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

4.9 /5

Based on 53 experiences from female travelers

4.9 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.5 /5

Based on 9 experiences from local women

Iceland is currently ranked #1 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.9 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Iceland?

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.

Is Iceland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 53 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5

Reykjavík, Solo travel

Reykjavik is quirky, safe, and interesting. There are plenty of attractions for days when the weather doesn’t agree with your plans 😅. The Perlan, Hallgrimskirkja, and rainbow road are stand outs. The food and beverages are expensive. Expect to spend $50 USD on a main and $12 USD on a beer.

Posted: October 8, 2024Experienced: October, 2024

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Anika

Bulgaria

Reykjavík, Family travel

We visited Iceland between July 2-5 and want to share our experience from this short trip. We traveled with British Airways as Lufthansa canceled the flight and missed a night. Sofia-London-Reykjavik. On the way back with Lufthansa Reykjavik Vienna Sofia We liked the Sky Lagoon the most—a very good place to relax with the so-called Infinity pool. I had taken the Pure Pass, the seven-step spa ritual offered by the lagoon. It was organized by Reykjavik Excursions and we are delighted. The departure time is fixed, and the return time is free - every hour there are buses from the lagoon to Reykjavík. An important clarification is that it is also suitable for people who cannot swim. Even diving is prohibited in principle. It's a good idea to bring a waterproof phone case if you're going to take pictures, but even without taking pictures, the experience is wow. No photography allowed, but everyone was taking pictures. We didn’t. The next day we went on a full day trip organized by Tourism Iceland including Reynisfjara black beach, the south coast in general and Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. We also saw the Sólheimajökull glacier, which personally impressed me a lot. There are large icebergs that were half black. There were tourists doing the glacier hike with special equipment, but we were not among them. I also want to recommend 2 restaurants — with very good lamb. Tides restaurant is located in a hotel, if you're looking for it by navigation, you won't think it's part of a hotel (like we didn't haha). As is Fjalkonan. We had a lamb burger at Fjalkonan and a Uruguayan steak and another lamb at Tides. The country is famous for its wonderful lamb and the famous lopapeysa wool sweaters. We also walked to the famous church in Reykjavik. Overall, we really liked Reykjavik. At least where we were staying. There was a large pond with birds. We used Airbnb and everything cost us about EUR 2000 for two people for 4 days. I am attaching some pictures. And I wish everyone to visit Iceland for more time and independently, not with an agency. This is our experience. For the next time, we reserved the Magic Ice Bar, Blue Lagoon or Myvatn, Hvamsvik, another lagoon if anyone has a recommendation, as well as Cat 🐈 cafe Kattakaffihusid & Omnom ice cream.

Posted: September 21, 2024

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Iceland, Solo travel

If you rent a car you can see the best places at iceland. The prices are very expensive there. I recommend to go to the blue lagoon. Its very beautiful there. I stayed in Reykjavik and it is also a great place to look around there

Posted: August 25, 2024Experienced: December, 2023

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Pauline

Germany

Iceland, Group travel

I travelled to Iceland with two friends to drive around Iceland with a van. We rented our van there and it was so much fun. The nature is breathtaking and and if you like cold weather it's amazing!! I would definitely recommend going there, the only downside is that it's really expensive.

Posted: July 28, 2024Experienced: February, 2024

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Evelyn

United States

Iceland, Solo travel

I rented a car and drove the Golden Circle, South Coast and finger north of Reykjavik. Also, I took the ferry to WESTMANN island. Highly recommend travels to Iceland. Icelanders speak amazing English and they are very courteous!

Posted: July 23, 2024

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Lysaifeni

Netherlands

Iceland, Solo travel

My first time Iceland was great! Met lovely ladies from around the world, stayed at Kexlet hostel, good location and overall good. Ate Icelandic food, also had their hotdog, Happy marriage pastry and ice cream at Valdis. Visited Vik, saw the waterfalls, glacier and black sand beach and will definitely go again, so weird to see the sun out at 1am still. Expected but still shocked how expensive everything is. Used bus GetYourGuide tour to explore, I know but don’t have license yet so no choice, pity of lack of public buses options not a lot to travel without paying imo a lot to get really anywhere. Definitely visit: Bokabud mals og menningar- bookstore with live music band and restaurant Íslenski Barinn :)

Posted: July 13, 2024

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Raquel

Iceland

Iceland, Solo travel

It is an awesome country. Too cold for a mediterranean. But right now I can not wait to keep wait to start exploring it and know the localways to live! Love it so far. I been here now just two weeks.

Posted: July 12, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Anna

Spain

Iceland, Solo travel

I felt really safe in Iceland! I hitchhiked and had zero problems. As I was travelling with a tent, the weather had a big impact on me, and I devided to go home earlier than planned, but still had a nice time!

Posted: July 9, 2024Experienced: June, 2019

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Iceland, Group travel

It is perfect place to watch northern lights if you choose a good time. Lagoons were really unique experience. Food was nice if you love sea food. It is more expensive than many countries in Europe and you had better to book tours for attractions because of extreme weather condions. It is safer than drive. Definitely worthy to go.

Posted: June 27, 2024

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Lola

Finland

Reykjavík, Solo travel

Spent 10 days in a camper van, touring through the Ring Road as a solo female traveller in September 2023. The entire country felt safe everywhere. Reykjavik was very nice, people were helpful and friendly.

Posted: June 11, 2024

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Is Iceland safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Iceland

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, 2024

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Hvolsvollur

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, 2024

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Meet locals in Iceland

Raquel

About Me

This is Raquel Love photography, nature, food, mountain, sea, animals, traveling Always up fora coffe or chocolate with a nice conversation

Speaking

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Carmen

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).