GayIceland’s exclusive interview with the person behind the project, Jevgenijs Kličovs.
In recent weeks, a poll has been circulating online for Reykjavík locals to answer. It’s from @rey_gay_sauna, an account for a project to open a space “for LGBTQ+ men in Reykjavík.” The questions aim to see if there’s real potential in opening a gay sauna in Reykjavík.
Dubbed a wellness initiative, the page comes across as a “watch this space” advert for a potential gym, spa, or sauna focused on gay men. Other than the infamous years at the eimbað in Vesturbæjarlaug, Reykjavík has never had a venue like this. GayIceland got in touch with Jevgenijs Kličovs (he/they), who’s currently seeking funding for the project to hear more about if this dream will become a reality.
GayIceland: Where are you from, and where are you currently living?
Jevgenijs: “I was born in Riga, Latvia. At the moment, I live in Iceland — on a small farm called Fellsenda, about 17 kilometres from Búðardalur. It’s very quiet, surrounded by nature, and quite a contrast to city life.”
GayIceland: When did you move to Iceland?
Jevgenijs: “Before moving here, I had never been to Iceland at all. Not even as a tourist. I moved on December 2nd, 2024, and I’ve been living here for a little over a year now — one year and two months to be exact. So my first impression of Iceland wasn’t a holiday postcard, but real everyday life.”
GayIceland: What kind of work do you do now?
Jevgenijs: “Since moving to Iceland, I’ve been working at Hjúkrunarheimilið Fellsendi, a care home for people with physical and mental disabilities. It’s honestly a wonderful place, with incredibly kind colleagues and residents. I work in cleaning — taking care of shared spaces and residents’ rooms. It may sound simple, but it’s meaningful work. You really feel that what you do matters, and that creates a strong sense of dignity and respect.”
GayIceland: Why were you interested in starting this project?
Jevgenijs: “There are many reasons, both personal and social. First of all, I was genuinely surprised that Reykjavík doesn’t have a gay sauna at all. Iceland has such a deep, almost sacred relationship with hot water — geothermal pools, saunas, hot pots. It’s part of the national soul. So the absence of a gay sauna feels almost… illogical.
From a community perspective, these spaces are incredibly powerful. They bring people together. You can meet new friends, fall in love, find someone who shares your hobbies, or even just meet someone from your own country. And at the same time, you’re doing something good for your health.
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people told me they’ve wanted a gay sauna in Reykjavík for a long time.
On a more personal level, I deeply crave a space like this myself. A place where you can sit in silence with your thoughts, let the heat melt away stress, or start a spontaneous conversation with a stranger that might turn into something more. Yes, I am single. But there’s also a health aspect. I’m turning 26 this May, and back home we say: “You have to take care of your health while you’re young — otherwise there will be nothing left to fix later.”
So this project is both personal and communal. It’s about creating something I would love to visit myself — and something that gives real value to the queer community.”
GayIceland: Have you been to other gay saunas or gyms before, and if so, where? What was your experience like at these places?
Jevgenijs: “Yes, I’ve visited many gay saunas, but there is one that truly set the standard for me: Boiler in Berlin, Germany. To put it simply, it was love at first visit. Everything felt right: cleanliness, atmosphere, professionalism, staff, layout. If I could, I’d probably live there.
I first visited Boiler in 2021, and from 2021 to 2024, every time I travelled to Berlin — no matter the reason — I always went back. Technically, it’s almost flawless: two saunas (one at 90°C and one at 60°C), two hammams, a swimming pool, a bar with a lounge area, relaxation zones, a well-ventilated smoking room, and a cruising area.
But what really stayed with me were the people. I met so many interesting, kind, open-minded individuals there. For me, Boiler is a benchmark — not to copy blindly, but to learn from and adapt with intention.”
GayIceland: Have you worked at a gay sauna/gym before?
Jevgenijs: “No, I don’t have direct work experience in a gay sauna. However, I come from a culture where the sauna is part of everyday life. I know how to properly heat a sauna, how to create the right atmosphere, and which essential oils people enjoy.
I’m especially familiar with the Russian banya sauna tradition, which is actually more common in my region than the Finnish sauna. It includes the use of veniks — dried bundles of birch or oak branches — used for massage and gentle whipping. It might sound strange, but it’s deeply relaxing and has real health benefits. In my dream version of the project, I would absolutely include Russian banya rituals and even offer educational sessions about them.
Tourism is growing, Iceland is a top LGBTQ+ travel destination, and both tourists and locals would support the space. Investors care about sustainability — and this project has that potential.
In terms of management, before moving to Iceland, I worked as a project manager for an NGO called Young Folks LV. I secured funding from the Riga municipality and European funds for socially beneficial projects. In 2023, I launched a large volleyball club across different districts of Riga. People gathered in rented school gyms, played together, organised tournaments, and celebrated birthdays. When there were no sessions, they still met elsewhere.
These projects were simple, but incredibly important. They brought people out of isolation and into connection. That’s exactly the kind of energy I want to recreate here — a place where people see each other, feel each other, and feel alive.”
GayIceland: Where in the Reykjavik area do you have in mind to open a place like this?
Jevgenijs: “It’s still too early to name a specific neighbourhood. What matters most to me is accessibility — the space should be easy to reach for both locals and tourists.”
GayIceland: Right now, you’re looking for survey responses. How’s that process going, and why are you doing it?
Jevgenijs: “The survey is a crucial step. I wanted to reality-check my ideas. Maybe I’m romanticising the concept. Maybe no one actually needs a gay sauna here. So far, 76 people have responded, and the average score for demand is 8.5 out of 10. That’s incredibly encouraging. Of course, the sample is still too small — I’m aiming for at least 200 responses.
For me, this survey is more than numbers. It’s proof. It shows investors that this isn’t just my dream — it’s something the community wants. It also helps define the audience, pricing expectations, and what people truly want to see in such a space.”
People here are open, warm, and unashamed of who they are. You can feel real freedom in the air.
GayIceland: You’re interested in applying for grants from Gulleggið and Rannís? What do you think would make them award you the money or invest, and what do you think they might be hesitant about?
Jevgenijs: “Honestly? I have doubts — and I think that’s okay. Gulleggið often favours IT projects because they scale easily. A sauna doesn’t scale like an app. The only real long-term scaling option would be franchising, but thinking about that now would be unrealistic.
My strongest card is the survey. When I speak, I won’t speak alone — I’ll speak with the voices of 200 people behind me. Another strong argument is that this niche simply doesn’t exist in Iceland. And of course, there’s the business side: tourism is growing, Iceland is a top LGBTQ+ travel destination, and both tourists and locals would support the space. Investors care about sustainability — and this project has that potential.
With Rannís, it’s trickier. This fund supports innovative business projects. Innovation in business can mean many things. Is innovation only AI, or can it also be the first queer wellness space of its kind in the country? According to the criteria, I do qualify.
The biggest concern will likely be legality. Sex is not allowed in businesses in Iceland, and although many survey respondents asked for a sex zone, that will not happen. Everything will operate strictly within the law. Another concern is my lack of commercial experience. I’m honest about that. But experience can be hired. Learning can be done. I’m not afraid of that.”
GayIceland: Are you looking at other ways of funding the project as well?
Jevgenijs: “Yes, crowdfunding is an option — more like a plan B. The project is large, and serious funding usually comes from investors or foundations. Most foundations, however, prefer projects that already exist legally.”
GayIceland: What would the facility look like in your dream scenario? A gym area, hot pots, a sauna area, and a “relaxation area?”
Jevgenijs: “Inspired by Boiler, but smaller. Two saunas, one hammam, a jacuzzi, relaxation areas, a space for events, an outdoor air zone, and a small library. There would also be a bar — but a low-alcohol one. Beer, cider, wine. Strong alcohol and saunas simply don’t belong together if you care about health.”
When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, there’s room for growth. Clubs like Kiki are already overflowing — demand is high, tourism is increasing, and services need to evolve.
GayIceland: What would you want the customers to come for, or what kind of programming would you have?
Jevgenijs: “Imagine this: after a long workday, you step into a warm sauna. Your body relaxes, your mind slows down. You chat with friends in a jacuzzi, maybe exchange a bit of gossip. Then you join a guided sauna session with a sauna master, try new scrubs, and end the evening with herbal tea made from mountain flowers. That’s not luxury — that’s quality of life.
People would come to rest, to heal, to socialise. There would be guided sauna rituals, Russian banya sessions, wellness treatments, educational brochures, DJ nights, book clubs, board games, and even a PlayStation 5 corner. Entertainment for the body and for the mind. We all need balance — especially without a cruising zone (just kidding).”
GayIceland: In your posts and the survey, you mention an alcohol free space. Why do you think this is important for Iceland? Are you yourself sober?
Jevgenijs: “The survey offered two options: alcohol-free or low-alcohol. People clearly preferred low-alcohol. So that’s what it will be. No spirits. Strong alcohol is dangerous in combination with heat — it puts extreme stress on the heart and blood vessels. If people want to drink heavily, they can do that elsewhere.”
GayIceland: Gay Saunas and gyms are often discreet places or have good security. They can also be places where drug use and other bad behaviours happen. How would this place be safe and secure for the gay community?
Jevgenijs: “This is one of the biggest challenges. We would actively communicate rules through social media and in person. At the entrance, security would assess visitors and check bags. Sex and drugs would be strictly prohibited.
I come from a culture where the sauna is part of everyday life. I know how to properly heat a sauna, how to create the right atmosphere, and which essential oils people enjoy.
Staff would always be present inside the facility, monitoring the atmosphere. Every employee would be required to complete first-aid training with the Red Cross. Safety is not just about control — it’s about care. We would also encourage visitors to speak up if they notice something concerning. A safe space only works when everyone helps protect it.”
GayIceland: What do you like about the queer community and gay scene in Iceland? What do you not like?
Jevgenijs: “Without hesitation — the sense of unity. I’ve felt it myself. When you need help, people show up. Coming from a country where LGBTQ+ culture is still young, this feels incredibly powerful. People here are open, warm, and unashamed of who they are. You can feel real freedom in the air. Personally, I haven’t experienced any downsides.
When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, there’s room for growth. Clubs like Kiki are already overflowing — demand is high, tourism is increasing, and services need to evolve. And Reykjavík Pride? It was beautiful. Intimate, joyful, full of light. People felt like one body, one heart. I love seeing that.”
GayIceland: Have you talked to any gay locals here about the project, and what have they said?
Jevgenijs: “Yes, I have. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people told me they’ve wanted a gay sauna in Reykjavík for a long time. They fully support the idea and wished me luck — and that means more to me than any grant.”
Only time will tell if the project becomes a reality. For now, you can support the project by answering the survey questions at the link in the page’s bio. If you’re interested in investing in the project, you can reach out to Jevgenijs through the page as well.