Solo female travel in Iceland

Solo female travel in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The land of fire and ice is the stuff of nature lovers' dreams with vast mountain lakes and ranges, dramatic black beaches surrounding towering dark cliffs, sweeping glaciers that pour across the landscape, and the sturdiest ponies you will ever see. Iceland solo travel is where both first-time trekkers and seasoned soloists flock to explore.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg (okay, we’ll cool off on the puns, we promise)! Hot springs, active volcanoes, Game of Thrones tours, there is something for everyone here. Curl up in one of Reykjavík’s cozy traditional pubs, take a boat across a lake of icebergs, or walk across the frozen lakes - Iceland is a world unlike any other.

Best time to visit Iceland

Summer is when the days are at their longest (in fact, by mid-July, there are only a few hours of semi-darkness) and the weather is more predictable. Don’t expect anything close to the sun on the Mediterranean, but it’s great for long walks and days on the black beaches.

Spring and autumn are much colder and more likely to be rainy and windy, however watching the island thaw or frost around you is wonderful and incredibly atmospheric.

Now, if you’re happy to brave the cold and only three hours of sunlight a day, winter is by far the best time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Do bear in mind, that there is never a guarantee you’ll see them. Many travelers have ventured to Iceland just for the Northern Lights on multiple occasions and still haven’t seen them.

Things to do and must-see places in Iceland

Just as a side note, we highly recommend you check whether any of the attractions below are seasonal. Because of the changeable, extreme weather, many places aren’t open during autumn and winter. Always double-check before heading out!

Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital is a far cry from other European cities. Although bustling, there is an element of calm and ease which makes it feel more like a town. Covered in Nordic architecture and Viking history, it’s easy to spend an entire trip just in this city!

The Golden Circle

This is possibly Iceland’s most famous route which can be done by renting a car or jumping on a tour bus from Reykjavík. The Golden Circle tour takes you around the most must-see wonders in Iceland. From boiling rivers to active geysers, vast waterfalls and hot springs, if you only have a few days exploring Iceland, we highly recommend signing up for this!

Thermal baths and hot springs

Speaking of hot springs, Iceland is renowned for them! Of the 200 naturally heated swimming spots, the largest and most popular is The Blue Lagoon just outside of the capital. Molded with white clay, the water is said to have healing powers. Whether or not you believe this, is totally up to you, however, most visitors leave feeling relaxed and cleansed.

If you’re looking for a slightly different hot spring experience, try Galma Laugin (also known as the Secret Lagoon). Hidden along the Golden Circle, it is Iceland’s oldest natural spring bath. Despite being next to the popular Geyser, many tourists never find out about this gem.

Seal and whale watching

The South Coast is a hot spot for whale watching and seal spotting. Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Blue Whales can be spotted off the island or on whale-watching tours throughout the year. 

There are many seal hot spots travelers can walk to for seal spotting - Harbour and Grey Seals being the most abundant. Trust us when we say you’ll smell them before you see them!

Learn about the myths and lore of the island

Iceland has a rich and fascinating 3000-year history. The Icelandic language hasn’t changed in all of that time, and neither has the local attitude towards its myths and lore. Icelandic fairies are believed to exist by many of the island dwellers and you’ll probably see small rock piles around the sides of the roads and paths. Why? These are shrines of respect towards fairies to keep travelers safe and protect the land.

Talk to any of Iceland’s residents and they’ll have an evening’s worth of stories and tales to absorb you into the magical land around you.

Best ways to travel around Iceland

Renting a car

The main roads in Iceland - the Ring Road and the Golden Circle - are very well kept and allow you to access all the main attractions and sights. Renting a car offers you an added bit of freedom to explore harder-to-reach places on the island. Ideally, if you can find a 4x4, this means you can take some of the offroad gravel paths dotted around the center. Be sure to buy insurance when renting a car as some of the gravel roads can cause debris to crack windshields and lights.

Snowmobile tours

Oh yeah! If you’re more of an adrenaline addict, you can explore the frozen tundras of the mountains on one of these bad boys. Tours are led by experienced drivers who will take you to some hidden viewpoints not all tourists will be able to reach.

Snow Truck tours

Have you ever seen those Monster Truck rallies? Well, imagine those huge tires attached to a bus. Now imagine adding another four massive tires and fortifying the bus compartment with thick windows and confirmed seats. Bingo, you have an Iceland Snow Truck!

If you don’t want to rent a car, these monstrous tour trucks take visitors safely into the center of the island to see some hidden frozen lakes and landscapes and even find a close (but safe) active volcano viewing point. 

Cycle (but only in summer)

Most bike rental places won’t let you hire a bike before May or after August. The roads are more likely to be slippy and icy, plus cycling during a snowstorm isn’t any fun. However, if the roads are clear and the sun is shining, this is a fantastic way to travel around the main ring road that circles Iceland.

Weather in Iceland

As the name of the country suggests, it can be pretty cold up there, particularly as Iceland is just within the Arctic Circle. Winter will often barely reach above 0 °C (36 °F) and can remain as low as -10 °C (14 °F). The coldest temperature ever recorded on the island was −39.7 °C (−39.5 °F)! To add to this, there are only a few hours of sunlight each day during mid-winter. And, of course, lots and lots of snow meaning many of Iceland’s inner island roads are shut until about May.

During spring, you’ll begin to see more greenery as the snow and ice melt, but with patches of cold winds and freezing temperatures at night. Summer can be rather warm, reaching the high 20s °C (80s °F) in July and August. The summer months also only have a few hours of darkness, so make sure you have good curtains in your bedroom.

Finally, autumn can be an unpredictable one. Storms and rain are most common during this time, and the wind can pick up. However, on bright days, it can be ideal for a bracing morning walk or afternoon stroll, with evenings spent curled up by a fire for warmth.

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Iceland

If you ask us, pet sitting is the best way to explore Iceland, and if you're lucky, you could find a snug apartment in the center of Reykjavík with two angelic pups, or a quite and remote house away from it all with a cat companion for a week. Live like a local with one of the most beautiful places in the world on your doorstep. Plus, snuggling up to a pupper or kitty in the evenings will save on heating!'

If you’re unable to find a house sit this time around, Reykjavík has loads of hotels and hostels to offer, all of which are of a very high standard and in a traditional Nordic style. Hotels and boarding houses can be found dotted across the ring road, but you’ll need to rent a car to stay in these more remote areas.

Is Iceland safe for solo female travelers?

Iceland is considered to be one of the safest places for solo female travelers but is also thought of to be one of the safest countries in the world. Why is Iceland so safe? Well, a lack of people and climate play a huge factor. It currently has the number one spot on the Global Peace Index, has the smallest gender gap in the world, and has the lowest overall scores on the Solo Female Travel Safety Index. That’s pretty cool!

Meeting people and connecting with locals

The Icelandics are known for their hospitality and easygoing attitude to life, this means making friends is not difficult to do at all! People appreciate travelers who are keen to talk and learn more about this historic and magical country.

If you’re not in the mood to start a spontaneous conversation but would like to meet some new faces, try one of the many traveling and nomadic websites or apps for solo female travelers.

For those house sitting, ask your hosts if any local events are happening whilst you’re there or if there are regular hangout spots for locals. If you’re staying in a hostel, many places hold evening social events and tours for tourists everywhere.

Tips from a local

• You don’t need to know any Icelandic to make local friends and meet new people. But they will be impressed if you try to give it a go! Start with one of their most famous phrases Þetta Reddast (pronounced thet-ta re-dust) which translates as ‘everything will always be okay’.
  
• If you drink alcohol, don’t ever have a drinking competition with an Icelandic local. You will not win!
  
• Please be mindful and respectful of their traditions. It might sound strange for tourists to hear many locals believe in Icelandic fairies, but it’s an important part of their heritage.
  
• Care for the land and nature with the greatest respect. Take your trash with you, clean up after your dogs and don’t let them off their leash as the island is one big national park.
  
• Please don’t bring drones with you! They’re noisy and take away from the ambience when you visit places like glaciers or ice lakes.
  
• You have to try one of their outdoor thermal hot tubs, particularly when it’s cold! Going from super cold to toasty and warm is good for the body and soul.

Iceland for solo female pet sitters

Pet sitting in Iceland is an excellent way to explore and become one with the island’s nature! As well as finding fellow cat carers and hound huggers, this also gives you as a solo female traveler in Iceland the chance to explore beyond the main city of Reykjavík. If you’re a keen hiker or climber, a home away from the city is ideal for nature walks.

Things to do with dogs in Iceland

Hiking is a must in Iceland and there are plenty of trails all over the island. From mountain tops to black sand beaches, there are so many types of walks and terrain to choose from. Because all of Iceland is considered to be a protective nature reserve, dogs must be kept on their leads at all times, and remember to clean up after them! However, this won’t stop you both from wandering the rugged, moon-like landscapes and enjoying the breathtaking views around every corner. 

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Iceland

During the winter, most places will allow in pup pals because of how cold it can be. Saying that, make sure you ask the restaurant or bar staff before settling down, simply out of courtesy. If you’re pet sitting, your new furry friend may even be known as part of the community, so you may receive some VIP treatment!

House and pet sit

Become one with the locals by making a new pup pal or feline friend by house sitting in Iceland. If you’re looking to be based in Reykjavík, have a look at some of the precious pooches and kitties looking for pet loving sitters.