Travel Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland

Why Reykjavik Is Great for Solo Women

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Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index as the world’s most peaceful country for over a decade, and Reykjavik reflects that in every way. This is a city where you can walk anywhere, at any hour, without a second thought about personal safety. The culture is deeply egalitarian — Iceland consistently ranks number one in the world for gender equality. Solo women are not a curiosity here; they are the norm.

The city itself is compact, colorful, and walkable. But the real draw is what surrounds it: glaciers, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights. Solo travelers can join small-group tours to explore the countryside safely, or rent a car and drive the Ring Road independently — the infrastructure is excellent and the roads are well-maintained (outside of winter).

Safety Overview

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Overall safety rating: 10/10. Reykjavik is as close to a perfect safety score as any city gets. Violent crime is almost nonexistent. The police do not carry firearms. There is no neighborhood you need to avoid. The biggest “danger” is the natural environment — respect weather warnings, stay on marked trails, and do not underestimate Iceland’s rapidly changing conditions.

Emergency number: 112. English is universally spoken.

Where to Stay (Solo-Friendly)

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Budget: KEX Hostel is Reykjavik’s best hostel for solo travelers — a converted biscuit factory with a great bar, live music, and a social atmosphere. Loft Hostel is another excellent option with a rooftop bar ($40-60/night).

Mid-range: Guesthouses in the 101 Reykjavik area put you within walking distance of everything. CenterHotel Thingholt and Hotel Leifur Eiriksson are well-reviewed by solo women ($150-200/night).

Splurge: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon or Ion Adventure Hotel offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences in stunning natural settings ($350+/night).

Getting Around

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Reykjavik’s city center is entirely walkable — you can cross it in 20 minutes. For day trips, renting a car gives you total freedom (roads are safe, well-signed, and traffic is light). Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line run reliable bus tours to the Golden Circle, South Coast, and other popular routes. The Straeto city bus system covers the greater Reykjavik area but is not necessary if you stay central.

Solo-Friendly Activities

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1. Golden Circle day trip — Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss can be done as a self-drive or guided tour
2. Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon — geothermal bathing is a quintessential Icelandic experience and perfectly suited to solo visitors
3. Hallgrimskirkja and the viewpoint — walk to the top of Reykjavik’s iconic church for panoramic views
4. Reykjavik food walk — sample Icelandic cuisine (fermented shark optional) on a guided food tour
5. Northern Lights tours (September-March) — small group tours pick up from your hotel and take you to optimal viewing spots
6. Whale watching from the Old Harbor — three-hour tours depart daily in summer

Safety Tips Specific to Women

• Weather is the main risk, not people — always check vedur.is for weather warnings before heading out of the city, and dress in layers with waterproof outer shells
• Driving in winter requires experience with icy roads — if you are not confident, book guided tours instead of renting a car
• The bar scene on Laugavegur (main street) is lively on weekends — Icelanders are friendly and direct, which some travelers mistake for aggression; it is simply the culture
• Tap water is safe and excellent — no need to buy bottled water
• Travel insurance is essential — medical care is excellent but extremely expensive for non-residents
• Solo hiking is safe on popular trails, but always tell someone your route and expected return time for remote areas