When visiting Reykjavik you´ll soon learn that this is a small city with a tiny gay scene. Population in Reykjavik is just about 120.000 people but just over 200.000 people live in greater Reykjavik area. Once here you´ll notice how small the gay scene really is, there´s no "gay neighborhood" with gay bars, clubs, shops and restaurants where all the gays hang out. There is no Castro, Soho or Village but we still want to believe what we have is fun exploring.

It´s a big year for BEARS ON ICE which will throw it´s 10th anniversary event this september.  "Last year we had the biggest number of guys showing up from all over the world and we´re expecting similar number of attendants this year. But it´s still a pretty small event and we´re trying our best to keep it as inclusive and friendly as possible" says Frosti Jonsson member of the BEARS ON ICE organizing team. BEARS ON I CE was first held in 2005 and has been growing ever since. It´s definitely an event worth attending if you´re into friendly crowd that loves to give a good hug and have a good time while taking over Reykjavik´s gay scene this September for a long weekend.

The Sochi Winter Olympics are just about to start with all its glory and while athletes and officials from all over the world flock to Russia to participate the LGBT people in Russia are being systematically bullied and oppressed by the Russian authorities. They are systematically attacked, beaten up and killed without anyone doing anything about it. Officials from around the world, including members of the Icelandic Parliament and Iceland´s President, are flying over to participate in Putin´s show off party, and sadly no one seem to have the guts to say or do anything.  

The Icelandic gay electronic musician Bistro Boy recently released his first LP album Journey. On Journey Bistro Boy takes the listener on a travel around the world collecting sounds and samples that become a part of a story stretching from one place to another. On the album Bistro Boy teams up with guest singer Gisli Magna (Frozen thoughts) and Mono Town guitarist Börkur Birgisson (Summer vibes) as well with a group of Masai women singing for a traveller far away from home (Border crossing).

The annual Pink Masquerade Party is coming up and will take place February 1st at Iðnó (Vonarstræti 3). The Pink Party marks the highlight of the 3rd Rainbow Reykjavik LGBT Winter Pride Festival. The star and DJ of the night is Paul Oscar, Iceland's most beloved and fabulous pop star and gay icon. House opens 10.30. Ticket sale at the door and ticket price is ISK 2.500. ISK 1.500 ISK for members of Samtökin'78 until midnight. Age limit 22 years.

Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride is a four day festival which starts January 30th. Visit Rainbow reykjavik website for more information about the festival and individual events.

Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride is coming up but the four day LGBT festival kicks off January 30th. Rainbow Reykjavik is a good reason for LGBT travellers to go a little bit off the beaten track and experience something new. The festival offers a good mixture of indoor and outdoor activities including sight seeing tours, concerts, group dinners and ofcourse some late night partying which Icelanders pride themselves in doing so well.

It may be the darkest month of the year but visiting Reykjavik in December is an adventurous and fun thing to do. It´s becoming more and more popular for tourists to visit Reykjavik in December who are able to enjoy various events and activities, indoor and outdoors. Just keep in mind you can´t count on the weather so keep a flexible schedule and be ready to play things by ear.

We wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2014 bring you lots of love, happiness and travel! Thank you for visiting Gayice.is. It´s been a pleasure helping all of you who made it to Iceland this year and we´re looking forward helping the rest of you who are still to come visit. Gayice.is.