Solo Travel In Iceland | Ultimate Guide, Tips & Tours

Is solo travel in Iceland worth it? Yes, it absolutely is! It can be overwhelming initially, but it is worth the adventure.

From personal experience, traveling abroad with friends and other loved ones is wonderful to share those memories with someone else. However, solo travel has the ability to touch your soul in different ways.


Is Solo Travel in Iceland Worth it?

Solo travel to Iceland isn’t just about checking off destinations from a bucket list; it’s about embracing the freedom to embark on an adventure that’s entirely yours.

It’s about dancing under the mystical glow of the Northern Lights without worrying about anyone else’s agenda but your own.

Note: Solo travel has a way of stripping away the layers of familiarity and comfort, leaving you vulnerable yet exhilarated in a world of endless possibilities.

Lady sits on a rock overlooking one of Iceland's many fjords


Solo Travel Itinerary & Things to Do

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

After traveling, relax with these two tours you won’t want to miss. A great way to start off your trip and feel refreshed and relaxed.

Woman standing in one of Iceland's natural hot pools.

Day 2: Silfra Snorkeling + Horseback Riding Tour

Land and water for today’s itinerary. Enjoy these low-key experiences while admiring Iceland’s landscapes.

  • Snorkel or dive between two tectonic plates
  • Extremely unique experiences that can only be done in Iceland

Traveler’s Tip: It is highly recommended to schedule these tours in advance due to how quickly the spots fill up and to guarantee a time that works best with the itinerary.

Day 3: Glymur Hike

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  • 4.1 miles roundtrip
  • Ropes in certain sections to help
  • Water crossings

Note: Please dress accordingly, wear appropriate hiking attire, and bring water.

Day 4: South Coast Iceland

This region was formed during the last Ice Age by lava flowing from numerous volcanos nearby.

"Moody" photo of Glacier Lagoon in southern Iceland.

Day 5: Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is an easier way to see top attractions in Iceland. These are the top two recommendations you won’t want to miss out on.

Birds eye view of Gullfoss Waterfall.

Where to Stay:

When booking accommodations on your trip, consider factors such as proximity to public transportation, guided tours, and other amenities that the property may offer.


How To Get Around Iceland As A Solo Traveler

The three main ways to travel around Iceland are walking, driving, or by tour. Depending on the itinerary some methods may be more fitting than others.

Woman laughing by rocks as a solo travel to iceland

Without A Car:

The cities are very pedestrian-friendly, there are ferries to reach the beautiful fjords, and busses operate to the highlands in the summer.

Tours:

Several tour companies offer a shuttle from one of the main cities to the destination. When you are booking a tour or activity, check if there are any add-on options for transportation.

Traveler’s Tip: When tours are scheduled in advance this ensures availability due to these tours filling up fast and the best price guaranteed.

Female stands by lupine fields as a solo travel to iceland

I have learned that taking part in a tour or excursion is a great way to feel like you are a part of a group of people, even if they are all strangers! 😜


How Much Does It Cost To Travel By Yourself In Iceland?

The cost of traveling solo to Iceland can vary depending on several factors. Traveling on a budget? Here are some ways to reduce the cost:

  • Accommodations: Hostels and guesthouses offer more of a dormitory-style stay at much lower rates than hotels or Vrbo.
  • Food & Dining: While traveling alone, choose more budget-friendly options such as grocery stores or affordable restaurants.
Fresh fish of the day in Husavik
  • Activities: Research to see which activities are affordable or take part in activities that may have discounted days. There also may be a correlation between certain excursions with seasons, a little research may be your budget best friend!

Important Tips:

Is it safe to travel solo to Iceland as a woman?

Iceland has consistently ranked as one of the safest countries to travel solo. Crime rates remain low, making solo travelers to Iceland feel more comfortable.

Traveler’s Tip: Even if areas are reported as safe, keep your head on a swivel and trust your gut in any situation.

Woman working at a coffee shop on her laptop.

Additional Tips for traveling by yourself:

  • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
  • Keep Important Documents Secure
  • Stay Connected

Traveler’s Tip: For iPhone users, it is easy to scan travel documents.

“Notes” –> create a “new note” –> click the “camera” –> and then choose “scan documents”.

A photo of the outside of a United States of American passport.

Advantages of Solo Travel to Iceland

Freedom & Flexibility

Self-Discovery

Adventure Opportunities

Meet Other Like-Minded Travelers

A woman on a hike with a beautiful backdrop as a solo travel to iceland

What to Pack for Iceland

Solo travel to Iceland is now on the radar and you are ready to go! Well…almost ready.

For clothing in Iceland, remember layers, layers, and layers. I cannot say how happy I was on my trip that I brought a variety of layers for anywhere between sunny and warm days to other days where the wind was pushing and it took 4-5 layers to stay warm.

Photo of open suitcase with a laptop, camera, and other items.

Other Must-Haves:

Travel Adapter w/ 4 outlets + 3 USB chargers

Camelbak

Packing Cubes

Kindle (I bring this everywhere with me)

Photo of cup of coffee, iPhone, and Kindle.

Airplane Cell Phone/Tablet/Kindle Holder


FAQ:

Do they speak English in Iceland?

Yes, they speak English in Iceland. Check out my other post to learn more about this.

A photo of Sky Lagoon's 7-Step Ritual.

What currency does Iceland se?

Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK) as its official currency. When traveling to Iceland it is advised to exchange currency or withdraw ISK from an ATM upon arrival. Cash, debit, and credit cards are all widely accepted within the country.


Conclusion: Solo Travel to Iceland

With proper planning and a desire to step out of your comfort zone, you will have the time of your life on this trip.

So, to wrap it up, embrace the freedom, pack smart, and get ready for an adventure like no other.

You won’t regret this solo trip, Iceland might be the land of fire and ice, but also is a therapeutic and soul-filling place.

Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels