Iceland's biggest party begins today – here's what you need to know
Starting today Reykjavik Pride will last for the next week, with more than one-third of Icelanders taking part. Kristina Elisabet Andrésdóttir, training & quality manager at Icelandair, explains why it’s a showcase event for the marvels of Icelandic inclusivity
In Reykjavik (and Iceland as a whole), being queer is not just tolerated, but celebrated, so LGBTQ+ travellers can anticipate a sincere and warm welcome. And what sets Reykjavik Pride apart is the strong sense of community and level of engagement it fosters, gathering people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.
As soon as our guests stepped into the airport arrival hall, they were greeted with a rainbow arch of balloons adorned with Pride flags. But it’s not just for show: this sense of unity and acceptance extends to every part of the city, not restricted to one area or street, with the entire city embracing Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. Over a third of our entire country are expected at the festivities every year, from 9-month-olds to 99-year-olds. LGBTQ+ families, friends, and allies unite as they march through the city, joining together to celebrate and showcasing a collective front in support of equality.
With more puffins than people, Iceland may not offer endless all-night raves for the hardcore partygoer, but there is more than enough to get involved in at Pride. From Reykjavík’s social-media-famous rainbow street or the community-driven parade and the free festivals which followed, to a “Queer Cruise” party on a boat tour around Reykjavik Harbour, plentiful high-art drag shows and specially curated Pride cocktails at Reykjavik’s most famous rooftop bar, the overall experience is heartfelt and inclusive.
One of Icelandair’s guests last year described the weekend as “refreshing, wholesome and overwhelmingly affirming. You can feel the queer power here… I was not prepared for the level of hype.” It’s the Icelandic character that’s key to our appeal, and Icelandair welcomes anyone and everyone to come and experience it.
Iceland stands as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance for LGBTQ+ travellers throughout the year. While progress towards global equality continues, Iceland has made significant strides and can be considered a world leader in LGBTQ+ rights. In 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir’s election as the first openly gay head of state marked a historic moment for the country and the world.
Our country is a place where everybody, almost by necessity, is on good terms with their neighbours. This is, in part, due to the aforementioned sense of community which extends to the general population, but also to the fact this population is relatively small… so everyone knows each other, via a few degrees of separation at most! Equally, crime rates are low, which fosters an open sense of security which further protects LGBTQ+ people, so the island has been safe for queer travellers since global travel become accessible commercially.
For those who want to travel outside of summertime or beyond the Pride festivities, LGBTQ+ vacationers are warmly welcomed by the Icelandic people – with ample opportunity to engage with Icelandic queer culture. Visitors can find vibrant spots like Kiki Queer Bar, the primary gay nightlife venue with its unmistakable rainbow exterior, so it is very (very!) easy to spot. With celebratory and intimate vibes all year round, the bar is always busy during the weekend with a diverse crowd, often hosting drag and show tunes nights – highly recommended for visitors looking to meet some of the local community.
As for queer tours in Iceland, LGBTQ+ tourists should be sure to check out Pink Iceland – the island’s “first and foremost gay owned and operated travel expert and first stop when traveling to Iceland.” Founded by two amazing queer women in 2011, who are now happily married, Pink Iceland specialises in day tours, weddings, international and domestic events and festivals, as well as organising tailor-made luxury travel. They offer trips such as the ever popular and famous “Golden Circle” tour, as well as numerous others, which may include attractions such as geothermal waters, waterfalls, tectonic plates, hot springs, or even volcanos on a “journey to the centre of the earth.”
And for those looking for a little more rest and recovery, there is always the world-famous Blue Lagoon to indulge in, where those who lean a little more into luxury are free to be whoever they want to be in the most tranquil of settings.
In Iceland, LGBTQ+ travellers can expect a warm and inclusive atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for everyone seeking a memorable and affirming experience!
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