Celebrate LGBTQ Pride in Iceland

Iceland is an excellent choice of destination for LGBTQ+ travellers! Reykjavik holds a week-long pride festival which will take place August 5-10, and is now one of the most popular events held in the capital city. The festivities attract over 100,000 visitors each year and 30% of the Icelandic population, making it a huge draw to Iceland in the summer months. Like any pride, it's a joyous celebration full of music, drag queens, and families. As a part of this celebration, Skólavörðustígur Street was painted in rainbow colours, but only recently, in 2019, this rainbow street became permanent.

This combined with treasured LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and cafes offers a wealth to do in the capital. Rainbow painted Kiki Queer Bar is a Reykjavik institution and will be packed to the rafters nightly for drag shows, standup, and dancing. Tucked away next door is Bravo, where many members of the LGBTQ+ community meet for a more laidback drink. Gaukurinn, while not explicitly a gay bar, is proudly queer friendly and is a popular spot for live music and a night out. 

Out of the city, you’ll find no change in the acceptance and inclusivity at the heart of Icelandic culture - you’ll find gender neutral changing rooms at the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, two of the country’s biggest attractions, and the people you’ll meet are no less accepting and laid-back. A great way to explore is with a tour company such as Pink Iceland . They are owned and run by members of the LGBTQ+ community and organise tours and events or will create an itinerary for your tailor-made trip. Gaily Tour also offers excursions to Iceland's natural wonders such as waterfalls and glaciers, as well as walking tours in Reykjavik where visitors can learn about the LGBTQ+ history of the city. 

Whether jumping into vibrant nightlife or marvelling at geysers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights, LGBTQ+ visitors can expect a safe, fun, and magical experience in Iceland.