Solo Travel in Iceland

If you’re planning a solo trip to Iceland, this doesn’t mean you have to be on your own throughout your holiday. Icelandia can be your trusted companion for independent adventures, keeping you safe in some of Iceland’s most extreme environments and giving you the opportunity to obtain valuable insights into the country’s landscape and culture from your guide. Here’s why solo travel in Iceland is better if you team up with Icelandia.

Crime rates

According to data compiled by the Institute of Economics and Peace, Iceland has topped the list of the world’s safest countries[J2] , known as the Global Peace Index, for an impressive 15 years in a row. Nevertheless, when you travel independently there’s always an element of risk. In a low crime country such as Iceland, the challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather pose more of a threat than anything else.

Weather

Iceland’s weather is notorious for being unsettled and unpredictable. Thanks to the country’s mid-Atlantic location, clouds can build rapidly, storms can be fierce and winds strong. If you’re travelling solo, particularly if you plan to be out in the open on your own, you need to keep a close eye on the weather forecast, even while you are out.

Check the latest data on the Icelandic Met Office website[J3] , which has region specific data. Fortunately, on many occasions, the bad weather blows away as quickly as it moved in. You might choose to seek shelter in a café, visitor attraction or even a tour bus while you wait for the worst of it to pass.

Road traffic accidents

One of the biggest risks comes from driving[J4] , especially on unfamiliar roads or in conditions that you aren’t used to. Exposed stretches of road and mountain passes can leave you vulnerable to strong gusts of wind, while ice and snow can also be challenging if you have limited experience driving in such weather.

Out in the countryside

Hiking too can be problematic for solo travellers. Heading out into the outdoors with little knowledge of the trail, there’s no one to help if you encounter steep ridges, loose scree and other tricky surfaces. The fog can roll in with little warning, reducing visibility in an instant and accordingly making it difficult to navigate.

As a solo traveller you should be mindful of whether what you plan to do could be classed as a hazardous activity. If it is, then consider taking a tour so that you are in company and would have immediate help available should things not go smoothly. Be cautious when unsure; for example, if you plan to have a dip in a natural hot spring, test the water first to make sure the temperature is safe for bathing before fully immersing yourself.

• Reserve a place on a group tour

One of the simplest things you can do to reduce your risk is to sign up for a tour[J5] . Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll have no concerns about having to problem solve or fend for yourself should you find yourself in a challenging situation, leaving you free to focus on what you came for: the extraordinary scenery.

For instance, you could book a place on our Volcanic Wonders with Grindavik visit [J6] and discover the lasting impacts of the ongoing Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkur eruptions in Reykjanes; the Volcano Shuttle super jeep tour [J7] is ideal for those who haven’t the time or physical ability to do the hike.

• Be proactive if going it alone

If you do choose to venture out independently, then always let someone at your hotel know about your plans including an estimated return time. There’s also the option of filing a trip plan on the Safe Travel website[J8] ; in the event of an emergency help will reach you faster as the search area will be more clearly defined.

Be sure you kit yourself out with the appropriate gear. The weather can change rapidly in Iceland; just because it’s mild and sunny when you set out doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Think about how you’ll stay warm and dry as well as choosing sturdy footwear. You might also benefit from crampons and poles.

Staying connected is a must. Be sure to carry a fully charged mobile phone and spare battery. Carry a paper map as backup and a compass – make sure you know how to use it. If there’s a chance you’ll be heading out of range, specialist equipment such as GPS units and emergency beacons can be rented from the Icelandic Camping Equipment outlet at our base at the BSÍ terminal.

Solo travel can be isolating, particularly in a sparsely populated country such as Iceland. Sometimes, you can drive for hours – such as up in the Westfjords – and barely see another vehicle. While renting a car for a self-drive trip gives you plenty of flexibility, there are times when you might feel a little lonely, especially if you are in Iceland for a while. But we have an answer to that...

Taking a tour with Icelandia gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn a little about what brought them to Iceland. Having your own set of wheels opens up other possibilities, such as the meet on location tours that we offer, though of course sometimes it’s good to park up for the day and organise a convenient pick up.

Solo tours in Iceland don’t have to be expensive and in fact, can make it easier to stick to a budget. In a country where public transport beyond the city is limited, signing up for a place on a group tour can be beneficial. For instance, you’ll know how much the excursion is going to cost up front – no hidden extras like additional fuel costs or parking on top of the cost outlined in your rental agreement.

Certain adventurous activities [J9] can’t be done independently, for various reasons. If you’re keen on venturing out onto a glacier lagoon on a boat trip or heading out to open water to go whale watching, you’ll need a vessel and a skipper. ATV and buggy rides, as well as horse-riding tours, are other examples of where you’ll be reliant on others. Caving, kayaking and snorkelling are also examples of when you need someone to show you the ropes and a tour is the answer.

If you’re travelling in Iceland during the summer you might choose to travel to Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk using the Highland Bus[J10] . With a high clearance 4x4, it’s possible to drive yourself, but the river crossings can be deep and daunting, especially if there’s no one else around. Schedules – it operates between June and September when the F-roads are open – allow for day trips as well as longer stays.

In Iceland, safety for solo travellers is paramount: glacier hikes and ice cave tours are another case in point. Glaciers are dynamic environments; though they look stationary, they’re actually moving imperceptibly slowly down the valley under the influence of gravity, which is why they are unstable. Moulins and crevasses can be treacherous, particularly if concealed under recent snowfalls, while ice caves can weaken and collapse. Guides will be abreast of the latest information and know where to avoid.

In some parts of the world, solo travel can be problematic for females. Misogynistic comments and unsafe streets can take the pleasure out of exploring, especially after dark. In Iceland, however, that’s highly unlikely: the status of women is protected by gender equality laws and as of 2025, all major leadership roles are held by women[J11] . While something bad can happen anywhere, statistically, it happens less often in countries like Iceland.

While it holds that females are unlikely to feel unsafe while travelling, there’s much to be said for prioritising your own safety if you’re a woman on her own – even when planning solo travel in Iceland. One trip planning tip you might consider is to come to Iceland during the summer when visitor destinations tend to be busier and the sun barely sets. But solo female travel in Iceland is a real treat, so don’t focus too much on what might go wrong because it most likely won’t.

If you’ve chosen a largely independent self-drive itinerary, be sure to rent from a reputable car hire agency and check over the vehicle thoroughly before you drive it away. Make sure there’s a decent tread left on the tyres and if a warning light remains illuminated, switch off and head back into the office to find out what it means.

When opting for independent travel in Iceland, it’s vital to take out comprehensive insurance including roadside recovery so that if anything happens you’re covered. It’s also wise to make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone in the car at all times in case you need to ring one of the helpline numbers. While you gain confidence, stick to major roads rather than isolated turnoffs; choose accommodation with this in mind.

There’s a lot to be said for basing yourself in Reykjavik if you’re an independent explorer. The Icelandic capital is ideal for those contemplating solo travel in Iceland as it boasts a ton of tourist attractions within the downtown area. FlyOver Iceland and Perlan give visitors the chance to understand what the country’s like while still in Reykjavik and unique attractions such as LAVA Show will have a lasting impact.

Car hire is straightforward with offices within Reykjavik if you’re keen to have your own vehicle for a day or two. Meanwhile tour companies such as Icelandia can get you far beyond the city limits[J12] with a range of tours. The Golden Circle, Reykjanes, the South Coast (even as far east as the glacier lagoons), Snæfellsnes peninsula and West Iceland are all easily doable as day trips.

Most sightseeing tours are available year-round, though if there’s a tour you’re especially keen on we’d recommend booking it early in your stay in case it has to be rescheduled. Operational reasons and inclement weather can sometimes have an effect – particularly for weather-dependent tours such as whale watching and, in season, Northern Lights tours – but we endeavour to rebook clients so that you won’t miss out.

So, if you’re thinking about a solo adventure in Iceland, then Icelandia has got you covered. With engaging guides, enticing itineraries and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our tours for solo travellers in Iceland [J13] are just the thing for discerning guests with high standards.