A Sapphic Travel Guide: Iceland For First-Timers

Thinking about heading to the land of fire, ice, and Björk? This is your sign to book the tickets! Seriously, there are few places in the world with such breathtaking landscapes that lesbians and other queer travellers can visit without having to constantly look over our shoulders, but Iceland offers exactly that. Take a deep dive into our Travel Guide: Iceland to find out why we love the island so much, below. 

An Iceland Travel Guide for Same-Sex Couples & Lesbian Solo Travelers 

Delicious food? ✓ Breathtaking landscapes? ✓ Gay friendly? ✓ There are not many places safer for sapphic travelers than Iceland, and in fact, the country regularly competes for the top spots of global LGBTQIA+ equality and safety rankings. For 2025, Iceland even earned the third spot on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map. 

In general, the country is incredibly safe, with some of the lowest crime rates across the globe. It even boasts first place as the most peaceful nation in the world on the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) – a bragging point since 2008. 

While statistics don’t always translate to real-life vibes, I can verify that I’ve never experienced any type of harassment or mistreatment during our trips to Iceland. However, our time has mostly been spent around Reykjavik and not in more rural parts of the island.

During our first visit, we even saw a baby sleeping in a stroller outside a grocery store while their parent was inside shopping. Such examples don’t mean visitors don’t have to be on guard, but it does mean it’s possible to step off the plane and feel a little bit lighter than before. 

Sapphic Travel Journal: Hags’ Favorites in Iceland

With hundreds of landmarks to visit on the island, one of the biggest challenges of planning Iceland travel is narrowing down your to-visit list. Luckily, we can offer a bit of insight from our own experiences with a list of places we’re happy to recommend to other sapphic and queer travelers. A few of our favorites include:

Sky Lagoon

Imagine this: Relaxing in a steaming-hot geothermal lagoon overlooking the Atlantic as picturesque, powdery snowflakes gently fall. Well, we experienced exactly that when we visited the Sky Lagoon back in December 2023, and I’ve been raving about it ever since. The best way I can describe the magic of it: I found total peace at the Sky Lagoon. Its entire vibe sets guests up for a nervous system reset, offering complete relaxation in a calm environment.

Sky Lagoon is a quick taxi or car ride from Reykjavik – only about 15 to 20 minutes, and it has an age limit of 12+, resulting in a quieter and generally more sophisticated experience than other options. Plus, the on-site cafe has some of the best smoked salmon I’ve ever tasted in my life. 

101 bistro

At first look, the fish and chips on 101 bistro‘s menu appear a bit mismatched from its other popular (mostly) Italian-inspired offerings, like pizza and pasta. However, it is the BEST fish and chips I’ve ever had. Seriously, ever. Such deliciousness is, at least partially, due to the fact that they use fresh, local fish. We eat it multiple times every trip and regularly recommend it to anyone planning a visit to Iceland in the near future. 

Skogafoss

There are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, but I’d argue that the best is Skogafoss. In all fairness, it does have a particularly special place in my heart. Back in around 2017/2018, I was first introduced to this landmark via a treadmill walking app and became obsessed, which led to our first Icelandic adventure in 2022 (originally scheduled for 2020 – iykyk!) The view from the base is more than enough to take your breath away, but if you want to take your experience to the next level, take the 527-step journey to the observation deck at the top for incredible views from above. 

Lava Show

There are currently 32 active volcanoes on Iceland, but the chance to see them up close usually requires a hike and exposure to some potential dangers, like volcanic gases. The Lava Show offers a more first-timer and family-friendly option, melting real lava right in front of you with interesting insights into the local volcanoes and their impact on Icelandic culture. Plus, you get a lava rock to take home – the perfect souvenir to show off how worldly and traveled you are *wink*. We saw it as part of a day tour in the original Vik location, but they also have a show in Reykjavik now. 

Must-See Queer Landmarks in Reykjavík

While it’s undoubtedly gorgeous, just how gay friendly is Iceland? Even though the exact numbers of LGBTQ+ residents are hard to track down, there’s quite a bit of support from locals wherever they fall on the Kinsey Scale. In fact, around 30 percent of island residents show up for the country’s annual pride parade. Iceland also reportedly offers one of the highest levels of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the world.

Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Road 

What screams “gay-friendly” more than a rainbow flag? Try a rainbow road. Skólavörðustígur is Iceland’s very own rainbow-painted pedestrian street in Downtown Reykjavik.  Not only is the landmark a great photo op, but it’s also lined with local cafes, shops, and galleries, making it an ideal spot to begin your exploration of the city. 

Kíkí Queer Bar

If you’re up for some drinks and dancing, Kíkí Queer Bar is the go-to nightlife location for the queer community in Reykjavik. It’s technically the only gay bar in the city, so it can get busy quickly, populated with both locals and tourists. Find it by heading to the city center and looking for the rainbow-painted exterior on Laugavegur. 

Queer Events in Iceland 

Reykjavik Pride

While there may not be an abundance of LGBTQ+ events in Iceland, the annual Reykjavik Pride makes up for it by going big. The annual queer celebration boasts around 100,000 attendees, from across the island as well as the world. Throughout the week, there are a range of events, from tour groups and quizzes to karaoke and concerts, with the biggest draw being the epic Reykjavik Pride Parade. 

Drag Shows & Open Mic Nights

There are also various drag shows and queer-themed karaoke and open-mic nights in Reykjavik. With different locations and organizations involved, it’s best to search for events specifically during your travel dates to find out what’s available when you’ll be around. 

What to Pack When Visiting Iceland

Britt and I were both completely surprised by the reality of the required attire versus what most online publications recommend. For our first visit, we followed the most common tips, purchasing waterproof and insulated clothing. We even bought new cold-rated winter coats to stave off the promised bitter cold waiting to frostbite any exposed flesh. However…this was (mostly) all exaggerated and unnecessary. 

The truth of determining what to pack when visiting Iceland depends on quite a few factors. From our experience, the weather is much milder than we expected, and we definitely overpacked for our first visit in October. Our second visit was much colder in December, experiencing the aforementioned bite of bitterness in the air, which is documented in the pictures of my Santa-level rosiness. Yet, even then, I was pretty comfortable in my second-hand puffer coat (not rated), sweater, and jeans with a set of inexpensive base layers underneath. 

Along with the season, I think there are two main elements that impact how far you need to dive into the winter weather wear: moisture and location. The presence of rain or snow will make you feel colder and also miserable if you’re not in waterproof protection. The area of the island you’re exploring, on the other hand, determines the level of exposure to the elements you’ll experience. For instance, exploring a glacial cave or hiking in snow to a geyser likely requires head-to-toe winter gear, but if you’re opting to stick around the city or only dip your toes in some hot springs, then a more relaxed fit may be all you need.

Additionally, the weather is known to change quickly, which can make it hard to determine what you need to wear. If in doubt, layer up!

TIP: Find the right outfits by checking the weather forecast beforehand, reading reviews from other travelers for your chosen events and time of year, and asking people on social media or travel forums. 

Travel Guide: Iceland Packing Must-Haves

Some of the items that seem to be universally useful for first-time visitors include: 

• Wool socks 
• Lined beanie
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket or coat (depending on the season) 
• Base layer top and bottom set

On top of what clothes you pack, how you bring them can impact your trip. Word of advice: Pack light! Skip the oversized rollie bag suitcase as it’s incredibly inconvenient to drag around. Instead, opt for a light travel backpack or small wheeled suitcase for ease of movement. 

Transport Tips for Iceland

Getting to and around Iceland is incredibly easy thanks to a myriad of public and private travel options. While there are multiple car, van, and RV rentals available, the average first-time visitor may be better matched with the (mostly) stress-free aspect of group transport, whether it’s exploring the island or simply getting from the airport to the capital.

Flights to Iceland

Virtually everyone’s Icelandic journey begins with a plane ride. The island has become such a popular destination on a global scale that there are flights to the island from many of the most popular airlines. 

We’ve flown from both the U.S. and the U.K., and by far, I have to say the best experience was via Iceland Air. The flight from London was only a few hours, but the plane was comfortable with even our very inexpensive seats being more spacious than other airlines we’ve flown, and the crew was both efficient and incredibly kind – the latter of which is enough on its own to make me a repeat customer. 

Public Bus 

Even though Iceland is fairly small, the public transport system is pretty extensive. The public bus system, Strætó, offers multiple routes in Reykjavik as well as around the perimeter of the entire island, including a stop at Keflavík Airport (Route 55). 

Opting for the bus is cheaper than shuttles and tour bus services, but with a lower frequency of operation, it does require more time and walking to get to destinations. Now that we’re public transport pros after moving to the UK, I think we’ll definitely opt for the public bus during our next trip. 

Airport Transfer

For a faster – yet more costly – way to get from the airport to the city, there are numerous companies that offer coach transfers, including Flybus and Airport Direct. We chose a shuttle for our last trip for convenience. While the price is higher, they do have more frequent departures than the public bus. Plus, since they’re mostly large, Greyhound-style coaches, there’s plenty of room for luggage and places to sit. 

Most of the services also offer drop-offs at hotels or at convenient preset locations across Reykjavik, so there’s minimal on-foot trekking required, which is extra wonderful in a post-flight haze. Additionally, some options take guests directly to popular spots around the island, like the Blue Lagoon.

Group Tour Bus

When it’s time to explore the island, group tours are an excellent way to get your feet wet as a first-time visitor without the stress of navigating on your own. There are both large coach and small-group tours all over the island with a variety of different landmark and stop combinations available. 

On our first trip, we opted for the smaller, more intimate tour with only about 10 travelers and a knowledgeable guide. Honestly, I wouldn’t opt for this option again as it felt rushed – a main concern we had when considering the larger groups, and even though we’re both fairly fast walkers, we struggled to keep up with the guide, who wasn’t friendly in the slightest. In fact, we skipped half of the glacier-site tour as we didn’t want to slow anyone down. 

If we had to do it again, I’d go for a larger coach tour as they still share valuable information, but there’s more independence when exploring each stop. They’re also a bit more cost-effective. 

What to Do in Iceland

Compared to a lot of countries, Iceland is fairly small at around 40,000 square miles (roughly the size of Kentucky) with fewer than 400,000 residents. However, you won’t run out of things to do in Iceland. Regardless if you’re a city dweller or rugged-landscape explorer, we’ve broken down the options into categories in our Travel Guide: Iceland to prevent first-time visitors from getting overwhelmed in the planning process. 

Hot Springs & Geothermal Pools

Thanks to Iceland’s numerous volcanoes, there are 100s of natural and man-made swimming and bathing holes that use geothermally-heated water. One of the most famous – and popular among first-time visitors – is the Blue Lagoon, but if you feel you’re a bit above the normal touristy stops, there are also numerous natural hot springs to visit across the island. 

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is man-made, but it harnesses the geothermal water from the power plant next door, which contains a significant amount of silica.  Not only does the high mineral content create that vibrant blue color that the water is famous for, but it is believed to offer numerous skin and health benefits as well. I also noticed that it had a buoyancy effect, making it easier to float more than normal water in a pool, lake, or the sea. Yet, keep your hair out of it or risk it becoming dry and rough. 

The standard package features a bar for drinks with mud masks available, but there’s also a higher-end option with more privacy perks.

Sky Lagoon

As mentioned above, Sky Lagoon was my favorite experience of the geothermal pools. It overlooks the sea, so I felt like I hit a new level of relaxation watching the tide as I enjoyed my hot soak. The general vibe of Sky is also more mature, with a modern, higher-end aesthetic that feels spa-like even with the basic package. However, its water doesn’t have high silica content, so you lose that weightlessness feeling offered by high mineral content, which was the only downside for me. 

Sky Lagoon offers an upgrade option as well with their Skjól experience, which involves seven steps, including a cold plunge. 

Natural Hot Springs

There are also a few natural geothermal pools that aren’t too intimidating for most first-time Iceland visitors. Powered by a geyser and the oldest natural swimming pool on the island, the Secret Lagoon is often featured on Golden Circle tours as it’s user-friendly with showers and an onsite bistro. Other popular options include Seljavallalaug and Hrunalaug.

Important to Know

Just a heads-up: Before hopping into geothermal water (at least the manned and/or man-made options), guests are required to shower, which means you will be expected to get naked in front of a bunch of strangers to rinse off before putting on your bathing suit. It’s very European, so it can definitely be a shock the first time, especially for my fellow descendants of prudish American Puritans. If you’re worried about it, you are able to wear a towel into one of the showers with a curtain. 

Blue Lagoon is far more chaotic when it comes to showering, as the locker room is very full with fluorescent lighting, but there is a private showering option included in the Retreat Spa experience for an upcharge  – just be sure to book it in advance. Sky Lagoon, on the other hand, isn’t as busy, at least in my experience, and offers low lighting with shower cubbies that have metal doors covering from the neck down, so you can even opt to change right in them. 

Nature Exploration

You can’t visit Iceland without seeing at least one waterfall! Luckily, there is a virtually endless supply of tours that cover the most popular outdoor attractions across the island. Guided bus tours are the most affordable method, usually consisting of full or half-day tours focused on a specific area, like the south coast or Golden Circle. These are a great way to get introduced to the island and see some well-known sights in a safe and stress-free manner. 

Northern Lights Tour

From fall to spring, the Northern Lights are regularly visible across Iceland. The tricky part is that there isn’t a guarantee when and where they’ll be visible, as conditions need to be just right. A guided tour specializing in the Aurora Borealis not only offers transport, but the team is also well-versed in the best locations to get a look at the lights. Many companies also offer free rescheduling in the event that they end up not being visible, so you have a chance to try again another night during your trip. 

Reykjavik Cats

The Capital has a unique reputation for being home to a collection of free-roaming cats that are adored by locals and tourists alike. Don’t worry – they’re not street cats. They’re all very loved with homes to curl up in at night and owners to cuddle, but they’re allowed to roam the area and meet passersby. It’s become such a sensation that there are now guided cat tours in Reykjavik covering the most popular feline-visited and themed spots in downtown and surrounding areas. 

As proud cat parents, Britt and I were both pleasantly surprised to find a destination that appreciates the species as much as us. I even bought a “Reykjavik Cats” sweatshirt on our first trip to Iceland, but I still have a proper cat tour on my travel bucket list. 

Shop Local

You won’t find Targets, Walmarts, or any other box chain store in Reykjavik. The city has a rich selection of locally owned shops, many of which sell locally-produced goods. One of my favorite finds was the Handknitting Association of Iceland’s physical location in the capital, over on Skólavörðustígur in the city center. 

Eat Local

The culinary scene in Reykjavik deserves its own appreciation post. This isn’t the place for chain eateries; instead, there are numerous local restaurants and cafes specializing in food from around the world, using top-notch ingredients – many of which are locally sourced. To dive into the foodie scene, go on a tour! Either a guided one or create your own based on the spots you want to try. 

Along with 101 bistro, I really enjoyed the margaritas at Tres Locos. The nachos and quesadillas were fantastic as well, but be prepared: it’s not cheap! I was so excited to have some well-reviewed Mexican food that I didn’t realize we had racked up a $150 bill for not a significant amount of food. In their defense, everything is more expensive in Iceland because shipping in supplies results in extra costs. 

Where to Stay in Iceland 

While Iceland is known for higher costs in many areas, it has a surprisingly wide range of price options, including hostels. We have stayed at two very different hotels: Center Hotels Plaza and Ion City Hotel. 

We initially chose the former with a financial mindset: it was both a budget-friendly mid-tier option and included breakfast in the price. However, Center Hotels Plaza ended up being our favorite hotel in the city. The decor is modern and comfortable; the breakfast was delicious and reliable; and it offers one of the best locations in Reykjavik to explore. 

The Ion City Hotel offers a bougier vibe. It’s a 4-star accommodation instead of a 3-star, with high-end furnishings and moody decor. While its lack of dining and bar area increases the sense of privacy, it does require that guests order in or go out to eat, which can be inconvenient. 

Aside from traditional hotels, there are also numerous unique stays across the island. We’re particularly drawn to the outdoor glamping experiences with some level of transparency, like the Buubble Hotel, Reykjavík Domes, and Golden Circle Domes, as you end up sleeping under the stars with the comforts of a normal bedroom setup. 

For a similar experience on the budget-friendly end of accommodation, there are numerous campsites across Iceland with two-digit costs instead of three and businesses that even rent equipment, like tents and sleeping bags. Alternatively, you can rent a camper van or RV and enjoy a roadtrip across the island. 

It’s important to note that it’s illegal to camp outside of an approved campsite unless it’s on private land with the owner’s permission. 

Sapphic Travel Guide Iceland: Ultimate Lesbian Destination

Whether you want to relax and reset or get lost in nature, our Travel Guide: Iceland highlights how the land of fire and ice serves as the perfect backdrop for a queer-friendly, choose-your-own-adventure vacation. For this lesbian, the island feels like a safe space where my shoulders can finally drop, I can breathe a little deeper, leaving me no choice but to find total peace – a sensation that seldom appears, even in destinations that I repeatedly visit. So, don’t be afraid to book that trip and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Happy sapphic travels!

Have specific questions about our Travel Guide: Iceland? While we’re not travel experts, we’re happy to share our own experience. Send us a message via our contact form or email us [email protected].