In 2024, Iceland secured the #2 spot on ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map. However, it’s relatively unknown as a safe place for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
From introducing same-sex marriage in 2010 to banning so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in 2023, and inaugurating a number of progressive policies in-between, Iceland has become one of the best places to be queer in Europe.
This August, Reykjavík Pride – dubbed “the world’s biggest small Pride” – marked its 25th anniversary with a vibrant five-day celebration, featuring an opening ceremony, drag shows and a parade that showcased community groups from across the island.
GAY TIMES was invited along to experience the festivities and all the great things Iceland has to offer first-hand…
Before getting into the heart of Reykjavík, we were treated to a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s first five-star hotels. Nestled within a private inlet of a UNESCO Global Geopark, complete with a spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and private lagoon for guests, this hotel embodies quiet luxury.
The Retreat Spa’s self-guided Ritual treatment – which makes use of the Blue Lagoon’s primary elements of minerals, silica and microalgae – alongside their new in-water float therapy treatment, will leave your body and soul feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Iceland’s natural beauty was also on full display during the Pride Edition of a Golden Circle Tour by Pink Iceland. Step foot in the stunning Þingvellir National Park, which eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans will recognise; Friðheimar Organic Tomato Farm, for a taste of some of the most delicious organic tomatoes; Gullfoss Waterfall, where you’ll witness one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved wonders; and the Geysir, yes, the original geyser and the namesake for all other geysers.
If you’re not able to make it out into the Icelandic wilderness, make sure you check out FlyOver Iceland. This captivating virtual tour suspends you in front of a 20-metre spherical screen, watching a beautiful film, combined with motion, wind, mist and scents that whisk you away on an exhilarating journey across the country.
Now, back to Reykjavík Pride, which attracts around 100,000 attendees annually, almost one third of Iceland’s entire population.
President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, Mayor of Reykjavík, Einar Þorsteinsson, and Icelandic Eurovision royalty, Páll Óskar, all made appearances during the week, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of discrimination.
A running thread throughout this Pride was the belief that the Icelanders couldn’t afford to be divided because they are so few – everyone is connected to a queer friend or family member, and everyone is in this together.
The parade, affectionately called the “walk of joy” by locals, began at Hallgrímskirkja before winding down the iconic rainbow-painted Skólavörðustígur street, and across to Hljómskálagarðurinn park, where Pride-goers enjoyed a free outdoor concert, celebrating queer history, culture and identity.
What made Reykjavík Pride special was its authenticity. The parade was made up of community groups and charities – no corporate floats, no pinkwashing. It’s about the people and their sense of togetherness. A pure joy that will leave happy tears in your eyes. UK Prides, take note.
Even Mother Nature blessed us, with blue skies and sunshine amplifying the immaculate atmosphere of the day.
All of that relaxing and wandering and Pride-ing can make a person hungry. A few food highlights include the seasonal Michelin-starred delights of Matur & Drykkur’s traditional Icelandic cuisine; Skál’s exquisite take on food hall dining (which you may recognise from Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil); the sumptuous Lava Restaurant, built into an 800-year-old lava cliff; Jómfrúin’s Danish Smørrebrød using the highest quality local ingredients; and the deliciously fresh offerings at The Fish Market.
Despite the hustle and bustle of Pride week, there was still an enchanting sense of calm. Far from the chaos of the UK’s largest cities, Reykjavík felt peaceful. There’s a saying in Iceland, Þetta Reddast (pronounced “thet-ta re-dust”), meaning “everything will work out in the end” – and it’s a philosophy that seems to permeate every corner of the island.
Just a short three-hour flight from the UK, this culturally rich and environmentally diverse microcosm is a delight for any traveller, whether you’re looking for a city break or an adventure holiday. The people are welcoming, the food is outstanding and, whilst small, the LGBTQIA+ community is thriving.
Discover more and plan your trip to Iceland at www.visiticeland.com.
