Ten years ago, I landed in Iceland with nothing but my backpack, curiosity, and a desire to explore the unknown. Like many women setting out to travel solo, I wondered how safe and comfortable I would feel. What I found in Iceland completely exceeded my expectations: a place where safety, independence, and freedom of movement aren’t just possible, they’re natural.
A First Taste of Icelandic Safety
When I first arrived, I ventured out into the countryside. What struck me immediately was how safe everyday life felt. At that time, people didn’t lock their houses, and it wasn’t unusual to find car keys left in the ignition. For someone coming from France, where caution is second nature, it was almost unbelievable. Yet here, it was simply part of daily life.
Of course, times have changed a little. Today, most people do lock their doors and keep hold of their car keys. But the essence hasn’t changed. Iceland still consistently ranks as the safest country in the world, and that sense of ease remains invaluable for women travelling on their own
Meeting Other Women on the Road
While exploring, I met many other solo female travellers. One was cycling around the entire country, another had spent two months relying solely on buses. Some, like me, tried hitchhiking but Iceland’s vast, sparsely populated landscapes mean you can be waiting quite a while for a lift.
That’s when I discovered what many women travellers here eventually do: renting a car is by far the best way to see Iceland. Whether it’s reaching hidden hot springs tucked away in valleys, or simply having the freedom to stop when the scenery takes your breath away (which happens often!), driving opens up a world of possibilities. Today, working at a local car rental in Iceland, I often share this advice with visitors.
Beyond travel itself, another aspect that impressed me deeply is the role of women in Icelandic society. Gender equality is not an abstract goal here, it is lived reality. Fathers and mothers share parental leave equally. In politics, women have strong representation. In everyday life, women are not sexualised or idealised to fit narrow standards of beauty. Even advertising reflects this: Icelandic campaigns are refreshingly natural, focusing on authenticity rather than stereotypes.
Compared with what I grew up seeing in Europe, especially in France, it feels liberating. There’s a quiet, steady respect for women’s autonomy and choices that permeates every layer of society.
Why Iceland Stays with You
Iceland isn’t just about the landscapes, though they are breathtaking: glaciers, volcanoes, and endless skies. It’s about how the country makes you feel. For me, it offered a sense of safety, independence, and empowerment. Travelling solo here as a woman isn’t only possible, it’s inspiring.
In the end, Iceland captured my heart so deeply that I chose to settle down here, and I don’t regret it for a single moment. What started as a solo journey turned into a new chapter of my life, one that continues to be shaped by this extraordinary island.
My name is Emilie, and Iceland has become my home.
