Iceland is a magnetizing country aptly called the Land of Fire and Ice. This land is alive with beautiful contrasts from steamy hot springs, active volcanoes, glaciers, and frozen waterfalls. Iceland is the perfect country to travel solo as a female traveller because there is a virtually nonexistent crime rate. As a male or solo female traveller, a low crime rate is an important and favorable factor when choosing what country to visit. Iceland solo travel is quite popular and has many benefits.
Solo travel is an empowering endeavor and will allow you to curate your perfect trip without any compromises. You can craft your bucket list and have the time of your life. If you want to visit Iceland during peak times go during the summer months of June, July, and August. There will be plenty of tourists around surely willing to capture your photos for you. If you’re wondering how to prepare a solo trip in Iceland or how to make the most of iceland on your own, keep reading.
If you prefer fewer crowds and cheaper prices you can explore Iceland in the fall season. Fall months are comprised of September, October, and early November. When you visit the natural wonders Iceland has to offer you can always photograph the moment with a selfie or tripod. But what is the best way to travel Iceland independently?
You’re probably wondering would it be easy for me to travel Iceland by myself? The answer is a resounding yes. Solo travel is a memorable time to connect with yourself and nature. Now let’s plan your grand adventure.
What is the best way to travel Iceland independently?
The best way to travel Iceland independently is to rent a car or camper in advance to make sure you have the proper vehicle for your needs. There are three factors that determine what kind of vehicle you need. The time of year you are visiting, the weather conditions, and where in Iceland you want to visit. If you want to see the majestic but inhospitable mountain ridges of the Highlands you will always need a four-wheel drive. The rugged F-roads in the Highlands have terrain too rough for a 2WD standard car. You will have to drive over gravel roads, rivers, and lava fields to reach the beautiful Highland views.
If you are visiting in the summer months and are only traveling on the paved portion of the Ring Road you will not need a four-wheel drive. But depending on weather conditions, even on paved roads you will need a four-wheel drive for safety purposes. High amounts of snow and ice can make the roads too dangerous to drive on. A great travel tip is to periodically check the weather and road conditions on this official Iceland website: www.road.is. When you have the correct automobie based on location and weather conditions you can easily drive and explore famous areas like the South Coast. On another day you could explore the renowned Golden Circle or travel to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Snaefellsnes Peninsula encapsulates all of the features Iceland has to offer in one location. It is a highly recommended place to visit.
When you are preparing for your road trip there are a few travel tips to remember. Pack warm, waterproof clothing because the weather can be unpredictable regardless of season. Be flexible and ready for anything. It adds to the sense of exploration in a new terrain. Remember to charge your phone, have your GPS loaded with directions, and also have printed directions in case you lose signal. Since the drive can be long you should bring snacks, a great playlist, and keep your gas tank full. Gas stations are infrequent so when you see one, don’t drive past without stopping if you have a half tank. Also, hitchhiking can be fun during peak summer season but not recommended as a form of travel during the winter. In the winter offseason you can go for hours without seeing anyone else on the road.
Solo Travel Activities
When you’re driving a huge bonus is pulling over whenever you want to admire the landscape along your journey. Since you are creating your own schedule, you can do as you wish. There is nothing more relaxing than crisp mountain air, good snacks, and a great playlist on a road trip. Iceland’s small population will make you feel like you’re isolated and can decompress from the stressors of everyday life.
If solo driving isn’t your thing, you can book many tours that pick up from Reykjavík, the capital and largest city in Iceland. Tours are beneficial because you can meet new people and have a guide take you to various sites. For example, the Northern Lights tour is a helpful tour because finding the auroras is an inexact science. But when you do, Iceland has the most vibrant color arrangement dancing in the sky than anywhere else in the world. It is a moment designed to make you marvel at nature.
You can book many other excursions such as glacier hiking, exploring an ice cave, and going horseback riding on a farm. There’s also the possibility of relaxing in natural hot springs, hiking through lava fields, visiting a national park, and going whale watching. You should definitely spend a day to luxuriate in the world-renowned Blue Lagoon hot spring. While there you can get spa face masks and meet other travellers. You can also drive some of Iceland’s famous scenic routes, enjoy nature, and reflect.
Would it Be Easy For Me to Travel Iceland by Myself?
Yes, it’s easy to travel Iceland solo. Icelanders all speak Icelandic, a North Germanic language that is very close to the original Norse version. But Icelanders have accepted and fully embraced the steadily growing tourism boom in recent years. Most Icelanders speak English and are willing to communicate with you. They are also very friendly and helpful. Start a conversation and ask the locals to teach you some phrases or how to pronounce a few well-known sites in Icelandic. It will make everyone laugh as you try to form the sounds and give you a fun story to share with friends. In the rural countryside speaking English might be more challenging but you should be fine. Overall, it will be a great adventure and allow you to connect with another culture.
The easiest way to connect with others and make friends is by staying in a hostel. The hostel will typically organize events like pub-crawls, trivia nights, and take you to places to meet locals. Hostels are also low-cost, an added bonus considering how expensive Iceland can be for tourists.
If you like the bar scene you should be safe going out in Reykjavík and attending events like festivals. The crowds may be livelier than usual because drinking and partying is involved. However, if someone hits on you they generally walk away after you reject their advances. If there is a problem you can tell the bartender and they naturally help. But overall, there shouldn’t be a problem. Remember there is virtually no crime in Iceland and it’s known as a peaceful country with a strong sense of community. People look out for each other and they pride themselves on having a safe environment for travellers.
Solo Travel in Iceland
Solo travel is a wonderful endeavor everyone should experience and Iceland is the perfect and safe place to start. Once you’ve travelled to Iceland, you will have an even stronger sense of independence, inner strength, and resilience. Iceland will certainly leave you in awe and inspired to write about the sheer beauty you witnessed.
