“Crazy. Friendly. Fun!”
Planning your first travel to Iceland or already a seasoned traveler but still want to get a gay perspective? Pink Iceland, Iceland’s first and foremost gay owned and operated travel expert, has all the answers. Pink Iceland works for and with the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) community and specializes in day tours (gay tours), weddings, international and domestic events and festivals as well as organizing tailor-made luxury travel. One sunny afternoon we met the owners, founders and lesbian couple Eva María & Birna and their friend Hannes and found everything about heli-skiing, hidden gems and cruising in Iceland.
Is Iceland a LGBT friendly destination?
While Iceland is not perfect it is one of the best places to visit for a LGBTQ person. We’ve reached full equality under the law in almost every respect and people in Iceland are generally welcoming.
Are there antidiscrimination laws in Iceland?
Discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal. Period.
How are public displays of affection between same-sex couples perceived?
While you may get some glances holding hands or kissing your partner they will be followed by a beaming smile and a nod of approval.
Is there an online source for booking gay friendly accommodation in a LGBTQ safe area?
Thankfully we don’t really regard any area as ‘unsafe’ but to be on the safe side we recommend you book through Pink Iceland to guarantee a respectful and gay friendly service throughout.
How much time in advance should I make a reservation?
A couple of months in the summertime would be ideal but we deal with last-minute queries all the time. So far we’ve managed to get everyone accommodation to their tastes and within budgets.
Any LGBTQ tours?
Pink Iceland offers a number of tours for LGBTQ people and their friends. Our website has information on all of them as well as tours with our trusted partners where you’ll be guaranteed the service you deserve.
Bars, restaurants, cafés or clubs?
There is one gay bar in town at the moment. It’s called Kiki and it’s located at Laugavegur 22. It’s a great venue with great music and great people. We also recommend Dillon, Boston, Dolly, Rósenberg and many more. You could always drop by our office at Laugavegur 3, 4th floor, to find out where to go out that night!
Describe the night life in three words?
Crazy. Friendly. Fun!
Any beaches?
There is small golden sand beach at Nauthólsvík where hot geothermal water is pumped into the sea to warm it up a bit. It also has a couple of hot tubs to warm up in, in case its chilly outside!
Nudist resorts?
The climate in Iceland isn’t ideal for nudist resorts. Unfortunately!
Good hiking trails?
Thousands. At least! Hiking may be the best way to experience this beautiful country. Do your research before you head off though as less than 1 percent of the country is populated so you could fairly easily get lost unless you know what you’re doing:) Pink Iceland always wants their guests to be on the safe side!
Cruising areas?
There is this one huge cruising area with plenty of action. It’s called The Internet.
What about a gay village?
When in Reykjavik you should treat the whole city as your gay friendly village!
A gay community center?
The community center is located in the same place as the Pink Iceland office. Right on the main street Laugavegur 3, 4th floor.
LGBTQ friendly AA meetings?
There is a gay AA meeting on Sundays at 1pm, in the yellow house in Tjarnargata 20. Please note that this is in Icelandic!
English-speaking meetings:
Tjarnargata 20 (a street by the pond downtown):
- Sunday at 19:00
- Tuesday at 19:30
- Thursday at 19:30
- Friday at 19:00
An English speaking contact in Iceland: vallyglenn@hotmail.com
AA’s website
A must see?
If you’re here for a short stay you must do The Golden Circle (with Pink Iceland, of course!). If you’re in Iceland for more than a few days we would always recommend you visit Akureyri, the capital of the north and The West Fjords, Iceland’s hidden gem of wonders and all things natural. Well, while we’re on it, The East Fjords are absolutely stunning too so ultimately we recommend at least a week in Iceland if you want to get a true taste of the country.
A must do?
Strike up conversations with local people. You’ll be amazed at what a friendly bunch we are and if you’re lucky you’ll make a lifelong friend (or lover?)
A national dish everybody should try?
The ‘Hard Fish’ as we call it. Basically its sea dried white fish, full of protein and goodness which tastes like nothing else, in a good way. Don’t forget to apply copious amounts of butter on it!
Will there be any special LGBTQ events in coming months?
Iceland Gay Pride is simply awesome. The Pride culminates in the wonderful Gay Pride Parade on the 2nd Saturday of August. Be sure to check out the extended Pride Program on www.gaypride.is, not to mention the fantastic Pink Iceland Gay Pride Packages found on our website.
What kind of weather to expect in the summer?
Easy, breezy, cover girl… Nah. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable but in the summertime you can be pretty sure that you won’t need your winter coat in the city at least. If you’re planning on visiting a glacier (which we recommend) you might consider taking it with you! Temperatures in summer vary between 12-25 degrees celsius but tends to feel warmer than since we have very low humidity here.
Will it be possible to ski?
Yes, in wintertime and especially in the North, East and West. If you can afford a helicopter ride to one of Iceland’s glaciers in the summer for some ‘heli-skiing’ please get in touch. We’d love to set that up for you!
What kind of clothes to pack?
Depends on the activity and time of year but one thing you mustn’t forget is swimwear! Iceland probably has more pools per capita than any other country and with geothermal water in abundance you’ll want to experience taking a dip in a warm swimming pool, whatever the weather!
Five things every traveller should take along?
Swimwear, as mentioned earlier, camera (you’re gonna end up with a million and one photos), layers of clothes, respect for mother nature and your smart phone cause Iceland is a WiFi paradise!
Any final tips?
Just come here, be yourself, strike up a conversation, and open yourself up to new and exciting experiences.
Laugavegur 3
101 Reykjavik
Iceland