Iceland

While the scene is small, and centred around Reykjavík, being gay or lesbian in Iceland is a complete non-issue (they’ve already had a lesbian prime minister). Since 2006, LGBT people have been able to legally adopt, and in 2010 same-sex marriage was legalized.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal

LGBT travellers will be delighted by how comfortable they feel in Iceland. While there’s technically only one gay bar (Kiki Bar), every bar, pub and club is essentially a safe space for gay men and lesbian women to feel express themselves. Reykjavik Pride is also worl-renown as one of the ‘Biggest Small Prides in the World’. Bonus: Advertising and corporate sponsorship is completely banned from the parade itself.

Gay Villages

There are no gay villages in Iceland. However, LGBT travellers will feel comfortable even in small towns.

Pride Festivals/Events

Reykjavik Pride: Annually in August
Bears on Ice: Annually Labour Day Weekend
Rainbow Reykjavik Festival (AKA Iceland Winter Pride): Annually in March

Best Gay Bars

Reykjavik: Kiki Queer Bar

Best Lesbian Bars

There are no Lesbian-specific bars in Iceland.

5. Silfra

There are only a few places on Earth where travellers can snorkel between tectonic plates and witness the incredible majesty of our planet. One such place is Silfra in Iceland.

4. Vik

Iceland’s southern-most town is a gateway to incredible surrounds. Visit the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara or the nearby puffin cliffs. The region also boasts plenty of volcanoes and glaciers, exemplifying Iceland’s notorious moniker ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’.

3. The Blue Lagoon

Due to the country’s volcanic geography, naturally occuring thermal pools pepper the island. The most famous of which is The Blue Lagoon just outside Reykjavik.

2. The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle hosts some of Iceland’s most famous sights including but not limited to Gullfoss waterfall, the Great Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park (where you will see the Great Atlantic Rift).

1. Reykjavik

Surprisingly cosmopolitan and completely LGBT-friendly, Iceland’s capital city may be small but it is certainly mighty. It boasts incredible food, art and culture scenes. You’ll need a few days to truely appreciate this Nordic city’s splendour.

Best Time to Visit: Iceland is a great place to visit all year round. If you’re after long days and midnight sunsets, head there during the summer solstice, when the sun rises only three hours after it sets (and it doesn’t even get dark). If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, visit in October or March, as it can be too cloudy from November through February. Temperature-wise, summer reaches a ‘balmy’ 10-13C/50-55F, while winter hovers near the freezing mark.

Electricity: F-Type Sockets

Time Zone: (GMT) Monrovia, Reykjavik

Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Iceland, there are no vaccinations needed for entry.

Visas: For up-to-date visa information click here.