Iceland is one of the best places in the world to travel solo. I’ve visited dozens of countries alone and Iceland ranks right up there for safety, ease of travel and jaw-dropping scenery.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Iceland solo trip, including an itinerary and my hard-won money-saving tips.
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Why Iceland for Solo Travel
Iceland is not only a superb place to travel solo in Europe, but also one of the best global destinations for single travellers. This is especially the case for solo female travellers and those who are on their first solo trip.
Safety is one of the main concerns of those travelling alone, particularly female solo travellers. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries with a crime rate in Reykjavik so low it’s almost zero. Harassment is rare, and there’s little chance of getting robbed or being subject to physical risk.
However, Iceland demands respect for its natural environment. Weather conditions can change rapidly, roads can become treacherous, and people get into trouble by wandering off marked trails or ignoring warnings.
This is why many solo travellers—myself included—opt for organised tours rather than self-driving, particularly in winter. Tours come with experienced guides who know the conditions and have proper equipment.
Iceland is incredibly easy to navigate. You can book excursions online or through agencies on Laugavegur in downtown Reykjavik, and English is widely spoken everywhere. Whether you want to join a tour or explore independently, everything is set up to make solo travel straightforward.
And if you want to treat yourself, Iceland is made for splurging. Linger over a meal at one of Reykjavik’s excellent restaurants, soak in a geothermal pool, or buy that handmade Icelandic jumper you’ve been eyeing up.
Finally, Iceland is a mecca for outdoor activities, from glacier hiking to whale watching, and travelling alone means you can pick exactly what appeals to you.
Getting Around & Tours
Getting around Iceland
Public transport infrastructure in Iceland is relatively limited.
There’s no railway and only a shrinking network of long-distance bus routes operated by a few companies. Buses run more frequently during summer (June–August), but for the rest of the year they’re too infrequent—or non-existent—to be useful.
Taxis are expensive. Although Iceland is currently Uber-free, there is a popular alternative – Hopp – offering electric scooters and taxi services through their app.
Self-drive
Most visitors hire a car, which is likely your cheapest option if you’re comfortable driving. However, be realistic about winter driving conditions—roads can become treacherous quickly and weather changes rapidly. If you do hire a car, get comprehensive insurance and check road conditions before setting out.
Tours and transfers
As it was winter and I’m not keen on driving, I didn’t hire a car. Instead, I used bus transfer services and excursions, which are perfectly viable alternatives. You can book these online or through agencies on Laugavegur in downtown Reykjavik.
If you want a fully organised experience, group tours are excellent for solo travellers. You’ll benefit from an expertly curated itinerary, experienced guides who know the conditions, and ready-made travel companions
I’ve used and can recommend Exodus Travels and Explore Worldwide. Alternatively, stay independent but join day tours when you’re out there as I did. My go-to platform is GetYourGuide, which has a broad selection with generous cancellation terms.
Airport transfers
Use the efficient bus transfer service to get from the airport to downtown Reykjavik.
When to Visit
There’s no wrong time to visit Iceland, but I’d recommend Feb/March or Oct/Nov. You’ll get enough daylight hours for sightseeing (around 11 hours when I visited in March) whilst still having dark enough evenings to catch the Northern Lights if they decide to make an appearance.
Where to Stay
Most people use Reykjavik as a base to explore the south of the island.
If you want to be in the thick of things, then the downtown area of Reykjavik, close to the Laugavegur shopping street, is your best bet. Here you will find most of the museums, restaurants and bars.
However, if you are a light sleeper be aware that there is a high concentration of bars that stay open until late in the weekend. But if you are also out burning the midnight oil, this won’t make any difference!
Mid-range – Hotel Frön
I stayed at this 3-star hotel on Laugavegur which is perfect if you are visiting Iceland on a budget but are looking for a bit of comfort. A big bonus was the free breakfast.
Here are some alternatives that may suit other budgets and tastes:
Splurge – Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Center
In an unbeatable location, a 2-minute walk from Laugavegur Shopping Street and 500 meters from Harpa Concert & Conference Center, this stylish 4-star hotel features a fitness centre and a bar.
Apartment – Reykjavik4You Apartments
These gorgeous apartments are located in the heart of the city centre and have garnered excellent reviews. Kitchens come as standard – handy for saving money in Reykjavik – and the pricier one has a balcony.
How to Save Money as a Solo Traveller in Iceland
Iceland’s reputation as an expensive country is not exaggerated. It’s wallet-crushingly pricey, even compared with other Nordic countries. Accommodation and food and drink are much to blame. That second glass of wine might just blow your travel budget.
But you can visit Iceland on a mid-range budget without resorting to staying in a hostel or letting a single Pot Noodle pass your lips. Here are my hard-won money-saving tips.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Iceland does not come cheap. To save money on lodgings:
- Book early to get the best deals
- Use price comparison websites like Google Hotels
- Consider self-catering accommodation through Airbnb or Booking.com. This will also save you money on food.
Food and drink
Eating out is relatively expensive. A main course in a mid-range restaurant will set you back the equivalent of 25–50 USD. For this reason, Icelanders consider dining out to be a treat.
How to save on food:
- Bring snacks from home for munching when you’re peckish or to form part of a packed lunch
- Bag a hotel deal that includes breakfast. Not only will this set you up for the day, but you may be able to assemble a packed lunch. Trust me, I wasn’t the only person doing this at breakfast. Whilst I was at least trying to be discreet, a group of four at an adjacent table had a production line going, complete with proper sandwich bags. I was seriously impressed.
- Stay in self-catering accommodation where you won’t be reliant on dining out
- Look for lunchtime deals when in Reykjavik
- Tipping is not expected in bars and restaurants
How to save on alcohol
Alcohol is eye-wateringly expensive in Iceland. A local beer will cost at least 8 USD, whilst a glass of unremarkable wine starts at 12 USD. Here’s how to reduce your booze budget:
- Keep drinking out to a minimum
- Buy alcohol before arriving at your accommodation. Pack it in your checked luggage or buy at Duty Free in your departure airport. Better yet, do as the Icelanders do and stock up at the Duty Free shop in the Arrivals area at Keflavik Airport.
- Don’t rely on supermarkets. Alcohol can only be purchased in state-run off-licences (ÁTVR), which are only open during office hours.
- Take advantage of numerous happy hours around Reykjavik if you are drinking out
What to bring
- Warm clothing is essential whatever time of year you visit: hat, scarf, gloves, layers and a warm, preferably windproof, coat
- A refillable water bottle. Icelandic water is pure and delicious straight from the tap. Just let it run for a minute before filling your bottle.
- Zip-loc freezer bags for your packed lunch
But leave your umbrella at home. Seriously. Those Arctic gusts spell instant death for brollies and carrying one will instantly mark you out as a tourist.
Money matters
- Iceland’s currency is the Króna (ISK), which has no value outside Iceland so don’t exchange large amounts
- The good news? Iceland is almost cashless. I didn’t change any currency and used my credit card for everything, but check your provider won’t charge extortionate overseas fees first
- If you do need to change currency, do it in downtown Reykjavik rather than at the airport
My 3-Day Iceland Itinerary
DAY 1: EXPLORE REYKJAVIK
After a hearty breakfast, start exploring Reykjavik. As Iceland’s capital is so compact, it is a breeze to navigate on foot. Don’t miss these:
Hallgrímskirja – This geyser-shaped modern church is Reykjavik’s most iconic sight. Take the lift to the observation deck for fantastic 360-degree views across the city.
Old West Side – Leafy and quiet, once home to Reykjavik’s sailors. Known for its colourful houses and gardens.
Harpa – Reykjavik’s controversial harbourside concert hall. Take the lift to the 5th floor to appreciate its honeycombed glass walls and get great harbour views.
Sólfar (“Sun Voyager”) – This sculpture by artist Jón Gunnar Áranson depicts a dream Viking longship floating towards the setting sun.
DAY 2: TOUR THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Day 2 of your Iceland itinerary and it’s time to leave Reykjavik to explore the country’s rugged interior. Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, a 300 km circular route that loops from Reykjavik into central Iceland, is not to be missed. These are the main Golden Circle stops:
Thingvellir National Park – A rift valley where the American and Eurasian continental plates meet, and the site of the longest functioning parliamentary assembly.
Geysir – A thermal area of bubbling sulphurous pools where the mighty Strokkur geyser, reliably puts on a performance every five minutes or so.
Gullfoss – A dramatic waterfall formed by twin cataracts thundering into a narrow gravel canyon of the Hvitá River.
DAY 3: VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
Views are divided on this famous natural hot spring. Is the Blue Lagoon a complete tourist trap or a must-see destination on any Iceland itinerary?
I did debate whether to go there but, being a completist, I felt that it should be included in my Iceland itinerary. Also, I wanted to make my mind up for myself.
The verdict? Yes; the Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap but its steaming, milky waters set within a lava field is an unmissable sight.
Ready to Plan Your Iceland Solo Adventure?
Iceland is one of the safest, most accessible solo travel destinations in the world. Despite its reputation for being expensive, with proper planning and these money-saving strategies you can experience this extraordinary country without breaking the bank.
The freedom to explore at your own pace, combined with ready opportunities to join tours when you want company, makes Iceland ideal for solo travellers at any experience level. Whether this is your first solo trip or you’re a seasoned independent traveller, Iceland won’t disappoint.
Start planning your trip:
- Book your airport transfer to get into Reykjavik
- Browse tours on GetYourGuide to see what catches your eye
- Check out my detailed guides to one day in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon
And let’s look on the bright side. The relatively high cost of booze means that, unlike other European cities such as Tallinn or Prague, Reykjavik is yet to become stag party central. Surely that has to be a good thing?
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.