Is Reykjavík Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Reykjavík prides itself on having a low crime rate and is often considered one of the world's safer capitals. The Icelandic police are helpful and approachable, and the residents usually are warm, friendly, and comfortable with English. Normal safety precautions apply, such as avoiding deserted areas at night and keeping an eye on valuables, but overall, security incidents involving solo female travelers are extremely rare.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 6 experiences

4.9 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Very safe

Reykjavík is known to have low crime rates and is considered one of the safest cities in the world. The city center is well lit and busy, even late into the night. As in any city, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings but walking alone at night in Reykjavík is generally very safe. While taking normal precautions as a solo traveler is always recommended, incidents involving tourists, particularly women, are extremely rare.

Public transportation: Very safe

Public transportation in Reykjavík is typically very safe. The locals are known for being trustworthy, respectful, and punctual. Buses are well-maintained and the schedules are accurately followed. There's CCTV surveillance in most, if not all, public transportation vehicles as an added layer of security. It's a common means of transport and is generally deemed reliable for both locals and tourists. Even during late hours, safety standards are upheld.

Street harassment: Very low

Reykjavík is generally a safe and respectful city for solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are very low and rare. The residents are generally welcoming, polite, and respect boundaries. However, like anywhere in the world, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Low

Reykjavík is generally a safe city with low rates of petty crimes. However, like anywhere else in the world, occasional pickpocketing or theft can occur, especially in more crowded areas or events. Always stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Reykjavík is perfectly safe to drink. The water comes from natural springs in the ground, plus it's typically cold and crisp, often considered among the cleanest and most delicious in the world. It's regulated to meet strict quality standards, therefore you can drink it straight from the tap without further purification.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

1.9/5

Solo travel experience

Reykjavik is tiny, you can walk the entire "city" in one morning. I found some very good restaurants there and the food was delicious but expensive.

Posted: May 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I found Reykjavik to be very friendly and safe. The first night I stayed in an Airbnb room in someone’s house (which I had never done) and was happy with the accommodation. I got lucky and saw a little of the northern lights that night. Spent the remainder of the trip in the national park. The rental car was very cheap at the time and the road that goes around the entire country was well paved and well marked.

Posted: December 10, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went solo and could afford to drive around on my own. Did all days tours golden circle, I could book a secrete lagoon with it (two hour entry, more of rustic stay and much smaller but unique) south to Vik and black sand beach. There is an amazing walk/loop along the shore to Grota light house -+12 km altogether, so worthy. It was so bizarre, unified and beautiful.

Posted: November 17, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Hallgrímskirkja - Sun Voyager - Rainbow Street - Street Art - Hofdi House Safety: I felt super safe. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a lovely city with great trips to breathtaking scenery.

Posted: September 16, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Hallgrímskirkja Church - Rainbow Road - Austurvöllur Square - Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat - Icelandic Phallological Museum - Harpa Concert Hall - Sun Voyager Sculpture - Hofdi House Safety: It’s safe. I walked around Reykjavik alone at night and nobody bothered me. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a small, easy to navigate and safe city. If you stay in the city center, you can easily walk around at night.

Posted: September 9, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Iglesia Hallgrímskirkja - Harpan - Sun Voyager - The Icelandic Phallological Museum - Perlan - National Museum of Iceland - Reykjavík Art Museum - Laugavegur - The Settlement Exhibition Safety: Reykjavík is safe and most of the people are friendly. Recommendations: Reykjavik is cool for a day or two, but all the best parts of Iceland are outside the city.

Posted: September 2, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Reykjavík

Karolina

Karolina

Speaking

About Me

Hi! My name is Karolina I’m 25 years old. I will be happy to meet new people who like to travel as well as have fun.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇬🇷 Greece, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands

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Hanna

Hanna

Speaking

About Me

Hi. An Icelandic woman who loves walking around cities. Looking at buildings , visiting museums and enjoying sunny days.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇩🇪 Germany

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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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Upcoming visitors to Reykjavík

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

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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TravelWhat are the best accessible day trips and adventures in Reykjavik, Iceland without a vehicle?

Must dos/sees/eats in Reykjavik, Iceland? I am staying in the centre of the town and are not renting a vehicle. Looking for some accessible and doable day trips and adventures.

Posted: October 22, 2022
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Safety in Iceland