Women’s Solo Travel Iceland: Stuff to Know Before You Go
Published 2025Dreaming of Iceland? You’re not alone—it’s a bucket-list favorite for women who love to travel solo (and with besties).
Iceland had been on my list for about a decade before I finally took the plunge. I hope you don’t leave it as long as me…because life is short and Iceland is EPIC!
Read on for what to pack, safety hacks, cultural etiquette, fab travel experiences and some simple budgeting tips.
My tips are ideal for women traveling to Iceland solo or with friends for the first time.
A few points before we begin…
I highly recommend booking your flights and accommodation in advance to save money (and avoid being stuck with only poor-quality accommodations). The same applies to car hire.
Browse the map below for the best accommodation deals in Iceland. Use the filter to sort by date and price.
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Essential packing tips for traveling to Iceland
From breathtaking waterfalls to steaming hot springs, glaciers, and crazy-cool landscapes, this place is pure magic. But beware.
Mother Nature is fierce: The weather in Iceland can be amazing, miserable and wild—all in the same day. It can totally throw you a curveball if you’re not ready. Being prepared is key.
Pack these essentials to make the most of its wild weather and amazing sights:
Dress smart: Iceland’s weather changes fast. Think thermal base layers, warm sweaters, and a solid waterproof jacket. Wool or synthetic beats cotton every time.
Rain-ready gear: Waterproof pants and jackets are a must—great for rain, wind, or misty waterfalls.
Hiking boots rule: Waterproof boots with grip let you conquer icy paths, lava fields, and muddy spots without slipping.
Stay warm: Bring a hat, gloves, and scarf to tackle the chill, especially in winter.
Bring swimwear: Geothermal pools and hot springs are everywhere. Don’t miss out—pack your swimsuit.
Reusable bottle: Iceland’s tap water is some of the best in the world. Stay hydrated and eco-friendly.
Daypack essential: A small waterproof backpack is perfect for day trips and carrying the essentials.
Skincare basics: Protect yourself with sunscreen, lip balm, and a good moisturizer—windburn’s no joke.
Versatile clothes: Go for comfy, layerable outfits that work for both city exploring and outdoor adventures.
Keep it simple and practical: No one in Iceland is walking around with fancy designer handbags and jewels. Good quality, sensible clothes, like solid waterproof boots, are the way to go.
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Safety hacks for solo women travelers
Traveling in Iceland is very safe for women travelers, but a little caution goes a long way. It’s mostly the weather and dramatic nature, like strong water currents, snow, wind, and volcanoes, that you have to watch out for! Here’s how to stay prepared:
Check the weather often: Weather in Iceland flips quickly. Stay updated on forecasts, and follow local advice before heading out.
Tell someone your plans: Going solo or exploring remote places? Let someone know where you’re headed and when you’ll return. You can turn a tracker on your phone while you’re on your trip and turn it off when you get back.
Stay on trails: Iceland’s beauty can be tempting, but the terrain can be tricky. Stick to marked trails and avoid unmarked paths. You won’t find fences almost anywhere, so be careful walking near cliff edges. If you are traveling off-season, I recommend doing a tour with a professional guide (even if you are an experienced hiker/traveler).
Know driving conditions: Renting a car? Roads can be icy if you’re visiting during low season, and some areas need 4x4s (especially the F-roads). Read up on road rules and conditions beforehand.
Be aware: Crime is rare, but staying alert (but not fearful) as a woman in unfamiliar areas, especially at night, is always wise. Here are 23 of my tried-and-tested safety tips for women travelers.
Follow water safety signs: Waterfalls, hot springs, and geysers are incredible. Just follow safety signs to avoid accidents. Beaches like Reynisfjara have wild waves that will rush to shore and knock you over, so be careful.
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Know etiquette; avoid awkwardness
Knowing a little about Iceland’s culture to make your trip smoother and connect better with locals. Here a few things I find helpful to keep in mind:
Love the land: Icelanders are big on protecting nature. Stay on trails, follow rules, and don’t leave trash—ever.
Wildlife rules: Please don’t disturb animals or birds, especially when they’re nesting. Interfering can hurt them, even if you don’t think so.
Be punctual: Time is respected in Iceland. It’s not like some southern European countries where locals rock up hours late for a meeting. You’ll need to show up on time for any reservations, tours, or meetups.
Hot spring etiquette: A full shower (no swimsuit) is a must before hopping into geothermal pools. It’s standard hygiene. You can put your swimsuit back on after your shower.
Respect their space: Icelanders like their personal space. If they’re not overly chatty, don’t take it the wrong way. They’re not being rude. It’s just their vibe.
No tipping culture: Service charges are part of the deal in Iceland, so tipping isn’t expected at all.
Speaking English is totally fine: Locals don’t expect you to master Icelandic. Even the simplest words are difficult! They won’t be upset if you just launch straight into English (so easy!).
Start your days early: Starting early helps you get the best light and beat the crowds. Combine popular spots with lesser-known ones for a full experience. Flexibility is key.
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Top activities and experiences for women travelers to Iceland
Iceland’s packed with unreal adventures! Here are some fabulous things to do while you’re in Iceland:
Spot the Northern Lights: Between August and mid-April is the perfect time to see this (almost life-changing!) sky show.
Soak in geothermal pools: The Blue Lagoon’s great, but don’t miss hidden gems like the Secret Lagoon.
Stroll Reykjavík: Check out tasty eats, cool shops, and iconic sights like the Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa.
Explore the Golden Circle: Highlights include Þingvellir, the geysers at Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall. You’ll need to drive or take a local tour.
Hike on glaciers: Guided tours let you safely hike and explore Iceland’s amazing glaciers. Total bucket list moment.
See black sand beaches: Exploring Reynisfjara’s dramatic black sands is a photographer’s dream and a super-fun experience. Other beaches are awesome, too.
Watch whales and puffins: Experience Iceland’s incredible wildlife up close on boat tours. This family-run tour is amazing. This speedboat tour is also worth checking out.
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Simple budgeting tricks for visiting Iceland
Want to visit Iceland without overspending? Here’s how:
Travel off-season: This is my top tip for saving a significant amount of money. Obvious, but true. Visit during May, September, or October for cheaper deals.
Plan ahead: Book tours, cars, and places early to secure the best deals.
Choose budget accommodation: Hostels and guesthouses cost less than hotels and feel cozy. Or book many months ahead to secure decent hotels at hostel prices.
Cook your meals: Eating out is expensive—buying groceries and cooking save tons (even if it’s just one meal per day). Oh, and drink the tap water. It’s free and delicious.
Walk or use public buses: Reykjavík is not that big and the bus system is budget-friendly and reliable.
Explore free spots: So many of Iceland’s iconic sites, like waterfalls and parks, are free. Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s towering church (pictured above), is well worth visiting and free to enter. And perhaps a stroll around a scenic harbour? Yes, please!
Travel with your besties: As you know…sharing costs for rentals, gas, and stays with friends can save big.
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That’s a wrap for my best travel hacks for Iceland
What do you think? With a bit of planning up front, I’m pretty sure you’ll navigate Iceland confidently (and savour every epic experience). Stay safe, have fun, and happy exploring!
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