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

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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.
Tap water:

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.

Is Iceland safe to travel?

4.9 /5

Based on 39 experiences

Anna

Anna (23)

Spain

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Olivia

Olivia (18)

United Kingdom

Family travel experience

We visited The Secret Lagoon in Iceland and it was so worth it. There wasn’t many food options and the drinks were quite expensive, but the initial entry fee was cheaper than expected (however we did buy it included with a Golden Circle tour so it may have been cheaper than usual). The lagoon was so much hotter than I had been expecting and isn’t overrated at all, the water is so lovely and I wasn’t even cold when I left the water and walked into the snow - that’s how strong the heat rising from the water was! The Secret Lagoon isn’t really talked about as much as the Blue Lagoon, which meant this wasn’t too crowded and felt a lot calmer and safer than the Blue Lagoon, so I would definitely recommend this as an alternative!

Posted: February 4, 2024Experienced: January, 2024
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Iceland is a womderful place! It is safe and has tons of things to do. However, it is not cheap and people who are not used to driving in the snow or highway, should not to rent a car here, as I saw a ton of tourists left in the middle of nowhere. It is not particularly cheap, but I stayed at Hi hostel and booked tours with them for a reasonable price.

Posted: February 3, 2024Experienced: January, 2019
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I was in Iceland alone and I can definitely say it was worth it, even though it's fairly expensive. I rented a car and drove to all the attractions, except for the glacier tour. People were friendly and I really felt safe. I highly recommend it if it's on your list of places to visit.

Posted: December 27, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

Spent more on excursions and packed food from home since food is so expensive there. The university opens the dorms in the summer as a hostel so you can have a private room with shared bathroom for a cheap price. Very safe and fun trip, went with one other female

Posted: December 27, 2023Experienced: December, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Iceland is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers and I can confirm that. I felt really safe there. That's where I took my first solo trip. I also had quite a strong anxiety and the first night was tough, but after that, everything got much better.

Posted: December 25, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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

Posted: November 6, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I went in December and visited Sky Lagoon and Golden Circle, which were simply amazing. I also took a trip to see the Northern Lights, which was great. I felt safe the whole time.

Posted: April 10, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Iceland safe for women?

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Harassment and violence is super rare. The tap water is safe to drink and is one of the best waters in the world. It is a very safe country for solo female travelers. These three things you should watch out for; •Be aware the nature can be dangerous specially “Reynisfjara” a popular tourist destination, do not go anywhere close to the sea where there can suddenly be giant crash waves that sweeps people out to sea and there is not much that can be done to save someone. •Pick pocketing is something that did not exist in Iceland until recently criminal groups from other countries come to target tourists at crowded tourist destinations like Gullfoss and Geysir to pickpocket, the scam is usually they will ask you to take a photo for them while another person steal’s, but this will not happen anywhere elsewhere else in Iceland. •In general no matter the country it is wise to watch your drink at a crowded bar. If you feel unsafe don’t hesitate to ask for help, Icelanders take woman’s safety at the bar or clubs very seriously.

Posted: March 20, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Iceland safe right now?

Before your visit to Iceland, it's essential to check travel advisories for Iceland, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Iceland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Iceland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 17, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Iceland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024

Is Iceland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 39 experiences

Evelyn

Evelyn

United States

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Lysaifeni

Lysaifeni

Netherlands

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 3/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Iceland

Meet local women in Iceland who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Ana

Ana

About Me

I'm Ana, a Portuguese lady, who has been living in Iceland for the past years. I'll embark on a journey to explore the world for 6 months from August 2024 to February 2025. I'll be working remotely so having access to good Internet is important. Destinations in Europe: Sept to Dec Destinations outside Europe: Jan to Feb Looking forward to meeting like-minded women who love traveling, living life, building meaningful connections, create good memories 😊 if you're a solo traveler who plans to travel in the same time frame and wanna plan something together send me a line 😁 All the best and safe travels!

Speaking

mode_comment 1
Elín

Elín

About Me

I'm 28 and I'm from Iceland, I love literature, music, outdoor activities, game nights and all sorts of other things. I don't drink so not one to go to night clubs although I do not have a problem going to pubs and that sort of vibe.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Iceland

Stay with local women in Iceland who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
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 for a few days to host friends). However, I am moving officially on June 26th. So, I would be able to host until Middle of August (in order to offer a proper place and once I get my first payment 😋).

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Iceland

Connect with upcoming visitors to Iceland who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Guljahon

Guljahon

About Me

I’m a single mom living with my 5 y.o. son and working in Dubai. Love to travel and meet locals who are open minded, to experience best of local places we visit. I love gymnastics, and swimming , trying to learn surfing. Also, lately been very interested in starting my own business, since I listen to many podcasts and audiobooks about personal development, productivity, etc.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Lucilla

Lucilla

About Me

I am from Hong Kong where is a small city, but live over 7.33 million people. When I am traveling, I would like to have experience for being local people, so I like to spend my time in other places all over the world with local people, then I can know more about their daily lives and culture. We could make friends and exchange the cultures. I am a visual artist and give pottery lectures to the people who have intellectual disabilities at some workshops. I like painting and bakery. I also like hiking and camping as I am a scout leader. Moreover, it’s important for me to have the opportunities to learn their lives spirit.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Iceland