Visiting Gay Reykjavik – The Globetrotter Guys

rainbow road in gay Reykjavik - The Globetrotter Guys

Visiting Gay Reykjavik in Any Season

Being gay in Reykjavik (and Iceland as a whole) is not something that is simply tolerated, it is celebrated and you can expect to have a very warm welcome in this somewhat chilly destination!

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland so it is no surprise this is where a lot of gay travellers head to and use as a base. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and a very welcoming population – over a third of the residents here join in the Pride celebrations each year!

When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, same sex marriage was legalised in Iceland in June 2010 and more work is being done to protect everyone under the LGBTQ spectrum. It is encouraging to know that their Prime Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, is a legally married lesbian!

With all that in mind, plus the fact that the the country is stunning with so many incredible and unique experiences on offer, it is easy to see why gay Reykjavik is attracting queer travellers from all over the world.

By Sion & Ben – Full Story at the Globetrotter Guys

Reykjavik Gay Travel Resources

Gay Iceland – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Iceland - The Nomadic Boys

A trip full of glaciers, waterfalls, spa days, and Iceland puns to drive Seby crazy. What could be better?

“Hey Seb, what do Icelandic dogs say?”
(Bracing himself) “What?”
“Bjork Bjork!”
*Cue evil stare*

“What do you tell the cashier when you have no money?”
“I can’t a-fjord it!”
*Cue him banging me over the head threatening to throw me out of our car rental*

With a population of 360,000, land proximity that equates to the size of Kentucky, and only one major city, we assumed we would see everything there was to see in one trip. Wrong! There is so much to do – and we left wanting to do more, more, more!

Exploring Gay Iceland

We spent 3 weeks touring gay Iceland by car along the famous Ring Road in the deep winter months hoping to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights (spoiler alert: we did!). Along the way, we were rewarded with giant glaciers, explosive geysers, a multitude of geothermal baths, fabulous fjords, whale watching, and the quirkiest people you’ll ever meet (you can’t beat Icelandic humor!).

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Reykjavik – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Reykjavik - The Nomadic Boys

Planning a Trip to Gay Reykjavik

Have you ever noticed how phallic the world’s most famous landmarks are? The Eiffel Tower? Empire State Building? The Shard? Well, gay Reykjavik has taken the most literal approach of them all and opened up a museum dedicated to male organs. And if that doesn’t scream the perfect gay destination, we don’t know what will…

And like any good gay guy, Iceland is versatile.

Who’d have thought that a country with the spellbinding Northern Lights would have also birthed one of the most unorthodox singers of our time – Björk. Or that a land full of mountainous glaciers and astonishing waterfalls would feature the aforementioned phallogical museum.

Or that a culture dedicated to thermal baths and deep meditative rituals, would lend itself as a setting for the bonkers Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga movie on Netflix (you’d be lying if you said Ya Ya Ding Dong isn’t a bop).

The city itself is a wondrous blend of old meets new, with its ancient buildings set against the dramatic natural landscape, with trendy bars, a vibrant (albeit small) queer scene, and relaxing spas for you to unwind.

Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

The Iceland Bubble Hotel – Once Upon a Journey

The Iceland Bubble Hotel - Once Upon a Journey

Have you always dreamed of sleeping under the stars? And sleeping under the northern lights? Then we have amazing news for you, it’s possible if you stay at Buubble: the Iceland bubble hotel! And the best part is, you can watch the stars and northern lights comfortably from your warm bed. You just have to look up, as the bubbles are see-through.

There are many unique places to stay in Iceland, but when you visit Iceland you have to add staying the night at the bubble hotel to your Iceland itinerary. Sleeping at the ‘5 million star hotel’ is an experience you will never forget.

Yes, of course, you need to be lucky weather-wise to see the Aurora Borealis (the northern lights). And visit during the right season (late August to mid-April), but to sleep in a bubble, surrounded by nature, is magical anyways.

If you aren’t a fan of glamping yet, be aware, we fell in love with it! In this article, we will tell you all about Iceland’s bubble hotel, our experiences, what to expect and what to bring. It’s a one of a kind experience like you are sleeping in a fairy tale.

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Snorkeling in Iceland – Once Upon a Journey

Snorkeling in Iceland - Once Upon a Journey

One of the coolest (literally and figuratively) things to do in the land of fire and ice is snorkeling in Iceland – in Silfra, a fissure located in the Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic)! At first, it might not sound appealing to go snorkeling in Iceland, but it’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss during your trip to Iceland. Silfra snorkeling is cold but so worth it. And luckily you get to wear a dry suit and other gear to keep you warm.

Iceland is the only place on earth where you can swim in between tectonic plates. Silfra is a rift between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. The Silfra fissure Iceland arose after an earthquake in the 18th century and it keeps moving apart for 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) every year. At the Silfra fissure, you swim in between continental plates!

And what makes snorkeling in Silfra extra special is the incredibly clear water. The water comes from the second largest glacier in Iceland, called Langjökull. It takes years for the water to reach the Silfra fissure (about 30!). On the way the water gets filtered through underground lava rocks. This makes it the clearest and purest water in the world. The visibility underwater is unbelievable and the colors are stunning. You really need to see it yourself!

Studlagil Canyon in Iceland – Once Upon a Journey

Studlagil Canyon in Iceland - Once Upon a Journey

One of the coolest things to do in East Iceland is to visit the newest hype of the country: a basalt column canyon. The Studlagil Canyon was only discovered a couple of years ago, because the Jökulsá á Dal river used to be a gushing glacial river that completely filled the basalt ravine.

Are you thinking of visiting this basalt column canyon? We will tell you all you need to know about the Stuðlagil Canyon!

How Studlagil Canyon Was Created

There are many basalt columns in Iceland. Basalt is a volcanic rock that is created when lava cools off to form crystals into which lava has contracted as it was cooling.

During the cooling process, the chemicals and appearance of lava changes; the rock shrinks and it ‘cracks’– often hexagonal shaped. It’s best understand if you look at the basalt canyons from the top.

This amazing place has both vertical and horizontal columns, but vertical columns are most common.

By Maartje and Roxanne – Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Iceland Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Reykjavik In One Day – Once Upon a Journey

Reykjavik In One Day - Once Upon a Journey

Want to see Reykjavik in one day and don’t know where to start? This guide contains all you need to know for how to spend one day in Reykjavik perfectly.

If you’re visiting Iceland, there is a very high probability you will arrive and depart from Reykjavik. It is Iceland’s capital, the most northern capital city in the world, and the home to many of the top things to see in Iceland.

But Reykjavik is more than just a gateway to see the rest of Iceland, it has much to offer too. From architecture to rainbow street art, coffee shops to museums, there is something to do in Reykjavik for everyone, no matter the weather or time of year!

When you’re planning your trip to Iceland, add (at least) one day in Reykjavik to your Iceland itinerary. And with the many day trips from Reykjavik, museums, and tours on offer, you could certainly stay longer than a day in Reykjavik if you wanted to as well.

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Iceland Gay Travel Resources

Gay Reykjavik – Carlos Melia

Iceland. It is like living in Jurassic World. One Glacier after the other, Volcanos, Geysers, hundreds of breathtaking Waterfalls, Lava Fields…. Still debating why Iceland is green and Greenland is covered on Ice, but from what I gather after my week research, this originated in a group of Vikings, trying to keep other to come to Iceland to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and taking over the lands.

During my week in Iceland, I took Reykjaivik as my base and from there I took day tour to different locations, to be: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon + Golden Circle + Snaefellsnes Peninsula & National Park and beyond. I also spent one night at the Blue Lagoon – where I stayed at the newly opened The Retreat Hotel & Spa.

While in Reykjavik I spent my nights at the following hotels. EXETER Hotel + APOTEK Hotel + BORG Hotel all three by KEA Hotels Group. Now the highlight of my stays in the main capital, was the very exclusive Tower Suites Hotel, feature only 8-Suites and the the only one offering panoramic views over Reykjavik’s Peninsula and City.

Full Story at Carolis Melia

Reykjavik Gay Travel Resources

Queer Iceland, Land of Fire and Ice – The Hornet

Queer Iceland - the Hornet

There are few locales in the world where a week spent on vacation includes glacier hikes and ice caves one day, hot springs and lava fields the next. But the natural beauty of Iceland — that breathtaking blend of ice and fire — is but one of the many reasons why the island nation draws visitors from around the world.

From the allure of geothermal spa days and crossing Aurora Borealis off your bucket list to celebrating Pride and Iceland’s love of live music festivals, there’s no shortage of reasons to head north come 2019. We lay out some of the most tempting reasons to visit Iceland below.

For those who have never been to Iceland or are dying to get back, IGLTA — the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, a network of tourism businesses that provides free travel resources and promotes equality worldwide — is giving away a four-night trip for two to Iceland. (More details at the end of this article!)

Here are 15 reasons to travel to Iceland, the land of fire and ice, in 2019:

1. Pink Iceland is at your disposal for planning the queer trip of your dreams.

If only every international destination had a tour operator-slash-travel agency like Pink Iceland! Dedicated solely to the queer community, Pink Iceland works with nearly every LGBTQ (and allied) hotel, restaurant and business in the country. Twice a week it organizes a city walk and happy hour through Reykjavik. (Because what goes better with a little gay history than a cocktail?) Twice every month Pink Iceland also organizes a “Gay Golden Circle Tour.” (That ends with cocktails, too.)

And if you’re thinking about getting married in Iceland — it’s the new hot spot for gay weddings, in case you didn’t know — Pink Iceland is a must. Their planners will help out with everything from finding the perfect location to securing your flowers, cake and an officiant for the big day.

By Stephan Horbelt – Full Story at The Hornet

Iceland Gay Travel Resources

 

Stopover in Lesbian Rekjavik – Tango Diva

Lesbian Reykjavik

Iceland continues to break tourism records. Given the recent stopover promotions offered by carriers like WOW Airlines and the increase in cruises, Reykjavík, the hub for most of the activity, has seen the greatest impact. During summer months, expect hotels at full capacity, tours sold out and crowds. So, careful planning for your Reykjavík stopover, will make a big difference in your overall Iceland experience.

My recent Iceland Pro Cruise allowed me time to explore the capital city for several days as part of a pre/post cruise extension.So I am happy to share some insights and travel tips.

First off, the Fly Bus is an affordable and convenient airport connection. The fare averages $26 USD one way. Travel time is about 40-45 minutes.

Fast Fact: Many tourists opt to buy a combo ticket which includes transfer to the famous Blue Lagoon before they head into the city.

Several coach companies, Iceland Excursions, Reykjavík Excursions and Gray Line, offer the bundled excursion. Gray Line Iceland’s basic tour package with transfer averages $80-100 USD depending on exchange rate and time of day. This tip will save you travel time and extra transportation costs.

Be forewarned, this touristy favorite can require patience. Year round you will find long lines. Admission must be booked in advance. If lucky, you will get a reservation which provides access at an assigned date and time. Blue Lagoon standard entrance fees start around $60 USD and go as high as $530 USD depending on the package. The luxe package includes a private changing room and entry into an exclusive lounge with direct entry to the lagoon.

By Sheila Gaspers – Full Story at Tango Diva

Iceland Gay Travel Resources