Iceland is known as one of the best locations for solo female travel. Perfect for self-discovery adventures that are unlike anything you will experience anywhere else in the world. 

Iceland is a country with beautiful landscape

Iceland is a country with beautiful landscape

Iceland is the number one destination for those seeking an escape from their busy life as it is expansive enough that you’ll be able to find and experience your perfect spot for isolated contemplation but also for solo or joint adventure if that’s what you want.

When you’ve had enough of the beautiful landscapes and would like to ramp things up a gear, there’s plenty of culture and bustling nightlife and ways to get to know the locals. With all this in mind, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Iceland for solo female travellers.

Do Your Research

Solo travel can be daunting if you’re a first-timer. It’s always good to do your research and make sure you know where you’re going and what you’re getting yourself into. 

It’s a good idea to check out the crime and safety statistics before you go. Just like a lot of other countries, low-level crime still happens in Iceland. Iceland is known as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. 

Priding itself on its strong gender equality values and low cases of sexual harassment and catcalling incidents. The fact that they don't need armed services like the Army or Navy shows that Iceland has its mainland safety under control. 

Iceland has a well trained domestic police service and a coastguard service, so citizens feel protected at all times.

Learn the Language

Icelandic is a difficult language to learn; the language has Germanic influences. It wouldn't be possible to understand the entire language overnight. Still, it would be beneficial to learn a few phrases so that you can communicate with the locals and make some friends who might be willing to help you experience the best of their home country. 

Saying that most young people speak English as it’s taught in school, so maybe just learning the niceties of please and thank you is all that is required.

Excellent Facilities

Iceland has excellent facilities; toilets are free in hotels and cafes, much like the rest of Europe. You may need some change for public showers and toilet facilities in bigger cities. 

Iceland prides itself on immaculately looked after and clean streets and cities, the infrastructure, trains, buses and taxis are well maintained. The overall feeling of pride in the country gives gravitas to the claims that Iceland is a safe country. 

Top speed internet is available everywhere you go. It’s a good idea to check in with a friend or colleague if you’re planning a trip into a remote location. If you ever find yourself in trouble or feeling uncomfortable, you can easily access or talk to someone who will be more than willing to help you out. 

Notice boards and Tinder

Whether male or female, travellers will find the message boards on Tripadvisor or The Lonely Plant useful. On these message boards, travellers can ask questions and give advice. Just use your common sense when replying to messages. Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it’s usually fake.

Tinder is also known as a popular way to reach out and meet new people as many people in Iceland use the app to mingle not just to date or hook up - quite different to how we view Tinder in most other countries. 

So if all those amazing facts about how safe you’ll be doesn't convince you to book your ticket to Iceland, then maybe this list of beautiful locations to visit along the coast will.

Safe Destinations in Iceland

Other than the peaceful lifestyle, gender equality and the lack of military services, Iceland is known for its beautiful waterfalls along the South Coast.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. With a waterfall cascading 60m down from the ancient sea cliffs, this volcano-glacier-fed marvel is a beautiful sight and will be sure to take your breath away. 

If you’re looking for something that you won't find everywhere else, then look no further than Reynisfjara black sand beach. As you can tell from its title, this beach is far from the golden sandy beaches you might get back home. With black volcanic beach sand, towering cliffs and beautiful caves this destination has to make it onto your ‘must-see’ list. 

Make sure you pack your binoculars and bird book as there are hundreds of indigenous birds nesting along the cliffs of this beach.

The nearest village to the black beach is the small seaside village of Vik. It is the Southernmost village in Iceland and home to around 300 inhabitants. Situated roughly 180 km from the well-known city of Reykjavik, Vik is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier with Iceland's most active volcanoes, Katla, lurking beneath it.

All the locations listed above have organised tours available to the solo traveller that might not want to make independent arrangements.

One Last Thing to Keep in Mind

Iceland is a relatively pricey country. When Iceland’s economy went into recession a few years back, Iceland suddenly became more affordable. Now the economy and costs have picked up.  Prices are not as expensive as they once were, but they’re still relatively high. But that's the price you pay for peace of mind.