Iceland Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Alone
Thinking about travelling solo in Iceland? You might be wondering if it’s safe, easy to get around, or whether you’ll meet anyone along the way. The good news is that Iceland is one of the safest and easiest places in the world to travel alone.
I actually visited with my partner, James, but after years of solo travel, I’m always tuned in to how a place would feel alone, and Iceland’s one I’d go back to solo in a heartbeat.
From wild landscapes to friendly locals, great infrastructure, and that constant feeling of safety, it’s made for solo adventurers.
The only downside? It’s not cheap, especially when you’re not splitting costs, but don’t worry, there are ways to keep it budget-friendly, like staying in hostels and cooking for yourself.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about exploring Iceland solo, even if it’s your first time.
Why Iceland Is Great To Travel Alone
Iceland is hands down one of the best destinations for solo travellers, especially if it’s your first time going it alone. It’s safe (seriously, it’s been ranked the world’s most peaceful country since 2008), easy to navigate, and the locals are super friendly.
Most people speak fluent English, so communication is a breeze. The landscapes are the stuff of dreams with glaciers, lagoons, hot springs, and lava fields, and there’s always something to see, whether it’s the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in the summer.
Getting around Iceland is straightforward, too, thanks to the ring road that loops around the island, clear road signs, and Google Maps (download the offline version).
One of the best parts about travelling solo? You get to do it all at your own pace. Stop where you want, spend as much time as you like exploring each place, and plan the trip that works best for you.
Solo Travel For Women In Iceland
Travelling solo as a woman can feel intimidating (I’ve been there and totally get it), and sadly, it’s a major reason why many don’t feel safe enough to venture out alone.
But Iceland feels different. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, and that sense of security extends to solo female travellers. With low crime rates and a strong culture of gender equality, Iceland is a great destination for women exploring on their own.
That said, staying aware of your surroundings is always good practice, no matter where you are. I personally felt completely safe during my time in Iceland.
If you’re uneasy about being out alone after dark, summer is the perfect time to visit. Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer months, giving you plenty of time to explore without worry.
Iceland is incredibly progressive, not just in terms of gender equality but also as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, just one more reason to add it to your solo travel list.
Where To Explore
Whether you’re exploring solo or joining a tour, Iceland has endless ways to experience its magic!
Group tours are a great option for meeting other travellers and can even be cheaper than renting a car. While you’ll be on a set schedule, they’re a fun and hassle-free way to see the best sights on your solo adventure!
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is where you’ll most likely start your Iceland trip, and it’s a great base if you’re planning to join tours instead of self-driving.
It’s also a great spot to go whale watching from the harbour — no need to go far to have an awesome experience out on the water.
The city is compact and really easy to explore on foot, with colourful buildings, great shops, cosy cafés, and plenty of museums to check out. If you fancy a trip to a hot spring, then Sky Lagoon is just outside of the city and has stunning views over the water. It’s much less touristy than Blue Lagoon, in my opinion.
I’ve visited both and have written a guide on Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon so you can choose which is best for you!
If you’re staying in town and want to meet other travellers, Reykjavík has plenty of hostels that make connecting with others easy.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular spots to explore in Iceland, and it’s super easy to get to from Reykjavík. Whether you’re driving yourself or hopping on a tour, it’s an awesome choice for solo travellers.
The 190-mile loop takes you to some of Iceland’s bucket list sights, like Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the epic Gullfoss waterfall. It’s a great way to see Iceland’s natural beauty, and you can easily do it on a day trip from the city.
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is a must-visit spot along the South Coast, about four hours from Reykjavík. It’s home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and it’s packed with incredible things to see, like glaciers, ice caves, and waterfalls.
The scale of this place is honestly hard to wrap your head around—it’s massive! If you’re planning on doing a glacier hike or visiting an ice cave, you’ll need to book a tour.
Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is a natural wonder located in Þingvellir National Park. The plates are slowly drifting apart, causing the gap to grow by about 2cm per year!
The water in the Silfra Fissure is glacial meltwater that has been filtered through lava rock, creating a crystal-clear underwater environment. The tour provides you with all the snorkelling gear you’ll need, just make sure you bring some warm clothes for after!
Not many people can say that they’ve swum between two continents!
This Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day trip is great for solo travellers and includes transfers from Reykjavik.
The South Coast
If you’ve got 4–5 days and plan on driving, the South Coast is a great way to check off some bucket-list spots. You’ll get a little bit of everything, including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the icy Sólheimajökull glacier, the volcanic black sand at Reynisfjara Beach, and the cute little town of Vik.
If you’re not driving, no worries! You can still see it all on a full-day tour from Reykjavík. These tours pack a lot into 10 hours, so it’s a super easy way to explore the South Coast without having to figure out the logistics yourself.
This full-day South Coast Tour will take you to some of the most iconic spots along Iceland’s south coast.
Landmannalaugar Highlands
Tucked away in the southern parts of the highlands, Landmannalaugar can only be accessed by Iceland’s F-roads and is best done as part of a tour when travelling solo. Here you will find one of the most active geothermal areas surrounded by rhyolite mountains and steaming hot springs.
This Landmannalaugar Highlands Hiking Tour takes you off the beaten track, away from the ring road and well-trodden parts of Iceland.
Landmannalaugar, accompanied by the presence of the active Hekla volcano, stands as one of Iceland’s most underrated locations you can visit. Colourful peaks, steaming springs and meandering lava flows are what you’ll find here.
You will be hiking for around 4 hours on this tour, so make sure you bring lunch and plenty of snacks. You’ll also be able to soak in one of the springs at the end of this tour, so bring some swimwear with you!
See The Northern Lights
If you travel solo to Iceland in the winter months, then you may be thinking about where you can see the Northern Lights.
This 4-hour Northern Lights Tour is a great option! Starting from Reykjavik, you’ll be transported away from the city lights to the best-forecasted viewing spots.
As with anything in nature, seeing the lights is never guaranteed, but if they don’t appear, most operators give you free access to another tour!
Self Driving In Iceland
If you prefer to explore Iceland at your own pace, you might want to consider renting a car or a camper van.
Even though group tours are great and can definitely make travelling solo a breeze, going on a self-drive tour gives you more freedom and might be your preferred option.
As I mentioned earlier, navigating Iceland is pretty straightforward as long as you steer clear of the F-roads. The F-roads are only open in the summer months and can only be accessed with certain vehicles. They aren’t easy to navigate, and if you travel to Iceland solo, I would recommend booking a tour for these.
Whether you want to explore the whole Ring Road, the South Coast, the Golden Circle or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, doing so by car is easily doable.
This 5-day Iceland itinerary is the perfect way to see the South Coast, including Diamond Beach, and the Golden Circle.
The Best Time To Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland really depends on the kind of trip you’re after. Summer is ideal for solo travellers, thanks to nearly endless daylight hours, making it easier to explore without worrying about the dark.
Just keep in mind that summer is the high season, so accommodation prices are at their peak, and it’s the worst time to visit if you’re on a tighter budget.
If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, plan your trip between late September and early April—that’s your best window to catch these.
For budget-conscious travellers, the shoulder and low seasons (also September to April) are perfect for getting lower prices on accommodation and tours, while still experiencing Iceland’s incredible landscapes.
Best Places To Stay As A Solo Traveller
All of these spots are right in the centre of Reykjavík, so you can easily explore the city on foot. If you’re planning to join a group tour, most of them offer pickup options from Reykjavík, making it super convenient to hop on from here and start your adventure.
- Hostel: Kex Hostel in Reykjavik is a sociable hostel that has an onsite bar and cafe. It’s just a short walk from bars, restaurants and coffee shops, perfect for a solo traveller.
- Guesthouse: Freyja Guesthouse & Suites is only 300m from Hallgrímskirkja Church and just 600m from the city centre.
- Hotel: Alda Hotel is a boutique accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik, they even have the option to book a single room.
- Apartment: Kósý Suite Apartment is exactly what it says on the tin, cosy! It’s also located in the centre of Reykjavik.
- Luxury Accommodation: Vaktahouse will feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy house. Your stay even comes with a free car rental!
Disadvantages of Solo Travel To Iceland
There are so many pros to travelling to Iceland solo, but like anywhere, there are a few cons to consider before booking your trip.
First off, Iceland is famously one of the most expensive countries to visit, and travelling solo means there’s no one to split the costs with. That said, there are plenty of ways to keep your budget in check!
Shopping at supermarkets instead of eating out, staying in hostels, or visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May and September–November) can all make a big difference. We even brought some dry food in our suitcase, and honestly, it saved us a fair bit! Small changes like these can help stretch your budget and make the trip more affordable.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re solely responsible for yourself. While this can feel a bit daunting, especially in a country as wild and remote as Iceland, planning ahead can take a lot of the pressure off.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, all the reasons why Iceland is such an amazing spot for solo travel.
Whether you’re keen to explore on your own or meet fellow travellers along the way, there’s something for everyone here. The stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and endless activities make it an unforgettable destination. And let’s not forget the most important part, it’s one of the safest countries in the world.
What more could you ask for?
