It all depends on what you´re looking for when asked if Iceland is a good (interesting, fun) destination for gay tourists. From a broad perspective, Iceland is seen as a good option for gay travelers simply because it´s very gay friendly. Holding hands in public won´t cause a stir and the gay scene, despite being very small, is considered open and friendly. But gay tourists as any other tourists choose Iceland for many different reasons. In general most tourists choose Iceland for its nature and unique landscape and the same probably goes for most gay tourists as well.
We get a lot of questions from gay tourists who are planning to visit about what to do, where to go and what to see and whats the best way of doing it. Staying in Reykjavik for a weekend and then hit the road (or vice versa) for a few days is a very common theme and thats a good combination. You get to see the gay scene and mingle with the locals and you get to see what Iceland is all about. More and more gay couples also travel to Iceland to get married and every year good number of gay tourists travel to participate in some of the events taking place in Reykjavik such as Gay Pride, BEARS ON ICE and Rainbow Reykjavik to name three popular events.
The bars come and go
Gay bars in Reykjavik come and go, some say (ironically) they close before they open. Not exactly the truth but gay bars and clubs seem to last only for a very short time in Reykjavik before they disappear and new ones open up (remember Q-bar, Cozy, Barbara, Gay-46, Strákaklúbburinn, MSC, Trúnó, Kjallarinn…). The best way to see where to go is to check out our list of gay bars and clubs that are in business.
Events
The local gay scene is in many ways an event scene. Throughout the year handful of events are organized so if you´re planning a visit check out the Gayice.is calendar to see whats going on because you don´t want to miss those events or go to an empty club because everyone is partying somewhere else.
Gay Pride 2013, August 8-13
The Reykjavik Gay Pride has been a huge success since first held and attracts thousands of people, gay and straight! Gay Pride is one of Iceland´s biggest outdoor events and is like no other pride you´ve been to. We promise!
BEARS ON ICE 2013, September 5-8
BEARS ON ICE has become more and more popular since first held in 2005 and an important part of the small and friendly Reykjavik gay scene. The event attractis visitors from all over the world, excited to see a little bit of Iceland, make new friends and have some fun for a few days with bears and friends.
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