Solo Female Travel in Iceland: Discovering the Land of Fire and Ice

There are destinations that change the way you travel, and Iceland is definitely one of them. This island offers everything an independent woman seeks in solo travel: exceptional safety, welcoming people, and nature so powerful it reconnects you with what truly matters.

Perched on the Atlantic Ocean, between the European Union and the Faroe Islands, Iceland gave me complete freedom to explore lava fields, glacial lagoons, and the south coast at my own pace during two unforgettable weeks of road tripping.

Contrary to common misconceptions, traveling alone in Iceland as a woman isn't scary at all: Icelandic culture deeply respects women, and getting around this country remains straightforward even for first-timers, making it the ideal destination for your first solo trip in Europe.

Camera in hand, I discovered that solo travel allows for total immersion. Let me share my best tips and itineraries to make your Iceland adventure your most amazing travel experience yet.

Table of Contents

Essential safety tips for solo female travelers
Best destinations for women traveling alone
Top activities for solo female travelers
Best seasons to visit Iceland
Planning your departure
Culture and nature: essential details to know

Essential Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Iceland

Before my departure, my mother worried: "Are you really going so far alone?" I understand these fears, and yet, after exploring this magnificent country, I can assure you there's nothing to fear!

Is Iceland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Absolutely. Iceland regularly ranks first in global safety rankings, with a crime index of just 1.8 out of 100.

Icelandic police rarely carry weapons, which says a lot about the country's peaceful nature. Icelanders have a deeply egalitarian mindset, inherited from a history where women have always played important roles in society.

Icelandic Culture and Respect for Women

Icelanders have promoted gender equality for generations. Women move freely in public spaces, day and night. This progressive mentality is felt in all aspects of daily life.

Unlike other destinations, you won't experience street harassment or unwanted stares.

Potential Dangers and How to Avoid Them

The real risks in Iceland don't come from humans but from nature. The weather changes within minutes, going from sunshine to storm. Roads can become icy without warning, especially in winter. The isolation of certain regions requires preparation.

I learned the hard way about the importance of checking weather conditions before every outing. One day, caught in a blizzard near Vatnajökull National Park, I had to turn back and postpone my hike. The golden rule: always inform someone of your itinerary and respect local safety guidelines.

Hot springs can be dangerous if you don't respect marked areas. Some reach temperatures over 212°F (100°C). Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing alone into unsupervised areas.

Useful Apps and Safety Contacts

Before leaving, absolutely download the 112 Iceland and SafeTravel apps. The first sends your GPS location to emergency services, and the second alerts you to dangerous weather and road conditions. They can really get you out of trouble in the mountains or on Icelandic roads!

I also joined the NomadSister community, which helps you find secure accommodation with other women. It's great for meeting locals while staying hosted for free!

Best Destinations for Solo Female Travel in Iceland

Your choice depends on your interests and the season. Summer opens all access routes, winter limits certain roads but offers the northern lights.

Reykjavik: Nordic Capital and Vibrant Culture

Reykjavik surprises with its human scale and cultural vibrancy.

Hallgrímskirkja church dominates the city at 243 feet tall, offering panoramic views over the colorful rooftops. The old harbor is packed with seafood restaurants where I discovered the best fish and chips of my life.

Street art transforms every corner into an open-air gallery. Museums like the National Museum tell the fascinating story of this volcanic island. Nightlife remains safe even late at night: Icelanders go out a lot on weekends and the atmosphere always stays friendly.

My favorite spot: Reykjavik Roasters café for its cozy atmosphere and beans roasted on-site. ☕

The Golden Circle: Legendary Geysers and Waterfalls

This 186-mile (300 km) loop - I'll admit I initially avoided it, thinking it was too touristy. What a mistake!

From the first stop at Geysir, I understood why so many travelers start here. Watching Strokkur erupt every five minutes is mesmerizing. Then Gullfoss literally took my breath away: this double waterfall disappearing into a narrow canyon, with spray creating rainbows in good weather.

Þingvellir National Park perfectly caps off this day: walking between the European and American tectonic plates - honestly, it's mind-blowing.

My favorite spot: Öxarárfoss waterfall, hidden in Þingvellir. A 66-foot drop into a geological fissure, far from the crowds rushing to the three main sites. 🏞️

The South Coast: Glaciers and Black Sand Beaches

The south coast reveals landscapes of striking beauty.

Skógafoss waterfall, 197 feet high, creates a permanent water curtain where rainbows often dance. Reynisfjara beach, with its black volcanic sand and basalt columns, looks like a fantasy film set.

Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is the showstopper. I spent hours watching these thousand-year-old icebergs, each unique in shape and blue color.

My favorite spot: my night with Ása, a NomadSister host, facing Vatnajökull glacier. The absolute silence and view of snow-covered mountains create an unforgettable meditative experience. 🏔️

The East Fjords: Wild Nature and Peaceful Villages

Heading east, where tourist buses don't venture.

These fjords carved by ancient glaciers offered me a different, more secret Iceland. The road winds between vertiginous cliffs and gray-blue ocean, revealing fishing villages where time seems frozen. Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður... unpronounceable names for peaceful havens where colorful houses huddle against the mountains.

I spent hours watching puffins from the cliffs of Borgarfjörður Eystri, alone in the world facing these birds diving into the waves.

My favorite spot: my encounter with Sigrid in Seyðisfjörður. This silver-haired artist taught me to paint on driftwood in her studio that smells of turpentine and ocean. 🎨

Akureyri and the North: Between Whales and Hot Springs

Akureyri surprised me from arrival. This "capital of the north" of 20,000 inhabitants radiates such peaceful atmosphere, with its colorful houses climbing toward the iconic church. The Lystigarðurinn botanical garden amazed me with its floral richness despite being near the Arctic Circle.

From Eyjafjörður fjord, whale watching tours reveal magical encounters with humpback whales, minke whales, and sometimes even orcas. In summer, the fragrance of flowering rowan trees perfumes the downtown streets.

My favorite spot: Mývatn Nature Baths, less crowded than the Blue Lagoon but equally relaxing. The milky water with healing properties soothes body and mind after a day of hiking. ♨️

Iceland Road Trip Itineraries: 7 Days, 10 Days, 15 Days

Planning Iceland itineraries is quite complex, as timing is crucial for visiting certain places. But here are my best itineraries for optimal exploration!

7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1-2: Reykjavik and Reykjanes Peninsula

Stroll through colorful downtown Reykjavik and discover Hallgrímskirkja church
Relax at the Blue Lagoon and its milky geothermal waters
Explore Reykjanes lava fields and Reykjanesviti lighthouse
Visit the bridge between continents at Sandvík

Day 3: Golden Circle - Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir

Watch regular eruptions of Strokkur geyser at Geysir
Admire the double waterfall of Gullfoss and its rainbows
Walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park
Discover the hidden Öxarárfoss waterfall

Day 4-5: South Coast - Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset
Climb the 527 steps to the top of Skógafoss
Contemplate the basalt columns and black waves of Reynisfjara
Explore ice caves near Sólheimajökull glacier

Day 6: Jökulsárlón and Return to Reykjavik

Navigate between blue icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
Observe seals on Breiðamerkursandur diamond beach
Photograph natural ice sculptures drifting toward the ocean

Day 7: Reykjavik and Departure

Last-minute souvenir shopping on Laugavegur street
Visit the National Museum of Iceland or Maritime Museum
Taste local specialties at Kolaportið covered market

10-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1-2: Reykjavik and Golden Circle

Discover historic downtown Reykjavik and its cozy cafés
Complete Golden Circle excursion with Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir
Bathe in the secret hot springs of Flúðir

Day 3-4: South Coast to Jökulsárlón

Explore iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Guided hike on Sólheimajökull glacier
Boat tour on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and seal watching

Day 5-6: East Fjords - Höfn, Seyðisfjörður

Fresh lobster tasting at Höfn restaurants
Discover colorful houses of Seyðisfjörður and its art galleries
Hike to hidden Hengifoss waterfalls

Day 7-8: North - Akureyri, Lake Mývatn

Visit Akureyri's botanical garden and stroll downtown
Explore unique geological formations around Lake Mývatn
Relax in Mývatn Nature Baths

Day 9: Return to Reykjavik via Westfjords

Scenic stop at Hvítserkur cliffs and rock formation
Discover isolated fishing villages of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Day 10: Reykjavik and Departure

Final exploration of Reykjavik's trendy neighborhoods
Purchase traditional Icelandic woolens

15-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1-3: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Golden Circle

Complete immersion in Icelandic culture in Reykjavik
In-depth exploration of Reykjanes lunar landscapes
Discover the three major Golden Circle sites with time for hiking

Day 4-6: Complete South Coast to Jökulsárlón

Visit secret waterfalls Gljúfrabúi and Kvernufoss
Hike on glacier tongues and in Fjaðrárgljúfur canyons
Complete exploration of Vatnajökull National Park

Day 7-9: East Fjords - In-depth Exploration

Immersion in local life of isolated fishing villages
Puffin watching from Borgarfjörður Eystri cliffs
Meet local artisans and discover traditional crafts

Day 10-12: North - Akureyri, Húsavík, Mývatn, Dettifoss

Whale watching excursion from Húsavík port
Discover Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss
Explore craters and volcanic formations in Mývatn region

Day 13-14: Westfjords - Ísafjörður, Dynjandi

Discover the cultural capital of the west fjords, Ísafjörður
Hike to fan-shaped Dynjandi waterfall
Relax in wild hot springs of Krosslaug

Day 15: Return to Reykjavik and Departure

Final moments in the capital before departure
Visit remaining museums or contemporary art galleries

Off the Beaten Path Places to Explore in Iceland

Strandir: this 1,350 square mile peninsula is home to barely 750 souls, scattered in ghost towns like Djúpavík. The hot springs of Krossneslaug offered me a bath facing the fjords, in a natural pool where you slip a few coins into a donation box.

Stuðlagil Canyon: revealed just a few years ago when the Jökla river level dropped, this 1,640-foot corridor unveils basalt columns 65-98 feet high. The 3-mile hike from Klaustursel farm first crosses a white bridge, then winds toward these perfectly geometric formations reflecting in turquoise water.

Kerlingarfjöll surprised me with its striking contrasts. In Hveradalir valley, fumaroles escape from ochre and red soil, colored by rhyolite. The 7-mile hike crosses snow patches and colorful plateaus where the smell of sulfur announces approaching bubbling hot springs.

Best Activities for Solo Female Travelers in Iceland

I discovered that Iceland transforms solitude into freedom. Slipping into the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn's secret baths offers a timeless escape. No one rushes you, no one comments on the water temperature.

I experienced some of my most beautiful hikes in Iceland. On the Laugavegur trail, I walked for hours without meeting a soul, just the sound of my footsteps on volcanic earth. This freedom to stop when you want, to change itinerary on a whim, is exactly what solo female travelers seek.

During winter nights, I spent hours lying on frozen grass watching for northern lights. These green dances in the black sky are best savored in complete silence. Even small group excursions maintain this intimacy with nature. Plus, the camera becomes a perfect excuse to approach locals or other female travelers.

Best Seasons to Travel to Iceland

Summer (June-August) offers 20 hours of daily light, ideal for hiking and exploration. Temperatures reach 59°F (15°C) and all roads are passable.

Winter (December-February) reveals the northern lights but limits travel due to short days and unpredictable weather.

Spring and autumn offer an interesting compromise with fewer crowds and changing weather that keeps some mystery. You have to accept some impromptu showers, but that's Iceland's charm.

Planning Your Departure to Iceland

Traveling alone to Iceland requires some preparation. Budget, accommodation, transportation - I'll give you all my practical advice!

What Budget to Plan for Solo Travel in Iceland?

Honestly, Iceland can quickly hurt your wallet.

Plan $165-220 per day for a comfortable stay, but I discovered a game-changing tip: the camper van. From $88 per day for a basic model, you combine transport and accommodation.

Campsites cost only $23-38 per night, and cooking in your van cuts your food costs by three. The Camping Card at $196 gives access to about fifty sites. Result: instead of $220 daily, you get by with $110-132.

For groceries, look for Bonus's pink pig logo - their prices really beat other chains.

Finding Affordable and Secure Accommodation

If camper vans aren't your thing, don't panic - there are other options.

Youth hostels remain the safest option for beginners, between $38-55 per night. Family guesthouses offer more privacy for $66-88. As for cabins lost in nature, they promise magical wake-ups facing the fjords.

The NomadSister platform offers an innovative solution for free accommodation with female hosts, specifically designed for women traveling alone. I made great connections there while enjoying secure accommodation!

Getting Around Iceland: All Transportation Options

I tested several options and honestly, the camper van remains my favorite. Otherwise, a regular car costs $44-66 daily, perfect for short stays.

Straeto buses serve main cities but limit your wild escapades. Ridesharing via Samferda.is helps split costs and is ideal for meeting locals.

Warning: Icelandic weather sometimes closes roads without notice.

Documents and Formalities to Know Before Departure

Paperwork-wise, Iceland stays pretty relaxed.

If you're from Europe, your ID card suffices - no need to dig out your passport. Your European license works perfectly for driving there.

For women from other continents, a valid passport is mandatory, sometimes with a visa depending on your country of origin. I recommend checking the official website.

I learned the hard way that travel insurance avoids unpleasant surprises, especially with Icelandic medical costs that sting. The European Health Insurance Card helps with basic emergencies. No special vaccines required, just keep your usual boosters current!

Culture and Nature: Essential Details Before Your Iceland Trip

I learned a few things during my stay there.

First, this nudity thing in hot springs - it's surprising at first, but you get used to it quickly. Icelanders do it naturally, without fuss.

I tried hákarl, that famous fermented shark, and I admit I struggled to finish my bite, but locals always laugh when you attempt the experience.

Nature-wise, they're very strict about respecting trails, and honestly they're right given their landscapes' fragility. Learn a few Icelandic words, at least "Góðan daginn" for hello and "Takk fyrir" for thank you. Even mispronounced, you'll always get smiles.

For equipment, waterproof hiking boots are essential for volcanic terrain. And layering (wearing multiple clothing layers) saved me when weather changed every ten minutes.

A headlamp will get you out of tricky situations in ice caves and during long winter nights. And don't forget to bring an adapter to avoid technical hassles.

There you have it - you now have all the advice needed to spread your wings. Ready to experience your most beautiful solo trip to Iceland?

ITINERARY| TRAVEL

Katia

Traveler

11 Juillet 2025

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Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!

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