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 63 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

2.8/5

Iceland, Family travel

Golden circle of course, the national archives is a very good museum on history (þjoðskalasafn), if you are driving go to skogafoss waterfall while touring the nature and visit skogasafn, a very fun museum and a look into culture. Hiking is beautiful there. Please try to learn the language a little, though most people speak english, our language is shrinking and learning simple thing like hello (hallo), thank you (takk) is nice to do.

Posted: August 9, 2025
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Iceland, Solo travel

Iceland is otherworldly in its beauty. Glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, ocean- it’s like its own planet. Everything feels clear and natural. The people from there are interesting and nice, but lately there’s been a lot of immigration. I would rate it as safe so long as you’re prepared and follow the signs- but very expensive. 4x the price of Norway at least.

Posted: June 23, 2025
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Iceland, Family travel

It was one of the best trips I ever did! The nature is just amazing and breathtaking. Very diverse. The food was also very good for a vegetarian but it was (just like everything) a bit expensive. But good quality and I felt very safe there :)

Posted: June 2, 2025Experienced: September, 2023
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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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Is Iceland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 20 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 20 local experiences

Hanna

Hanna

Reykjavík

City center is quite safe and you don’t really need to worry about any harm coming to you. The nightlife can be a bit wild at times but nothing you can’t handle. Recently there has been an increase in pick pockets at popular tourist attractions but if are mindful it is perfectly safe.

Posted: August 11, 2025
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Safety in Iceland