Denmark Gay Events & Hotspots
Gay Country Rank: 3/193
Copenhagen is basically the origin of the gay scene. It was the first country to recognize same sex relationships, letting you know that this place has endless gay opportunities. Most of the gay scene is found on Strøget, a street with some of Copenhagen’s original gay bars and close to the old city center. The language barrier is nothing to worry about with the friendly gay locals, they would love to show you their neck of the woods in this lively coastal city.
While Copenhagen may have the most vibrant lgbtq+QI+ scene and the largest community, our openness and welcoming attitude goes beyond the city limits and is found throughout the country. So why not venture to new parts of Denmark while you're here? (we promise you we have cool and unique experiences all across the country.) The island of Bornholm is a 35-minute flight away from Copenhagen and twins well if you want a 'city plus island' vibe to your stay.
And while you're exploring these uncharted territories, you might even join in the local lgbtq+QI+ happenings such as the pride and diversity celebrations in Aarhus, Fanø, Aalborg and Odense.
Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Denmark
In general, Denmark is one of the most gay-friendly countries in Europe and was one of the first to embrace same-sex marriages. Antidiscrimination laws have been in effect since 1987. Most Danes are exceptionally friendly and tolerant of lifestyles of either sexual preference. Obviously, an urban center such as Copenhagen will have a more openly gay life than rural areas. In many ways, the Erotic Museum in Copenhagen illustrates the city's attitudes toward sex -- both heterosexual and homosexual. The history of both forms of sexual pleasure is presented in an unprejudiced manner.
The Danish National Association for Gays and Lesbians (Landsforeningen for Bøsser og Lesbiske, abbreviated as LBL) maintains its headquarters at Teglgaardstræde 13, 1007 Copenhagen (tel. 33-13-19-48; www.lbl.dk), with branches in at least four of the larger cities of Denmark. You might find it hard to reach a live person on their telephone line (their hours of operation are limited), but they maintain one of the most informative and user-friendly websites of any gay organization in Europe, complete with maps on how to reach the gay and lesbian venues they describe on their site.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators.
Many agencies offer tours and travel itineraries specifically for gay and lesbian travelers. Above and Beyond Tours (tel. 800/397-2681; www.abovebeyondtours.com) provides gay Australia tour specialists. San Francisco-based Now, Voyager (tel. 800/255-6951; www.nowvoyager.com) offers worldwide trips and cruises. And Olivia (tel. 800/631-6277; www.olivia.com) offers lesbian cruises and resort vacations.
Gay.com Travel (tel. 415/834-6500; www.gay.com/travel or www.outandabout.com) is an excellent online successor to the popular Out & About print magazine. It provides regularly updated information about gay-owned, gay-oriented, and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping establishments in every important destination worldwide.
In general, Denmark is one of the most gay-friendly countries in Europe and was one of the first to embrace same-sex marriages. Antidiscrimination laws have been in effect since 1987. Most Danes are exceptionally friendly and tolerant of lifestyles of either sexual preference. Obviously, an urban center such as Copenhagen will have a more openly gay life than rural areas. In many ways, the Erotic Museum in Copenhagen illustrates the city's attitudes toward sex -- both heterosexual and homosexual. The history of both forms of sexual pleasure is presented in an unprejudiced manner.
The Danish National Association for Gays and Lesbians (Landsforeningen for Bøsser og Lesbiske, abbreviated as LBL) maintains its headquarters at Teglgaardstræde 13, 1007 Copenhagen (tel. 33-13-19-48; www.lbl.dk), with branches in at least four of the larger cities of Denmark. You might find it hard to reach a live person on their telephone line (their hours of operation are limited), but they maintain one of the most informative and user-friendly websites of any gay organization in Europe, complete with maps on how to reach the gay and lesbian venues they describe on their site.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators.
Many agencies offer tours and travel itineraries specifically for gay and lesbian travelers. Above and Beyond Tours (tel. 800/397-2681; www.abovebeyondtours.com) provides gay Australia tour specialists. San Francisco-based Now, Voyager (tel. 800/255-6951; www.nowvoyager.com) offers worldwide trips and cruises. And Olivia (tel. 800/631-6277; www.olivia.com) offers lesbian cruises and resort vacations.
Gay.com Travel (tel. 415/834-6500; www.gay.com/travel or www.outandabout.com) is an excellent online successor to the popular Out & About print magazine. It provides regularly updated information about gay-owned, gay-oriented, and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping establishments in every important destination worldwide.
What you can find in Gay Copenhagen
Not only is this friendly place the capital of Denmark, it is the first country to legalize gay marriage. Copenhagen or København is a beautiful coastal city with a booming nightlife that can fulfill your gay desires. The city has a population of 500,000 and is known for their approachable personalities. Their national tourist website even suggests gay tourist spots because they are so accepting and willing to accommodate all visitors.
Gay Historic Hotspots
The gay hotspots aren’t the only thing to entertain you in this city. Copenhagen is home to many historical sites such as the Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks which also happens to be located close to their gay scene. It is home to one of the oldest gay bars called Centralhjørnet, which has been around for 80 years, and could be considered a historical site at this point! Walking around this quaint gay city is enough to keep you busy, and make sure to feast your eyes on the beautiful canals during your adventures.Gay Fun in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to many gay bars and a few cruise clubs that will be sure to keep you entertained. You are sure to find some gay locals at the Scandinavian Leather Men Copenhagen , a cruise club with themed nights and many rooms to fulfill your desires. For a more low key option, make sure to check out Oscar , a casual gay hangout spot with an interesting interior. When you are tired from your full day of activities, the Nimb Hotel is located in the central part of the Tivoli Gardens, making it close to almost all of the most popular gay hotspots in Copenhagen. The Nimb hotel is an award winning boutique hotel that has a fantastic bar right in the hotel. Come explore gay Copenhagen!Gay Events In Copenhagen
Copenhagen Winter Pride Week – Who says Pride should only be once a year? If you are in Copenhagen in February, you can look forward to this week full of love, rainbows, diversity and unforgettable experiences. Queer extravagance is the perfect way to brush off the winter blues, and every year this exciting program features a bunch of local and international activists, speakers and performers – as well as a few epic lgbtq+ parties.Mix Copenhagen – The Copenhagen Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and one of the oldest lgbtq+ film festivals in the world. Held annually in October expect ten days of queer films, documentaries, and short films to showcase the best of independent lgbtq+ cinema. A more sophisticated side of the Copenhagen gay scene and a great way to mix, mingle and network! If you can’t make these dates why not consider planning your trip around these other amazing gay film festivals!
Pride Christmas – “I’ve been dreaming, of a …Pride Christmas?” Yes, if you want to have a rainbow-colored Christmas Eve and feel like celebrating Christmas differently with a bunch of lovely people, then Pride Christmas is for you. X-mas DIY, food, drinks, Christmas caroling and a fun game of bingo with lots of great presents. The event is free to attend and open to all, but if you feel like donating Copenhagen Pride, you are encouraged to do so.
Copenhagen Pride – The biggest gay event in Copenhagen held annually in mid-August There is a grand parade from Frederiksberg Town Hall along Vesterbrogade to Copenhagen City Hall Square where a Pride Square is set up for the entire week offering concerts, speeches and one sickening drag extravagance – one of the biggest displays worldwide with over 4 hours of lip syncs, death drops, and queer spirit. There are also plenty of satellite events, human rights discussions and rainbow flags strewn around the town – plus an undeniable buzz throughout the whole town. 2018 was the biggest Copenhagen Pride march on record and is expected to grow further with Copenhagen hosting World Pride in 2021. You can read our in-depth article on Copenhagen Pride, but suffice to say this is one of the best gay pride in the world – and entirely worth planning a trip to Gay Copenhagen around!