - arrive in Reykjavik & rent a car and drive to Reynisfjara beach where I rented an Airbnb Stops along the way: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara where you can see Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar Day 2 - travel further east on the ring road. Stops: Skatafell to hike to Svartifoss and see the glacier. Then head to Jökulsárlón for Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Turned around and headed into Vik. Day 3 - drive back to Reykjavik. Stops at Kerid Crater, Geysir, and Gullfoss and then spent several hours at Blue Lagoon. Day 4 - explore Reykjavik (the church and rainbow road) in the morning and then head to Þingvellir National Park to snorkel Silfra and hike to Öxarárfoss. Day 5 - hike to Fagradalsfjall volcano, lunch in Grandavik, then Sky Lagoon. Day 6 - drive to Akureyri for whale watching Day 7 - see Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Goðafoss Day 8 - horseback riding and head back to Reykjavik

Posted: June 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

beautiful place with breathtaking landscapes! waterfalls galore, otherworldly scenery at times. it is extremely cold and windy in winter (unsurprisingly), so be prepared with lots of layers if travelling then, but the plus side of going in winter is no crowds. food and activities are expensive - we mostly got supplies from the supermarket and made our own sandwiches to save costs.

Posted: May 13, 2023Experienced: March, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

Realized my dream that was an amazing experience the glaciers the volcanos everything blown my mind. I’d do anything to go there again. People was kind and respectful. Places were just perfect. Be careful with the weather

Posted: May 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Iceland

Íris

Íris

Speaking

About Me

Cheerful, smiley person, love to read, travel and get to know new people, make new friends and share experiences. Single for many years, mum to a 23 year old daughter. Daughter, sister, aunt, friend, close to my family and friends. Travelled alone for the first time 3 years ago, much needed and surprised I could do it!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Sigrún

Sigrún

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is Sigrún and I'm interested in art, backpacking, animals, culture, games, food & cuisine, events & social, solo travel and sunbathing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇪🇸 Spain

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Laufey

Laufey

Speaking

About Me

I’m a 23yr old Icelander who loves nature, food, activities, adventures and going to the gym. Love meeting likeminded people, drinking and dancing the night away.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

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Stay with locals in Iceland

Andrea

Andrea

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Glacier guide. Traveller. Outdoor enthusiasts. Solo traveller. Meditation. Yoga. Plant-based food.

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Upcoming visitors to Iceland

Tahine

Tahine

Speaking

About Me

I am 32 years old Solomon Islander living and working in Suva, Fiji for almost two years now. I love to travel, meet new people and enjoy different cultures. I love hiking, mountains and waterfalls.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇪🇸 Spain

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Seve

Seve

Speaking

About Me

Hey 💫 I enjoy travelling solo but the truth is, the best part of travelling is meeting up with people. If you're traveling to the same destination as me and would like to hang out and discover the city together hit me up 😊 I'm about finding quiant spots in a new city, and discovering everyday life there.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇺 Hungary

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Local discussions

Solo travelHas anyone been to Iceland in December? Is it safe to rent a car and drive?

Looking into traveling to Iceland in December. Has anyone been there during this month? How are the roads? Would it be safe to rent a car and drive myself? Any feedback is greatly appreciated

Posted: August 15, 2023
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TravelWhat tips or advice do you have for visiting Iceland and seeing the northern lights?

Iceland has been at the top of my list for years and I am finally going next year. Does anyone have any tips or advice etc? Also, best places and time of year to see the northern lights?

Posted: June 27, 2023
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TravelWhat recommendations do you have for someone visiting Reykjavík over Christmas?

Hi everyone. I've taken the plunge and booked a trip to Reykjavík for over Christmas. I absolutely cannot wait as it's been a dream of mine to go for years! Any recommendations for those who have been?

Posted: November 18, 2022
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TravelRecommendations for Iceland in January?

Recommendations for Iceland in January?? I know Iceland changes dramatically with each season and each month has its own benefits. I’m just slightly worried I’ve booked too early in the year I’d like to see - ice caves, northern lights (obvs weather dependent), whale watching, blue lagoon, diamond beach, geysir, thingvellir national park… I’ll be hiring a car too

Posted: November 14, 2022
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TravelWhat should we not miss while in Reykjavik for a few days over New Years?

Planning a trip to Iceland over New Years. We know about the big things - Blue Lagoon, etc. But we want to experience a show, some culture, some local adventure. We'll be in Reykjavik for a few days. What should we not miss?

Posted: November 3, 2022
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Safety in Iceland