Iceland may be best known for its spectacular glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches. But visit the Land of Fire and Ice and you’ll soon discover it’s also one of the most welcoming nations on the planet.
So, is Iceland LGBTQ+ friendly? You bet! Not only does it have some of the world’s most progressive LGBTQ+ rights, but you’ll find a diverse and open-minded population here too.
Read on to uncover everything you need to know about LGBTQ+ travel in Iceland.
- Get inspired by these best-selling Iceland tours
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Iceland LGBTQ+ rights
It’s no exaggeration to say that Iceland is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Look at lists of the most progressive nations and you’ll often find Iceland among the top spots.
For example, in Spartacus’s Gay Travel Index 2024, Iceland was ranked in the top 10 countries. It’s also been recognised by the Global Peace Index as the safest country in the world, a position it’s held since 2008!
Beyond the leaderboards, LGBTQ+ rights in Iceland are robust and well-respected. Since 2006, same-sex couples have had equal access to IVF and have been able to adopt children. And in 2010, the right to “registered partnerships” was upgraded to the right to same-sex marriage.
You may have heard about Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, an ex-prime minister of Iceland and the world’s first openly LGBTQ+ head of state. In fact, in 2010, she and her partner were one of the first same-sex couples to marry in Iceland.
The Land of Fire and Ice is also one of Europe’s leading countries when it comes to transgender rights. In 2019, the Gender Autonomy law affirmed the right for people to define their own gender identity. In practice, this means individuals don’t need to see a psychiatrist to access gender-affirming healthcare.
Plus, in Iceland, LGBTQ+ people are protected against hate speech, conversion therapy, and workplace discrimination based on sexuality or gender expression.
It’s not just the law that makes Iceland such an LGBTQ+-friendly place. Visit and you’ll see that Icelanders tend to be exceptionally supportive of gay rights. For instance, Iceland has topped the Equaldex Equality Index for public opinion towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Related: Is Iceland safe to visit?
Pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events in Iceland
Aside from being a safe place, Iceland is a fun and exciting destination for the LGBTQ+ travellers.
That’s particularly true of the capital city, Reykjavík. This is where you’ll find most of the country’s cultural events, including the two biggest parties in the gay Iceland calendar.
- Find out more in this guide to events and festivals in Iceland
Reykjavík Pride
Reykjavík Pride is one of the most important dates in the Icelandic calendar. In fact, this gay pride celebration is the biggest annual event anywhere in the country.
Visit Iceland in August to watch or join the parade involving 100,000 people. For a country with fewer than 400,000 residents, it’s an enormous turnout.
Reykjavík Pride started as a march in 1993 when local LGBTQ+ people took to the streets to protest for equal rights. Since then, you’ll find it’s become a welcoming, family-friendly event with a party atmosphere attended by queer people and their allies.
Reykjavík Bear Festival
There’s also the Reykjavík Bear Festival at the end of August. This is an annual event for local and international bears.
What started as a small community event has evolved into one of the largest gatherings of bears in the world. Today, people from across the globe come to celebrate, experience fellowship, and explore Iceland.
Make sure to book a ticket in advance. This way, you’ll get exclusive access to all the parties and activities.
LGBTQ+ places in Reykjavík
You’ll find the heart of Iceland’s LGBTQ+ community in the lively and forward-thinking capital of Reykjavík. While there aren’t many specific queer spaces, the whole city is gay-friendly.
That said, Kiki is Reykjavík’s famous gay bar. Take a walk down the main street of Laugavegur and you’ll notice its rainbow-coloured front. As Iceland’s most recognisable LGBTQ+ hub, it’s the place to come for drag shows, queer parties and other events.
Just next door is Bravó. Though it’s not an exclusively LGBTQ+ bar, many people come here before a night out in Kiki. Whatever your plans for an evening in the capital, you’ll find a great atmosphere.
Another hub for Reykjavík’s queer individuals is Gaukurinn. Come for karaoke, drag shows, open mic nights, or cocktails. In 2016, this became the first bar in Reykjavík to make all their bathrooms gender-neutral.
Outside of Reykjavík, you’ll find fewer dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces. But wherever you go, the locals are generally open-minded and friendly.
- Related: Top things to do in Reykjavík
Things to do in Iceland
So, what should LGBTQ+ travellers do on a visit to Iceland? Enjoy its diverse and breathtaking beauty, of course!
1. Kick back in an Icelandic spa
For a quintessential Icelandic experience, visit a spa or hot spring. No matter the season, Iceland’s spas are perfect for whiling away the afternoon or unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
One of the country’s most famous is the Blue Lagoon, where you can pamper yourself in warm mineral-rich waters. Or, just outside Reykjavík, visit Sky Lagoon, for an infinity pool with views over the North Atlantic Ocean.
Alternatively, take a dip in a natural hot spring. At Reykjadalur, the so-called “steam valley”, you can bathe in a geothermal river. And at Hvammsvík you can relax in warm pools on the shores of Hvalfjörður.
Iceland’s spas and local swimming pools welcome everyone and many are family-friendly.
When it comes to planning your visit, you’ll find that male and female changing areas are the norm in most spas. That said, many have fully private rooms available. For instance, the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon – two of the country’s most popular spas – have private facilities you can request access to.
- Unwind on a spa break in Iceland
- Related: Top hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland
2. Chase the northern lights
Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Come between October and March and you could see this jaw-dropping display for yourself.
To look for the aurora, head out of the city or away from light pollution. This way, you can appreciate the northern lights at their most vibrant. Just don’t forget your camera.
One of the most popular places to photograph the northern lights is Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle route. Or, visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where the aurora dances above floating icebergs.
- Hunt for the aurora on a northern lights tour of Iceland
- Related: Best times and places to see the northern lights in Iceland
3. Travel Iceland’s Ring Road
If you’re looking for an adventure, why not tour Iceland’s Ring Road? This 1,322-kilometre (820-mile) route loops around the entire island. It’s the perfect way to appreciate all of Iceland’s diversity.
You’ll need at least a week if you’d like to travel the entire Ring Road. But if you’ve got the time, we recommend taking it slowly. With over a week, you can spend longer at attractions, and check out more glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches along the way.
Or extend the route itself, by taking detours. For instance, make time to discover the Westfjords, or the Arctic Coast Way in the north. Or explore “Iceland in miniature”, the scenic Snæfellsnes peninsula.
- Experience highlights of the Ring Road on a self-drive tour of Iceland
- Related: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – All you need to know
4. Go wildlife watching
Iceland’s land, seas and skies are rich in wildlife. On a trip here, you’ll have the chance to see creatures you’re unlikely to spot elsewhere.
In the Westfjords, one of the most magical sights is the Arctic fox, the only mammal native to the Land of Fire and Ice. This region is also one of the best places to spot puffins in summer.
That’s not all you could see though. Every year the seas around Iceland host around 20 species of whale. They migrate here in summer to feed in the nutrient-dense waters.
Join a boat tour to glimpse Iceland’s magnificent marine life for yourself. Húsavík, known as the country’s whale-watching capital, is a good place to start. But you can take tours from other towns, including Reykjavík.
5. Try thrilling outdoor activities
Iceland’s nickname, the Land of Fire and Ice, hints at the unforgettable scenery you’ll find here. While just seeing the country’s glaciers and volcanoes is spectacular, why not go on a glacier hike or a lava tunnel tour?
If it’s hiking you’re after, there are plenty of trails to discover. While some are well-known, others are far off the beaten path, so you could have pristine spots all to yourself.
Or, horse riding is another memorable way to experience Iceland. The country even has its own breed called the Icelandic horse. Even if you don’t go horse riding, you’ll see these cute but hardy creatures in fields across the country.
Visit Iceland with Nordic Visitor
Now you know Iceland is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, it’s time to explore this beautiful country for yourself.
Trust Nordic Visitor with planning your trip and our Reykjavík-based travel consultants will take care of the details. This includes booking your transport, accommodation, and any activities in Iceland. They’ll also be there to answer any questions you might have.
Get inspired by these popular travel packages, and decide how you want to discover Iceland. To experience Iceland with a knowledgeable guide, go for a small group or privately guided tour.
Good to know: As a solo traveller on a Nordic Visitor small group tour, you’ll get your own room.
Or, for the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace, choose an Iceland self-drive tour. You could also stay in the city and take day trips into the countryside with a multi-day trip.
Get in touch with us to start planning your dream trip. Your Icelandic adventure awaits!
