Iceland is well one of many coolest nations we’ve ever visited—pun supposed—and anybody who’s been will inform you an identical. The island is superior within the true that means of the phrase with distinctive pure landscapes and geothermal wonders seemingly crafted by nature to encourage awe. Volcanoes pulse beneath glaciers, uncommon birds circle black sandy seashores, waterfalls tumble down snowcapped mountains and thermal swimming pools, effectively, bubble.
Iceland additionally occurs to be some of the gay-friendly nations on the earth. It leads the pack and ranks among the many high locations for LGBTQ+ equality and authorized protections. Iceland formally acknowledged same-sex partnerships in 1996 and later allowed full marriage equality in 2010, changing into the ninth nation on the earth to take action. In 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir was elected as Iceland’s Prime Minister and made world historical past as the primary brazenly homosexual/lesbian head of state.
Iceland’s scenario is precarious because it sits on high of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is slowly being ripped aside. However this geographic placement offers the island its id and the geothermal phenomena which can be so well-known all through the nation. Boiling mud baths, completely timed geysers, and naturally heated swimming pools will be discovered throughout the island, and these points of interest are what preserve individuals coming again for extra. Tack on issues like glacier mountaineering, whale watching, or seeing the Northern Lights, and it’s clear why Iceland is such a pure marvel. Heck, being gay-friendly is simply the proverbial icing on the cake!
Desk of Contents
1. Basic Ideas
2. Transportation & Airport Switch
3. Homosexual Resorts in Reykjavik
4. Sightseeing & Actions in Iceland
5. Homosexual Excursions in Iceland
6. Eating places and Cafes
7. Reykjavik Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
8. Iceland Homosexual Occasions
Basic Ideas
The excessive season in Iceland is in the summertime, from June to August, and costs for lodging, transportation, sights, and excursions are accordingly increased throughout these months. A go to in the course of the shoulder season, like Might or September, will nonetheless afford you affordable climate however with diminished costs. When you’re adventurous, you may go to in the course of the winter within the low season for a very totally different expertise, although nonetheless worthwhile given the alternatives to see the Northern Lights, lovely winter landscapes, and take part in out of doors winter actions. Don’t overlook to pack heat and waterproof clothes whatever the time of 12 months. Even in August, once we visited, there have been a number of instances once we wore our heat jackets and have been blasted with surprising winds and rainstorms.
Alcohol is disproportionately costly in comparison with different journey prices, however issues like lodging, transportation, meals, and excursions can nonetheless be fairly dear. One of the best money-saving factor you are able to do is to purchase alcohol from the duty-free store upon touchdown at Keflavik Airport. You’ll save 50-75% on common pricing in any other case discovered within the metropolis.
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Transportation & Airport Switch
Except you’re renting a automotive in Iceland instantly upon arriving, you’ll in all probability want an airport switch to Reykjavik, some 45 minutes away from Keflavik Worldwide Airport. Taxis are extremely costly, however a number of bus firms present dependable transfers. They prepare their transfers to coincide with flight arrivals and departures, so that you gained’t wait lengthy upon arriving, and you may decide a handy time to return to the airport. Guide Switch →
Some guests go for a rental automotive to get across the island, because it offers you probably the most freedom. For the bottom worth in automotive leases, take a look at SADcars, a low-cost rental firm based mostly in Reykjavik. They provide used vehicles for rental, so that you may be cruising round in a automotive from the ’90s, however you’ll be saving a bundle in comparison with others on the town.
You may also choose to rent a campervan. Contemplate Cozy Campers, an organization that gives reasonably priced campervan leases in Iceland, offering vacationers with a cushty and handy technique to discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. Their fully-equipped campervans mix the fun of journey with fashionable facilities, guaranteeing a comfortable expertise even in Iceland’s typically harsh climate—all with out breaking the financial institution.
Native buses are inexpensive than renting a automotive, however the schedules are a bit complicated to navigate, and also you don’t have the liberty to discover something greater than the set routes. Hitchhiking is surprisingly widespread and secure in Iceland and is widespread with the backpacker crowd.
Homosexual Resorts in Reykjavik
There aren’t at present any homosexual lodges in Iceland, however there are numerous gay-friendly choices.
Luxurious
The Reykjavik EDITION – When you’re trying to go all in, then you may’t go improper with Reykjavik’s first five-star city luxurious resort, situated by the Outdated Harbor and boasting spectacular views consequently. The placing minimalist design makes use of concrete, basalt, wooden, and taupe tones which have a basic Icelandic end. Services embody a culturally impressed spa, health heart, rooftop bar ideally suited for Northern Lights sightings, and the Tides restaurant serving Icelandic-modern seafood.
Mid-range
Reykjavik Marina – Berjaya Iceland Resorts – Set within the widespread 101 harbor district of Reykjavik. Visitors can work out without cost at Slipp Gymnasium or calm down beside the fireside within the foyer space. Icelandic movies will be watched at Slipp Cinema. Restaurant Slippbarinn provides a number of mild meals always. Quite a lot of drinks will be loved at Slippbarinn.
Alda Lodge – Positioned on Laugavegur procuring road in central Reykjavik, this resort provides fashionable rooms with a fitness center, sauna, and out of doors scorching tub. Bicycles will be rented on-site. Visitors can even have a drink on the resort bar.
101 Lodge – This smooth and fashionable boutique resort is situated in central Reykjavik, subsequent to the Icelandic Opera Home. Modern design, together with black and white inside, is featured in each visitor room. The in-house restaurant serves conventional Icelandic and worldwide delicacies. It additionally options particular menus for each comfortable hour and brunch.
Lodge Borg – The elegant Artwork Deco-style resort contains a central location in Reykjavik, overlooking the historic Austurvöllur Sq.. It provides brightly adorned rooms with wood flooring and classy artwork deco furnishings. Visitors can get pleasure from an in-house spa and fitness center that contains a scorching tub, sauna, and steam room. It’s also doable to e-book massages.
Radisson Blu 1919 – Positioned within the modern 101 District, near Reykjavík Harbor. Icelandic salmon, lobster, and lamb are served within the trendy 1919 Restaurant & Lounge. The bar options designer cube-shaped seats, floor-to-ceiling home windows, and a diverse cocktail menu.
Finances
An alternative choice to contemplate in Iceland is tenting if you happen to’re courageous sufficient to face the ever-changing Icelandic climate. That is in all probability the least costly possibility, although if you happen to’re not touring with a tent, it won’t be ideally suited. Tenting in Iceland is kind of widespread and the selection for a lot of backpackers. Reykjavik Campsite is situated proper in Reykjavík itself, close to Laugardagslaug pool, for individuals who need to camp however nonetheless be within the metropolis.
Flats – misterb&b
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to assist curate probably the most LGBT+ pleasant homestays. misterb&b just isn’t a resort or chain, however moderately a reserving platform for rooms, flats and houses and it permits you to e-book from homosexual and gay-friendly hosts around the globe. They’ve hosts in additional than 200 nations and territories with greater than 1 million whole listings. Understanding the homosexual scene is far more simply executed with the assistance of an area and home-sharing is among the greatest methods to satisfy somebody residing within the metropolis who is aware of how issues work, the place and when are one of the best nights to exit, and what locations to eat at and which to keep away from. misterb&b is our best choice in case your precedence is exploring the native homosexual scene.
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Sightseeing & Actions in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – Considered one of Iceland’s most well-known websites and vacationer points of interest. The lagoon house itself is of course occurring, however the heat waters that fill the house are literally the byproduct of the close by geothermal energy plant. Not like different varieties of energy manufacturing, the waters are utterly secure and really therapeutic. Be warned that if you happen to go to the Blue Lagoon, it’s greatest to make reservations upfront to make sure there’s house. Guide tour →
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve – Most well-known as a puffin breeding floor, with tons of of birds seen within the night in the course of the summer season months, the reserve is situated on Iceland’s southern coast. It’s also recognized for its large arch-shaped rock, dramatic basalt columns, and black sand seashores. The historic lighthouse perched atop the cliffs supplies a wide ranging view of the rugged, windswept panorama.
Thingvellir Nationwide Park – Iceland truly straddles two continental plates, and you may go to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site referred to as Thingvellir Nationwide Park, the place you’ll discover the divide that’s slowly ripping aside the island. This park additionally occurs to be the placement of the oldest parliament in historical past – the previous web site of a Viking settlement which housed the nationwide parliament of Iceland beginning in 930 AD and held classes till 1798. When you occur to have extra time, you may even snorkel or scuba dive within the lake of the Silfra fissure – a number of the clearest waters on earth. Guide Tour →
Snaefellsjokull Nationwide Park – Only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik is the world-famous glacier and beautiful shoreline of Snæfellsjökull Nationwide Park. The park is situated on the foot of a volcano utterly lined by a glacier of the identical title. Moreover the picturesque views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier, you could find nice websites for fowl watching, black pebble seashores, lava tube caves, numerous waterfalls, plus tiny fishing villages with occasional sightings of orcas and seals alongside the shoreline. Guide Tour →
Kirkjufell Mountain – This distinctive mountain is very well-known for making an look in Sport of Thrones as Arrowhead Mountain past The Wall. Positioned on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, Kirkjufell is famend for its photogenic qualities, particularly throughout dawn and sundown when the sunshine dances across the sky creating a visible delight of contrasts and reflections. Guests can discover the world’s mountaineering trails or get pleasure from guided excursions that share native folklore and historical past. Guide Tour →
The Northern Lights – Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights generally is a problem and it’s greatest executed within the firm of an area information. These specialists know one of the best time and place to get an opportunity at experiencing this distinctive phenomenon firsthand. Although discovering this function of Mom Nature is rarely a assure, you’ll have one of the best likelihood throughout October or February. Guide Tour →
Geothermal Websites and Baths – Moreover the Blue Lagoon, locations like Laugarvatn Fontana Steam Baths make for an amazing cease to get pleasure from a heat soak within the naturally heat waters. Or if you happen to occur to go to farther south on the island, don’t miss the area close to Hveragerdi. Close by, you’ll even discover a river named Varma, which is taken into account a “scorching river” as a result of scorching springs that circulation into components of the river itself. You may bathe within the heat space of the river, however this requires a 45-minute hike to the new spring web site. When you don’t have time for the hike, you may get pleasure from a riverside scorching tub or steam bathtub at one of many many riverside lodges within the space. Guide Tour →
The Ring Street – If in case you have the time, the most effective issues to do in Iceland is to journey the Ring Street. This street begins and ends in Reykjavik and circles the complete island. One of the best ways to see the Ring Street – or moderately the points of interest alongside the route – is to hire a automotive and slowly make your manner across the island, stopping every evening at native campgrounds or lodges. The entire journey takes about 7-10 days.
Homosexual Excursions in Iceland
An effective way to reap the benefits of your time in Iceland is to hook your self up with considered one of Pink Iceland’s tour packages. Pink Iceland is the one tour firm in Iceland catering to the LGBTQ+ group. It was based in 2011 by Eva Maria and Birna, a lesbian couple who began organizing excursions in Iceland in addition to same-sex vacation spot weddings. You may see from their phenomenal 5-star evaluations on TripAdvisor that they’re ranked among the many high actions in all of Iceland.
The Golden Circle – That is Pink Iceland’s hottest tour with erupting scorching springs, tectonic plates, Iceland’s most spectacular waterfall, and a dip into geothermal waters. Take pleasure in a personal tour in a luxurious SUV with a tremendous, pleasant, and educated information. The tour consists of entrance to The Fontana Spa or The Secret Lagoon, pick-up and drop-off, a full lunch with non-alcoholic drinks, in addition to mild snacks for the experience. Guide Tour →
Pink South Shore Safari – The South Shore Safari will take you thru the breadbasket of Iceland in your technique to the gems of the south. You’ll see the villages and farms of the southern flatlands earlier than arriving on the mountain ranges. In clear climate, you may see volcanoes and glaciers which have erupted 9 instances within the final 50 years, the most recent of which was the notorious Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010 that stranded tens of millions of vacationers all around the globe. Guide Tour →
Pink Iceland West Iceland Safari – Glacier-carved landscapes and historical curvy rivers, Iceland’s largest lava cave, and the world’s strongest scorching spring are only a few of the favourite issues on Pink Iceland West Safari. On the journey west, you’ll drive by the tranquil Whale Fjord bay, which is never visited as of late. The origin of the title Whale Fjord bay is unsure, however most imagine it derives from an previous legend of Rauðhöfði, the notorious Pink-Headed Whale whose reign of terror ended together with his coronary heart exploding on high of Whale Mountain. Guide Tour →
Eating places and Cafes
Babalú – A homosexual Icelandic café with warming espresso and scrumptious truffles. Search for the yellow home with cute graffiti. If the climate is nice, you may sit outdoors on their out of doors terrace.
Ida Zimsen – A lesbian-owned café, bookstore, and present store in downtown Reykjavik. Inside, you will discover a curated mixture of Icelandic and English titles alongside charming presents, all paired with glorious espresso, pastries, mild fare, and – if you happen to’re feeling cheeky – a beer or two.
Baejarins Beztu – One of many least costly, but tasty meals you’ll discover is the normal Icelandic scorching canine. In truth, Iceland’s scorching canine are so well-known that even former US President Invoice Clinton visited right here – this time to be the one to fill his mouth with sausage.
Jómfrúin – Residence of Danish smørrebrød in Iceland. It’s a homosexual Icelandic restaurant that focuses on open-faced Danish sandwiches. The sandwiches often function rye sourdough bread with totally different combos of seafood, meat, greens, and condiments, and are usually loved with a chilly native beer.
Grillmarket – The Grillmarket works carefully with native farmers, shopping for their produce straight from the farm. You may select from the complete menu or go for the tasting menu, which consists of three appetizers adopted by a steak with fries and greens and a tasting of the restaurant’s desserts. Reservations are beneficial.
Reykjavik Homosexual Bars & Golf equipment
The homosexual scene in Reykjavik may be very small but fairly outstanding on the similar time. Alcohol will be costly in Iceland, so make sure to preserve an eye fixed out for comfortable hour specials. Many eating places and bars, particularly in Reykjavik, supply comfortable hour offers often with affordable specials on beer and wine.
Kiki Queer Bar – Reykjavik’s solely gay-specific bar and membership is a superb spot to bounce, hearken to good music, and mingle. The façade is painted in vibrant rainbow colours, so you may’t miss it. It’s the proper place to spend the evening connecting with locals and different LGBTQ+ guests. Although just about any bar on the town is completely gay-welcoming, that is the place you may join with different members of the LGBTQ+ group.
Bravó – Just a little bar with pleasant and enjoyable employees. They provide a number of native beers on draft at comfortable hour. Although not a gay-specific bar, many LGBTQ+ locals frequent the place, and it’s situated proper alongside and under Kiki Queer Bar.
Observe: Iceland is kind of small and there’s no particular homosexual neighborhood. There isn’t a homosexual sauna in Reykjavik nor any homosexual seashores.
Iceland Homosexual Occasions
Reykjavik Homosexual Delight – Reykjavik Delight is a well-structured week of unbelievable occasions. The Opening Ceremony on the well-known Harpa Live performance Corridor is among the greatest nights throughout Reykjavik Delight and consists of opening speeches, music, drag queens, and basic queer leisure. Although Reykjavik Delight doesn’t have any type of devoted out of doors pageant or satisfaction park, it has an amazing lineup of actions all through the week. The Delight Parade has an unbelievable turnout for the nation with about 100,000 spectators (one-third of the complete island’s inhabitants!) coming to observe it take over the streets. The general really feel of the satisfaction just isn’t party-heavy, however very pleasant and relaxed. It has extra of a laid-back pageant, group celebration vibe. Dates: 6 – 11, August.
Reykjavik Bear – Come fall time, guests may even discover the occasion referred to as Reykjavik Bear, one other nice domestically organized alternative, open to anybody in fact, however particularly for those who embrace bear tradition. Dates: 28 – 31 August, 2025.
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