Yesterday, one more volcanic eruption started in Iceland. Icelanders have already lost count of eruptions in the past few years, it has become like an everyday event, or at least something we can count on once a year like Christmas or Easter. Of course, being a natural phenomenon, it is not something that we can predict exactly and mark in the calendar, not like: “Ah, right, I forgot, it’s the annual late summer eruption and I haven’t prepared yet.”
Safety concerns can relate to more topics than volcanic eruptions. Is it safe to travel to Iceland alone? Is it safe for solo female travelers? Is Reykjavík safe? Will flights in and out of the country be affected? Below, we address these questions.
What About the Volcano?
The latest eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula started yesterday (August 22 at 9:26 PM), more specifically by Sundhnúkagígar crater. This is the sixth eruption in the area since December 2023. As before, the eruption’s effects are localized in a relatively small area and do not threaten people. Flights to and from Iceland are operating normally and it remains a safe destination. All services in Iceland are operating as usual.
Iceland is a volcanic island, with an eruption every 4-5 years on average, and the population is experienced in dealing with such events. It may be difficult to imagine, but volcanoes are just a part of everyday life here. This includes local authorities as well as the public. There is a strong emphasis on protecting the well-being of residents and visitors, and authorities are observant and well prepared. Infrastructure in the country is designed and built to resist seismic activity and Iceland has the experience and expertise to protect vital infrastructure in the event of an eruption. This is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that there was no loss of life or injury connected to the eruption near Grindavík, and in fact, the town was evacuated well before the eruption started. Regarding disruptions to flight traffic, the only example that we have of that was Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, that famously disrupted flight traffic across Europe.
There have been repeated volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021 and scientists have concluded that a new active period has begun on the peninsula that could last for a few hundreds of years, with more frequent eruptions. As mentioned before, we have had at least one every year in that area since 2021. Periods of seismic activity on the peninsula have happened every 800 to 1000 years.
In the video below, Dr. Matthew Roberts from the Icelandic Met Office offers insights on recent volcanic activities and their safety implications:
More info:
- Eruption and earthquakes in Reykjanes peninsula (Safetravel)
- Volcanic Activity Has Resumed on Reykjanes Peninsula (Visit Iceland)
- Latest information on seismic activity and development (The Icelandic MET office)
Is it Safe to Travel to Iceland Alone?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Iceland alone as it has been ranked top of the list of the world’s safest countries since 2008. The Global Peace Index is gathered by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and is the best known measure of global peacefulness. The index measures the state of peace across three domains: social safety and security, involvement in internal and external conflicts; and the degree of militarization. This implies that solo travelers in Iceland are highly unlikely to experience any impact on their safety and wellbeing.
Solo travel has been increasing in popularity and BBC reported a year ago that the number of Google searches for “solo travel” had almost doubled in five years. Since then, it has not decreased and 83% more people are searching for “solo travel groups” than a year ago globally.
More info:
- Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe (Solo Traveler)
- Solo and independent travel (GOV.UK)
- Iceland travel advice (GOV.UK)
Is Iceland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Iceland has been ranked in the top globally when it comes to gender equality, visible in e.g. more equal pay and women’s rights than the majority of countries around the globe. Crime rate is low as mentioned above. These are the primary reasons why solo female travelers should be safe like other groups.
Iceland was ranked fourth (with Finland and Luxembourg) in 2023 on the global Women Peace and Security Index which includes 177 countries ranked on women’s inclusion, justice and security.
More info:
- A Guide To An Unforgettable Solo Female Trip To Reykjavik, Iceland (Forbes)
- Is it dangerous for a woman to travel to Iceland by herself and not stay with any friends or relatives? (Quora)
- Solo Female Travel Safety Index (Travel Ladies)
Is Reykjavík Safe?
Reykjavik is ranked among the 50 safest cities in the world according to CEOWORLD magazine. There are no “bad” neighborhoods in the city, which can be traced to equality as well as its small size. Petty theft and antisocial behavior can be seen from time to time, for example related to the nightlife.
Bicycle thefts are unfortunately quite common in the city, but many bikes have been reclaimed by a man often referred to as “the bike whisperer”, Bjartmar Leósson, and a community of other volunteers around him. In many cases, the thieves suffer from drug addiction and steal bicycles to finance their consumption. Bjartmar has managed to help some of them change their ways and a few of them have later even joined forces with him on the mission to get bikes back to their owners.
Babies will commonly nap outside in Iceland in their prams, even in winter. In 2016, an Australian TV reporter was shocked to see a baby sleeping outside a café downtown Reykjavík. It is considered healthy for them, with the fresh air and oxygen, while also being a symbol of safety.
More info:
- Iceland Travel Advisory (Travel.State.Gov)
- Iceland travel advice (GOV.UK)
- Meteorology and Natural Hazards (Government of Iceland)
Summing up – Is Iceland Safe to Visit?
Summarizing safety of visitors in Iceland in a few points:
- Iceland has repeatedly been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world
- Volcanic eruptions have affected limited areas and so far not posed a direct threat to people’s lives
- Icelanders have the expertise and experience to safeguard locals and travelers in case of any eruption
- It is safe to travel to Iceland alone, including for solo female travelers
- Reykjavík has been ranked among the 50 safest cities in the world
However, keep in mind that there are no guarantees in travel, or in life. Accidents can happen anywhere and crime as well. This is true of Iceland as well as any country, including the one where you live.
Further resources on travel safety in Iceland:
- Safety for travelers in Iceland (Safetravel.is)
- Crime in Iceland – Statistics & Facts (Statista)
- Number of offenses registered by the police 1999-2015 (Statistics Iceland)
