Helsinki & Reykjavik: What Makes a Nordic Summer Pride Special?
Pride at the Top of the World
Nordic summers are special. With nearly endless daylight and a super lively city atmosphere, summer up north practically begs for some last-minute exploring. After hitting up Pride festivities all over the world over the years, Michael and I decided it was time to experience the ultimate queer getaway in Helsinki and Reykjavik. Spoiler: They both lived up to the hype.
If you think Pride can only dazzle in big, classic European capitals, let us change your mind... These two northern hotspots throw parties brimming with energy, safety, so much fun, and of course heart. In this post, we’ll share why Nordic Pride feels so special, how the events compare, where the best hangouts are, and the practical tips every traveler needs for a seamless, joy-filled summer escape.
Helsinki Pride: City Freedom Meets Baltic Air
Helsinki Pride encompasses not just a single day, but an entire week-long city takeover with a festival spirit that feels both inclusive and immensely large. The grand parade of the weekend starts at Senate Square, goes through the city centre to finally end at the Kaivopuisto Park by the sea. The parade isn’t just about showing off colors and support, but it is also as much of a protest as it is a party. People really do gather to continue advocating for the LGBTQ+ and other minority and oppressed groups all over the world. This year, the Helsinki Pride parade boasted over 100,000 participants in the streets marching together. You can catch international drag queen superstars touring and performing throughout the city, as well as Finn favorites. And, there are rainbow flags in cafés, record stores and on individuals' apartment balconies. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more Pride flags throughout a city and consistently displayed on public buildings and offices in my life. It was a resounding and supportive embrace of fresh air to experience such a sight. The parade is exciting enough, but all of the things around it — queer art in museums, drag cabaret and comedy, activist workshops, sauna socials, etc. — are truly the cherry on top.
Don’t skip Pride House at Hobo Hotel—a hub for meetups, panels, and making new friends every night of the week. Think of it as a Pride living-room and social space of sorts. This super popular hotel is not only a fantastic location to call home base, but with activities and celebrations being hosted throughout the week there, it’s a central part of the action.
Reykjavik Pride: Arctic Magic and Small-Town Spark
Every summer, Reykjavik’s Pride parade starts from the famous Hallgrímskirkja church and heads into the city center, attracting more than 80,000 people over the week. This is a huge turnout for such a small country. For reference, the population of the whole of Iceland is only up to 400,000… across the entire country! That’s much smaller than many US major cities! Having over 80,000 attending is nearly a quarter of the entire country’s population all in Reykjavik to celebrate. It feels like half the country shows up to watch, dance, and join in!
What we love is the intimacy of the festival. Events are within walking distance of one another, and it’s easy to move from a drag brunch to a queer film screening to a sunset waterfront concert, and nothing’s better than a Nordic summer sunset! Reykjavik Pride really is a ‘Chosen Family’ reunion. It’s less about spectacle and more about heart—bringing people together. And, of course, you’ll be dancing under that iconic midnight sun. Don’t forget to spend time at Kiki Queer Bar, Reykjavik’s favorite LGBTQ+ bar and club.
Helsinki and Reykjavik Comparison: Atmosphere, Nightlife, and Nature
Start your Helsinki morning with a delicious cinnamon bun from Bear Park Café—there’s just something comfortingly cozy about it that sets you up for a perky and sweet start to the day and don’t you dare forget the coffee! Finns consume more coffee per capita than any other nation on earth, up to 8 cups a day! Start your coffee early to try and keep up! Once you’ve gotten your fill of breakfast, hop on the ferry out to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress or wander along the bay, checking out the local art scene. Truly, Helsinki often has local artists place their art on display along the main promenade downtown. It’s the perfect area to people watch and soak in the vibe.
But honestly, where Helsinki really shines is after dark. The nightlife here is just plain fun and welcoming. If you love to dance, make your way to the iconic Hercules Club, sip drinks at Bar Struts—welcoming all members of the LGBTQIA+ community—or chill out at low-key venues such as Street Pride Bar. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, so don’t be shy and hit a variety! You’ll also spot local pop-up events throughout the week that you may not have heard about, but ask any Finn and they’ll tell you how to get in.
Helsinki truly knows how to combine buzz and friendliness!
Reykjavik, on the other hand, moves at a slower pace but with vital interactions. At the heart of local queer nightlife, Kiki Queer Bar, is legendary with pop-nights, drag shows, and a no-attitude free-spirited crowd.
Drag and queer-culture are present throughout Reykjavik, with top nightclubs including Gaukurinn and Babalú, known for their intimate atmospheres. Wherever you end up, you’ll probably meet welcoming people ready to include you in their scene. The city is small enough that you’ll never feel lost—chances are, you’ll bump into welcoming locals who are more than happy to invite you to join their group for the night.
Nature
Helsinki extends right across the Bay of Finland, linked by small islands and beautiful green parks. There are over 300 islands in Helsinki’s archipelago, and they’re all beautiful and stunning to explore! One thing that will always take me by surprise is just looking up at the sky during those unbelievable summer nights when the horizon hardly darkens at all… It’s mind boggling to see!
The landscape of Reykjavik in stark contrast, is enclosed by volcanic landscapes with public geothermal springs. Hot and sometimes boiling water is not more than a stone's throw from the urban city center itself. Reykjavik sits on the precipice of unfathomable limitless wilderness, some compare the landscapes as from another planet.
Whether you prefer living in a big, bustling city full of choices or a small town where half the people in any bar will probably already know your name by the night's end, both Helsinki and Reykjavik serve aPride week celebration each in their own unique way… and both are absolutely worth visiting to experience Pride. Plus, visiting either location gives you the unique opportunity to see heaps of natural beauty to boot.
Where to Stay: LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodations
Picking a place to stay in either capital is blissfully hassle-free for queer travelers: both cities pride themselves on inclusive hospitality.
In Helsinki:
Hotel Helka offers modern rooms and is known for its inclusive policies.
Clarion Hotel Helsinki is popular for its panoramic skyline bar, welcoming vibe, and easy access to nightlife.
Hotel Klaus K is famous for its design and “We Speak Gay” policies.
Hotel Arthur For budget-friendly comfort, is just steps from Pride events.
In Reykjavik:
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel (Website) offers cosmopolitan comfort and a spa.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina (Website) features marina views and quirky decor.
Storm Hotel and Radisson Blu 1919 are both walkable to queer nightlife.
No matter where you check in, requesting a double bed for two men is never an issue, and the staff are genuinely welcoming.
Why Nordic Pride Is a Must-Experience
In Helsinki and Reykjavik, Pride is an intimate, warm glow of greeting. These cities where security and openness blend into the joy of all the senses. In this part of the world, there is a Pride that is vibrant, intimate, and vastly different from anywhere else on Earth.
Leaving these cities altogether, we stole much more than mere memories. In truth, we acquired life-long friends, for the first time felt completely free, and learned that when Pride meets the endless daylight of summer and an honest community spirit, it does take fire. Nordic Pride, for us, set a whole new standard.
Looking for your own adventure? If you need hints—or just want to share some radically different Pride stories of your own —let us know.
Until next summer, skål!
Ever wondered how summer Pride festivals shine when the sun barely sets? Michael and I hit Helsinki and Reykjavik to see what makes each city’s celebration so uniquely, spectacularly Nordic—picture rainbow flags on the edge of the Arctic Circle, after-parties fueled by endless daylight, and communities where inclusion isn’t just a slogan but a way of life. Here’s the inside scoop on the events, the energy, and the joy of Pride above the 60th parallel!