LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (a more inclusive LGBT initialism), plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals, as well as those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Specific situations and issues may present themselves to travellers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Iceland.
The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the world’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries. Since 2006, same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and IVF, and in 2010 the Icelandic Parliament made a unanimous decision to define marriage as between two individuals, with the Church of Iceland following suit and allowing same-sex marriages from 2015. As might be expected in a small country, however, the gay scene is quite low-key, even in Reykjavik.
In 2012, further legislation was passed to formalise the name and identity changing process for the needs of trans and genderqueer individuals. There is still a way to go to achieve full equality, but Iceland is, in many regards, leading the way globally in LGBTQIA+ recognition and rights.
Queer culture in Reykjavik and beyond
As Iceland as a whole is very inclusive of LGBTQIA+ communities, and also because of its size, there is no distinct 'queer district' in the capital, Reykjavik. There are two explicitly gay bars, Kiki and Curious, but all venues in Reykjavik are open to people of any persuasion. Since 1999 Reykjavik has hosted an annual Pride Parade, which has grown to over 100,000 attendees and participants from around the world. It's often touted as the 'biggest small pride parade in the world'. The parade coincides with the annual Rainbow Festival, a celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities over a whole week in February. Iceland's drag scene is also gaining traction and becoming more and more diverse, with drag kings and genderqueer performers taking the stage alongside the more traditional queens.
Check out Gay Iceland, GayIce and the National Queer Organisation for more information about queer culture in Iceland.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
Click to return to Iceland FAQs
Our tours in Iceland
6 Days
From
29929
Discover the unique beauty of Iceland. Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, touch the...
8 Days
From
66551
Explore Iceland and hunt for the northern lights on a Premium adventure from Reykjavik...
8 Days
From
54387
See Iceland on this eight-day tour that travels to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle,...
5 Days
From
33163
Set off on a five-day aurora-spotting circuit from Reykjavik, visit thundering...
5 Days
From
21330
Tour green Iceland on a five-day trip visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vik,...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
9 Days
From
108833
Discover Iceland’s geological wonders and welcoming people on an all-encompassing...
5 Days
From
37440
Set off on a five-day circuit from Reykjavik, visit thundering waterfalls, steamy...
6 Days
From
19944
Check out Iceland’s chilly treasures on a trip through Reykjavik, the Golden Circle,...
7 Days
From
29185
Check out Iceland’s chilly treasures on a trip through Reykjavik, Hvolsvollur,...
13 Days
From
222345
Set sail around Spitsbergen and head south toward Jan Mayen on an Arctic adventure. See...
13 Days
From
229715
Cruise the wild fjords of south Greenland and learn about Viking history. Spot whales...
11 Days
From
184265
From Reykjavik, Iceland, you’ll cruise the seas on the Ultramarine to Northeast...
15 Days
From
282535
From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...
14 Days
From
205665
An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...
11 Days
From
192880
Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...
