Your Ultimate Guide to Iceland Solo Travel

Iceland solo travel may seem intimidating, as the country is known for its vast, remote landscapes. However, solo travel in Iceland is incredibly rewarding if you do it right. 

Getting around the country is relatively easy, travelling is safe, and you can join amazing guided group tours to explore some harder-to-reach places. 

Here’s everything you need to know about planning solo travel in Iceland.

Iceland is one of the best countries to visit if you travel solo. It offers incredible landscapes and various activities perfect for solo adventurers. 

You can explore majestic waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes or participate in thrilling activities like glacier hiking, kayaking through Iceland’s fjords, watching whales, or camping in Iceland in remote, beautiful destinations. 

Iceland’s friendly locals and vibrant visitor community ensure you won’t feel lonely. 

At the same time, its vast, serene wilderness provides the solitude you might crave. It’s an easy country to navigate, with rewards wherever you travel.

Whether you want to challenge yourself with an exciting adventure or enjoy the beauty of nature, Iceland has something for every solo traveller.

Iceland solo travel offers many benefits. 

One of the most significant advantages is the freedom to set your own pace and itinerary.

When you plan a trip to Iceland by yourself, you are the master of your journey. You can choose what to see, when to wake up, and which activities to enjoy without compromising with others. 

This level of autonomy allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, chasing the horizon and discovering new places at your rhythm.

Iceland is also among the safest countries in the world, making it ideal for solo travellers. 

With its low crime rate and friendly locals, you can freely explore. Plus, almost all Icelanders are fluent in English, so communication is easy, adding an extra layer of comfort to your solo adventure. 

Whether hiking in Iceland across mountains or glaciers, exploring volcanoes, visiting waterfalls, or kayaking past whales, Iceland provides a perfect blend of adventure and safety for solo adventurers. 

You can indulge in thrilling activities knowing that you’re in a country known for its safety and friendly locals, adding an extra layer of excitement and reassurance to your solo trip.

Are you planning a solo trip to Iceland? Great choice! While there are endless unique destinations across the country, here are some of the best places for solo travellers in Iceland.

Solo travel in Iceland always starts in Reykjavik, Iceland’s compact and walkable capital. 

Here, you can explore the colourful streets, visit museums, and relax in geothermal pools. Don’t miss sights like the Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Phallological Museum.

Enjoy the many cosy cafes to taste local Icelandic food and soak up this exciting city’s unique vibe.

This popular sightseeing route includes iconic sites like Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Þingvellir. You can explore here on a solo Iceland tour or hire a car and take a solo Iceland road trip.

To avoid the crowds, you might want to plan your visit in the off-season or focus on exploring lesser-known spots like Gljúfrabúi waterfall and Friðheimar Greenhouse. 

For the ultimate in isolation and natural beauty, head to Hornstrandir in the Westfjords. 

This remote nature reserve offers dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife, including Arctic foxes and seabirds. Many consider it the most beautiful nature reserve in Iceland.

It’s a haven for hiking and camping, with trails that provide breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. 

For the ultimate experience in this amazing reserve, solo travellers can join our three-day Hornstrandir hike and luxury camping trip.

Known for their volcanic landscape and rich wildlife, the Westman Islands are perfect for solo adventurers. 

On Heimaey, you can hike across lava fields, climb Eldfell volcano, and see puffins at Stórhöfði. 

The islands are accessible by bus and ferry from Reykjavik, making them an easy choice for solo travellers.

Pro tip: Are you curious about wild camping in Iceland? It's the perfect way to get in touch with nature.

Located in the Westfjords, the Ísafjarðardjúp Bay is surrounded by stunning fjords and quaint fishing villages.

If you’re interested in exploring Iceland’s unique fjords and coastal regions as a solo traveller, this is a fantastic place to do so.

Ísafjörður, the largest town in the region, is a gateway to adventures like kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. Its peaceful scenery and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect spot for solo travellers seeking tranquillity and exploration.

We offer an excellent three-day sea kayak adventure in this region, which has got to be the best way for a solo traveller to explore this remote and beautiful area.

This vast wilderness in southern Iceland is ideal for any adventurers seeking solitude.

This national park features glaciers, ice caves, waterfalls, and fantastic hiking trails - everything you’d expect on an Icelandic adventure. 

Some popular spots here include the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the Núpsá River. 

Landmannalaugar is a geothermally active area in the highlands famous for the Laugavegur trek. Solo travellers can easily access it via the Highland Bus from Reykjavik. 

You can camp and enjoy shorter hikes here or undertake the multi-day trek through colourful rhyolite mountains and hot springs.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature, then this area is an excellent option for Iceland solo travel.

If you plan a solo Iceland trip, you’ll likely want to experience a glacier. The Sólheimajökull glacier is perfect for any solo travellers looking for adventure. 

Located two hours from Reykjavik, it offers glacier hiking, kayaking on the glacial lagoon, and snowmobiling.

This surreal landscape is easy to reach from the capital. It is also a great place to explore and have a unique adventure in Iceland.

Is Iceland good for solo travel? 

In case we haven’t made it clear: absolutely! 

However, you must plan your trip carefully for a great adventure. Here are some important considerations for Iceland solo travel.

Iceland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. 

Summer (June to September) offers mild temperatures and longer daylight hours, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

It’s peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices. However, this can make things easier for solo travellers.

Winter (November to March) is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling.

There are fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices, but limited daylight and cold temperatures can be brutal.

The shoulder seasons (May and September to October) provide a balance of fewer crowds, moderate temperatures (2°C to 11°C), and more daylight than winter. 

We have a detailed guide on the best time to travel to Iceland to plan your trip.

Travelling solo in Iceland is manageable, but joining a group tour on your adventure is highly recommended. 

Group trips simplify logistics and often reduce costs as you share expenses with others. 

You’ll also gain invaluable insights from experienced local guides, which can enrich your experience—especially on hiking and camping trips.

Guided group tours also have a fun social aspect, and you’ll feel much safer kayaking through fjords or hiking remote trails when you’re with a group and an experienced guide.

Consider blending solo travel with group tours on your trip to Iceland.

For example, join a group for kayaking the glacial fjords of Iceland, then explore the more popular sights on your own. Doing this gives you a great mix of adventure and personal discovery.

Iceland solo travel without a car is possible. However, there are some definite benefits to having your own vehicle. Deciding whether to hire a car in Iceland depends on your plans. 

A car allows you to explore at your own pace and access remote areas. 

However, car renting can be expensive, and you are solely responsible for driving. This can be tough, as the weather makes Iceland’s road conditions unpredictable.

Public transport will be fine if you stay in Reykjavik and visit popular spots like the Golden Circle. 

For longer trips or exploring remote areas, having your own car can be more convenient and sometimes cheaper than multiple-day trips. 

Taking a guided Iceland tour to more remote areas is also a brilliant way to get around safely without hiring a car or relying on public transport.

Yes, Iceland solo travel is incredibly safe. Iceland has been repeatedly voted as the “safest country in the world” by the Global Peace Index.

Violent and petty crime rates are rare.

Icelandic society is known for its tolerance, gender equality, and progressive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.

However, it’s still important to respect Icelandic nature. The weather can be unpredictable, and volcanic activity is a consideration.

Always check updates on weather conditions and travel advisories from Iceland’s Safe Travel website.

To ensure your safety, you should always participate in activities like glacier hiking or remote kayaking with a trained guide.

Iceland is safe and an excellent destination for solo female travellers.

Iceland is considered the most gender-equal country globally, making harassment rare. The country is very safe, with low crime rates and unarmed police.

Solo female travellers can comfortably explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.

The local society is respectful and supportive, making it a fantastic place for women travelling alone. 

Whether hiking, sightseeing, or enjoying the hot springs, you can feel secure and welcome in Iceland.

We highly recommend Iceland solo travel for independent adventurers. 

However, it’s essential to know when to join a group tour to help you navigate the country’s remote areas and stay safe while you engage in outdoor adventure activities. 

Solo travel in Iceland is always rewarding, whether you’re planning to hike glaciers and volcanoes, kayak through fjords, or take an unforgettable road trip.