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

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Safety index

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.

Is Reykjavík safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 8 experiences

Mariana

Mariana

Mexico

Solo travel experience

I've been to Reykjavik repeatedly over the years and it is one of the cities where I have felt the safest, even walking around alone in the middle of the night (in winter) without a problem. It's not the most happening of places (unless there's a music festival, and there are many and often), but it's a good home base in Iceland if you want to explore the southern part of the island. It has, however, become much more expensive than it used to be, so it will set you back a bit.

Posted: April 13, 2024
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Solo travel experience

i was alone, i stayed for three days and it’s one of the safest countries in the world i felt very safe. highly recommend going there. i went to see the northern lights but i couldn’t see them i recommend checking the dates of the northern lights before going there. i went to a golden circle tour and it was beautiful too.

Posted: January 13, 2024
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Solo travel experience

I found Reykjavik to be a very friendly and safe place. I spent my first night in an Airbnb room in a stranger's house (which I had never done before) and I was pleased with the accommodation. I was lucky and managed to see a bit of the northern lights that night. I spent the rest of my trip in a national park. The rented car was very cheap at the time, and the road that circles the whole country was well maintained and well marked.

Posted: December 10, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Hallgrímskirkja - Sun Voyager - Rainbow Street - Street Art - Hofdi House Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a charming city with fantastic tours to breathtaking landscapes.

Posted: September 16, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Hallgrímskirkja Church - Rainbow Road - Austurvöllur Square - The Unknown Bureaucrat Memorial - Icelandic Phallological Museum - Harpa Concert Hall - Sun Voyager Sculpture - Hofdi House Safety: It's safe. I walk alone in Reykjavik at night and no one bothers me. Recommendations: Reykjavik is a small, easy to explore, and safe city. If you stay in the city center, you can easily walk around it at night.

Posted: September 9, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Hallgrímskirkja Church - Harpa - Sun Voyager - The Icelandic Phallological Museum - Perlan - National Museum of Iceland - Reykjavik Art Museum - Laugavegur - The Settlement Exhibition Safety: Reykjavik is safe and most people are friendly. Recommendations: Reykjavik is nice for a day or two, but the best parts of Iceland are outside the city.

Posted: September 2, 2022
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Is Reykjavík safe for women?

Is Reykjavík safe right now?

Before your visit to Reykjavík, 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: April 10, 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 Reykjavík worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 8 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.7/5

Solo travel experience

Reykjavik is tiny, you can walk the entire "city" in one morning. I found a few 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 went alone and could allow myself to travel independently. I spent all days sightseeing the Golden Circle. I could book the Secret Lagoon (two hours entry, more rural stay and significantly smaller, but unique) to the south towards Vik and the black sand beach. An extraordinary walk/route along the coast is the way to the Grota lighthouse - a total of about 12 km, which was really worth it. It was so peculiar, identical and beautiful.

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

Eva

About Me

Hi I am Eva, I am 50 years old and a single mom. I love animals and nature. I like to travel and meet new people, see new cities and learn about new cultures.

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Eva

Eva

Reykjavík

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3 days

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Hi I am Eva, I am 50 years old and a single mom. I love animals and nature. I like to travel and meet new people, see new cities and learn about new cultures.

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Safety in Iceland