Iceland

Although the Lutheran Church remains the country’s state church, you will find the Icelandic people to be some of the most welcoming and friendliest across Europe. One notable establishment is Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík that literally translates to “free church in Reykjavík,” which is where LGBTQ+ weddings are held. Iceland is also home to a large Pride festival that attracts 100,000 people annually. To put that in perspective, the population of Iceland is only 350,000! Iceland is particularly known to be LGBTQ+ friendly given its openness and legal protections extended to LGBTQ+ residents. In recent years, the land of fire and ice has seen LGBTQ+ culture flourish through mediums such as art installations, welcoming boutique hotels, bars and LGBTQ+ guided tours. Whether you decide to take a quick trip to Iceland to bathe in its lagoons or take a week seeking out the1000+ waterfalls around the island while stargazing under the northern lights, one thing is for sure: You will be left craving more of what Iceland has to offer.

Why Visit & When to Go?

Winter: October through April
Spring: April and May
Summer: June through August
Autumn: September and October

Visiting Iceland is an experience like no other thanks to its extreme shifts in landscape. You can see the city, ocean, geysers, icebergs, volcanoes, whales, green pastures, black sand beaches, the famous blue lagoon thermal spa, and enough waterfalls to leave you in awe all in a day’s time. The ideal time to visit is during spring, April through May (the “Goldilocks” time) and fall, September through October. These months range from 4 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius (39-50 F), a normal cycle of daylight/night time, and you can witness the northern lights phenomenon in all its glory. Summer, June to August, is also great, as you will find average temperatures the most appealing, 10-13 degrees Celsius (50-55 F), but you miss out on the northern lights, as there is almost 22 hours of daylight. Winter, October to April, experiences temperatures on average of about -10 to 0 degrees Celsius (14-32 F) and the northern lights are less commonly seen.

Interesting Cities to Visit in Iceland

Iceland has 63 towns and villages in seven regions with most along the coastline. You will find yourself enjoying a hot cup of tea in these towns as you travel from one town to the next, enjoying the unique offerings of each.

REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík is Iceland’s largest town, about 123,000 people. This beautiful town is nestled in the northwest and is the most common point of entry by plane, making it the starting point for most people’s adventures. You can organize transport, spa days, a night out at the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in the country Kiki, dine, shop, visit historical sites and take day trips all from Reykjavík. In addition to Kiki, you’ll find the LGBTQ+ bar Vintage Box. From here, it’s easy to make your way to other cities around the island.

Seyðisfjörður

Set in the eastern fjords of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður is surrounded by the most spectacular landscape. This quaint little town is not only gorgeous, but also home to an artist’s residency and cultural scene that inspires creativity. Seyðisfjörður is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Iceland with its pride-inspired rainbow brick road featured at The Blue Church in the town center. Seyðisfjörður is also home to some of the best restaurants in eastern Iceland, nestled amongst some of the most beautiful clusters of historic houses.

Vik

Vík is a remote village in south Iceland that sits in the shadows of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Vík is among the smaller towns with a population of 318 people, but what it lacks in population, this seafront village makes up for in remarkable landscapes. Vík is home to miles of black sand beaches as well as an abandoned plane that rests on the beautiful black sand.

Interesting Attractions to Visit in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon

Located outside of Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is the most well-known and visited geothermal spa. This world wonder is a perfect treat for those arriving or departing Iceland with its baby blue thermal waters and mystical white clay bottom located amongst one of Iceland’s breathtaking lava fields. The average temperature of the Blue Lagoon is a glorious 38 degrees Celsius (100 F) and boasts a surplus of mineral-rich water.

Hverir

Hverir a.k.a. Námafjall a.k.a. Námaskarð is a geothermal spot noted for its bubbling pools of mud and steaming fumaroles emitting sulfuric gas in the northeastern part of Iceland at the foot of the Námafjall volcanic mountain. It is one of the most out-of-this-world experiences as you frolic through the steam fumaroles with cold winds and Martian type landscapes. Renting a car is the most ideal way to get here, or join a guided tour, which takes you here by car or bus.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located in Southeast Iceland; you’ll find Iceland’s deepest and most spectacular glacier lake at the foot of Vatnajökull National Park. This natural gem is in between one of the largest glaciers in Europe and black sand beaches. At Vatnajökull it is recommend taking a boat or kayak tour through the lake and seeing the glacier up close and personal.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular Icelandic road trips. It can be completed in one day and includes a variety of remarkable natural geographical wonders in a short period. It’s just a day trip outside of Reykjavík. The Golden Circle includes three natural attractions in Iceland. Geysir, which is Iceland’s most noted geyser, is located in southwest Iceland. Geysir erupts every few minutes and is a sight to behold. Þingvellir national park features Silfra snorkeling between two tectonic plates in crystal-clear, volcanic carbon-filtered glacier water, and Gullfoss waterfall. You can rent a car or join a bus tour from Reykjavík for this journey.

Seljalands Waterfall

Seljalands Waterfall is located in the South Region of Iceland on the road that leads to Þórsmörk and features a jaw-dropping 65m waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. The waterfall originated from the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The best feature of the impressive waterfall is that you can take a small hike around and behind the waterfall and see it up close, complete with wildflower fields in the backdrop.

The Northern Lights

Iceland has been noted as one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The phenomenon is caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s magnetosphere. It’s a delight for photographers and observers alike, giving life perspective as you gaze upon the stars. Although sometimes visible in Reykjavík, it’s best to leave the urban light pollution behind witness this world wonder.