How To See Rainbow Street In Reykjavik
Last Updated on: 3rd February 2025, 03:52 pm
The story of Rainbow Street In Reykjavik
Rainbow Street in Reykjavik was painted with the colours of the rainbow to celebrate Pride. The street runs from the famous Hallgrímskirkja church down to the main shopping street, Laugavegur. Pride first started in 1999 in Iceland and it has become one of the most diverse countries in the world. Nowadays as part of the celebration, a street was painted with a rainbow. Luckily the rainbow is now a permanent part of Reykjavik and it is lined with cafes and souvenir shops.
Then as you approach the intersection with Bergstaðastræti, you are met with the most awesome sight. The street is filled with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet stripes. Even as a road that is walked on by tourists and locals every day of the year, it still looks bright and colourful. The road is well maintained and it certainly is the pride of Reykjavik. Amazingly, the bright colours don’t stop at the ground level. Because when you look up, the surrounding buildings are just as colourful with their bright facades. The top of Rainbow Street gives you a lovely view of Hallgrimskirkja Church in the background.
Reykjavik Pride Community
Iceland is very proud of its Pride community and at least 100,000 people attend the parade. This year Pride in Reykjavik will be on Saturday 10th August 2024. You can find more details here as to how you can get involved or watch the parade.
The set-up for the parade is at Tækniskólinn next to Hallgrímskirkja church. The parade marches down Skólavörðustígur, Lækjargata, Fríkirkjuvegur and Sóleyjargata where the parade finishes at Hljómskálagarður. eventually, after the march Reykjavik Pride Closing Ceremony takes place in Hljómskálagarðurinn Park.
The History Of Reykjavik Pride
Reykjavik Pride has been a yearly event in Reykjavik since 1999 but the first Reykjavik Pride Parade took place in August 2000. But, the history goes back to 1993 when Icelandic gays and lesbians first got together in Reykjavik. The group demanded the same freedom and human rights as everyone else. They protested again in 1994. Eventually, Pride grew from about 1500 onlookers to over 100,000 worldwide visitors. It has grown to be the biggest annual event to happen in Iceland.
Where Can You Stay Near Rainbow Street?
So we found that pretty much all of Reykjavik is walkable and there are many places to stay that are minutes from Rainbow Street. Whilst we stayed in Centre Hotel Midgardour, it was about a ten-minute walk. But you can also stay in these places
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel
This hotel can be found at Hverfisgata 60, Reykjavik 101 Iceland. It is £170 a night for an entire studio apartment
Hostel B47
This hostel is at Baronstigur 47, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. It is a great budget place to stay and works out at £92 for 2 people to stay.
Midgardur by Center Hotels
This georgous hotel can be found at Laugavegur 120, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. It costs £146 a night for 2 people. that includes full spa access too.
Centre Hotels Plaza
Another Centre Hotel and it is closer to the centre than Midgardour. The address is Adalstraeti 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and it costs £160 a night for 2 people.
Skolo Reykjavik Apartments
Lastly, we have Skolo Reykjavik Apartments, right on the doorstep of Rainbow Street. The address is Skólavörðustígur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. It will cost you £135 per night for 2 people.
Iceland is very LGBTQ+ friendly and everyone is welcome to the country. I love how they celebrate Pride all year long. Whereas in England brands hop on to the LGBTQ bandwagon once a year at Pride time. Because of this, I feel like the UK community is not supported for the rest of the year. However, any support is appreciated.