Most Tolerant Country for LGBTQ+ Rights and Diversity Year Round
Iceland has become a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the last 20 years. Iceland's breathtaking beauty is intensified by the country's acceptance and tolerance of all people and lifestyles. Tourists throughout Iceland can feel safe and respected wherever your path through this unique country takes you. Love is love, and Iceland is one of the most accepting places on Earth to get your love on.
Reykjavik Pride Festival
The Pride Festival in the capital city of Reykjavik has taken place in August since 1999. Iceland as a whole is receptive to gay rights/LGBTQ+ rights, but Reykjavik has made a name for itself as the center of all things Pride-related. Movies, parades, drag shows, and poetry readings are some of the ways you can fill your days during the festival. The sky is lit up with the colors of the LGBTQ flag to show solidarity and joy for those in attendance.
Hopes are high that the Pride Festival and Queer Days will return in 2022, making up for time lost, once again highlighting LGBTQ+ pride in Iceland. More than 100,000 people travel to Iceland each year to experience the magnificent event and the rainbow colors through the streets of Reykjavik.
LGBTQ+ Specific Accommodations
In a world where tolerance is key, Iceland does indeed hold that key. LGBTQ+ travelers to Iceland with or without friends or families will find plenty of boutique hotels, apartments, and other accommodations in and around Reykjavik. Everyone is welcome wherever you go in Iceland, but many lodgings cater specifically to people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel and 101 Hotel are two of the highest rated hotels who serve primarily an LGBTQ+ guests. These hotels and others are near restaurants, shops, and other venues whose clientele are primarily LGBTQ+. Bravo and Club Kiki are two of the favorite spots to get together with friends or meet new ones.
Iceland's Rainbow in Nature
You can expect any kind of weather in Iceland but if you are lucky enough to be in Reykjavík when it rains be sure that you don't miss the double rainbow that occurs on Eidisgrandi on the Sculpture and Shore walk once the rain starts going down. That road will lead you to Grótta lighthouse, one of the most iconic and picture perfect places in Iceland.
Mother Nature had it right with the dancing colorful lights of the Aurora Borealis. Best visibility for this spectacular ongoing event is during winter months. Be sure to check the northern lights forecast so you won't miss them. Even though you might see them in the city, jumping in your blue rental car and driving a little out of the city is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should not miss out on it.
HOW IS VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATED IN ICELAND?
