Not sure if the world´s northernmost gay scene is to be found here but Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital. Known by many as the home of Bjork and Sigur Ros. It is a small city with only 120.000 people but about 2/3 of Icelanders live in greater Reykjavik area. It is easy to navigate the city whether by foot, bicycle, public transport or car (article updated april 2011). With a little bit of planning you should be able to explore the city of Reykjavik and see a little bit of Iceland as well in less than a week. There are variety of daytours to choose from allowing you to see geothermal hot springs, geysers, lava,  volcanic craters and glaciers, all those things that makes Iceland what it is. And dont forget to visit the geothermal spa Blue lagoon which is simply a must thing to do. Avisit to a local outdoor swimming pool is definitely also worth the experience as well.

Gay scene small, friendly and open

Reykjavik´s gay scene is small and you will notice a few things when here. First,  Icelanders go out very late so don’t expect the bars and clubs to get overly busy before midnight. Secondly, the gay bars are also very mixed with the exception of Club MSC club nights which is for men only.  The gay places to go to are all within reach from one another. Barbara (Laugavegur 22)  is a gay club/bar with mixed crowd, very popular on weekends.

Truno queer cafe is the latest addition to Reykjavik´s gay scene. Trúnó´s excellent location is on the ground floor of the gay club Barbara on Laugavegur 22 so it´s easy to take a romantic conversation on Trúnó to long hours of dancing on the upper floor at Barbara.

MSC Iceland (www.msc.is) is a social club for gay men and also the home of the local leather and bear scene in Iceland (don’t let the leather scare you as denim and t-shirt will do). MSC is popular among men 30+ and those who seek a friendly place where loud music is not taking over the conversation with the option of getting lost in the dark as well. Until recently MSC Iceland had it´s own club house but now weekly men only club nights are held at Barbara every Thursday evenings.

The Queer Center is located on Laugavegur 3 and has a small cafe & library which is open Monday and Thursday evenings from 8 pm - 23.00 pm. Opening hours might be shorter during summer (July).  And for a afternoon latte and delicious, fresh-baked cakes go to Café Babalu on Skolavorðustígur 22a (www.babalu.is). Its friendly staff and homey ambience makes it hard to leave!

Events

Variety of big and small events are organized throughout the year such as gay dances, queer bingo and concerts. Gay Pride is usually the second weekend of August and the local bear pride event BEARS ON ICE is the second weekend of September (all listed on www.gayice.is). 

Gay Pride

Gay Pride is by far the single largest LGBT event which has grown to be among the biggest in Iceland since first held 1999 (www.gaypride.is). The festival has usually a quick start on Wednesday night with Reykjavik’s most entertaining competition, the Icelandic Drag Queen and King. Although not formal part of Gay Pride it’s a great way of starting a long weekend. Gay Pride opens formally Thursday night with various artist to perform.  Friday night there is a separate dance for girls and boys. The Saturday merry and colorful parade goes down the main shopping street in the old center and ends with a grand outdoor concert. The parade is attended by thousands of people, lesbians and gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, friends, relatives, fellow citizens and numerous foreign visitors. 

BEARS ON ICE

Bears and friends usually take over the local gay scene the second weekend of September. It is a fun and friendly event where bears and friends are able to enjoy the company of like minded guys and get to see a little bit of Iceland as well. Event program includes welcome party Thursday night, has a Friday sight-seeing trip as well as Friday night party hosted by the local men only club MSC Iceland.  On Saturday there is a trip to the geothermal Blue lagoon spa and during the evening the fun continues with some BEAR dance and entertainment. Visit BEARS ON ICE website for more information about the event. 

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