Sweden – an open country where LGBTQ+ rights are the norm

This article covers:

• Pride festivals in Sweden
• Gay-friendly travel highlights in Stockholm
• Gay-friendly travel highlights in Gothenburg
• Other spots around the country worth a visit

Celebrated as one of the world's most inclusive and progressive countries, Sweden has long been a beacon for the LGBTQI community. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Sweden consistently ranks among Europe's most gay-friendly nations. This is exemplified by the country's history of hosting major international Pride events, including multiple EuroPride celebrations in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. Additionally, Malmö has co-hosted WorldPride alongside Copenhagen.

LGBTQ+ rights in Sweden

Sweden's progressive stance dates back decades; homosexuality was decriminalised in 1944, a milestone often referenced by the phrase “gay since 1944.” This legacy of inclusion continues to shape Swedish society today.

Swedish society is broadly open and welcoming, underpinned by comprehensive legislation that protects LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, and anti-discrimination laws ensure equal treatment across various sectors. Sweden lives up to its reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly zone, with rainbow flags flying proudly across the country.

Pride festivals in Sweden

With more than 30 Pride festivals taking place annually, Sweden boasts the highest number of Pride events per capita in the world. One notable example is Sápmi Pride, inaugurated in 2014 in Kiruna as a celebration of Sweden’s indigenous Sámi population and its LGBTQI community. The festival is hosted on rotation between Sweden, Norway and Finland, reflecting the Sámi culture’s cross-border presence (in 2025, it will be held in Bodø, Norway).

Here are some of the largest and most vibrant celebrations:

Stockholm Pride – the Nordics' largest Pride

Each summer, Sweden’s capital bursts into colour as Stockholm Pride takes over the city. As the largest Pride event in the Nordic region – and one of the biggest festivals in Sweden – it attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.

The 2025 edition runs from 28 July to 2 August, with the famous Pride Parade filling the streets on Saturday, 2 August. During the week, Pride Park and Pride House offer a vibrant mix of music, culture, seminars and community – all wrapped in rainbow colours.

West Pride in Gothenburg

Located on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg hosts West Pride every summer – a celebration of love, diversity and culture. The 2025 edition takes place from 9 to 15 June, with the colourful parade scheduled for Saturday, 14 June.

West Pride offers exhibitions, performances, lectures and film screenings throughout the city. The entire event is free and open to everyone, reflecting Gothenburg’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.

Malmö Pride in the south

Malmö Pride highlights LGBTQIA+ rights through culture, education and celebration. The 2025 edition takes place from 2 to 5 July, with the Pride Parade lighting up the streets on Saturday, 5 July.

The festival offers a lively programme of talks, concerts, performances and workshops, attracting both locals and visitors. Malmö’s inclusive spirit and international outlook make it a welcoming destination for all, just a short train ride from Copenhagen.

To explore all Pride festivals across Sweden, check out the Pride Calendar by Happy Pride.

Gay-friendly travel highlights in Sweden

Sweden doesn't have many venues exclusively for the LGBTQI community, nor does it feature a specific LGBTQ+ district like some other European cities. Instead, Swedish society is so inclusive and welcoming that people feel comfortable and accepted wherever they go.

In 2024, Stockholm was named Europe’s friendliest city in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards, a well-deserved recognition of the Swedes' warm, open, and cheerful nature.

That said, there are still plenty of spots that are particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd. Here are a few:

Stockholm

Eat & drink:

• Mälarpaviljongen, a restaurant and bar, idyllically set by the waterside. Open summertime only.
• Chokladkoppen, a classic café in the Old Town and one of the first LGBT-orientated establishments in Stockholm.
• Side Track, the oldest gay bar in Stockholm, describes itself as “cosy on weekdays, wild on weekends”.
• Patricia, an old ship that turns into a gay club on Sundays. A restaurant, several bars and a nightclub open until 5 am.
• Club Backdoor, a large and popular gay nightclub, open Friday and Saturday until 5 am.

Hotels:

• Backstage Hotel and Hotel Rival, both founded by Benny Andersson from ABBA. Backstage Hotel is located at the same address as the ABBA Museum, and Hotel Rival is close to many of the places mentioned above.
• Hobo Hotel and At Six Hotel are located next to each other and both belong to Strawberry, a hotel chain known for supporting Pride. Hobo has a hipster vibe, and At Six is a sleek five-star hotel.
• Other hotels frequently recommended within the gay community are Nordic Light Hotel, Hotel Berns, Grand Hôtel and Rex Hotel.

Events:

• Melodifestivalen, the final was held in Stockholm on 8 March 2025.
• Drömmen Festival returns on 7 June 2025 with a line-up featuring Ronan Keating, The Weather Girls and Alcazar.
• CinemaQueer, an international film festival held annually (the 2025 edition will take place from 8 September to 5 October)

More tips:

The LGBTQ+ guide to Stockholm by Visit Stockholm, QX Queer Map, Stockholm Pride.

Gothenburg

Eat & drink:

• Bee Kök & Bar, a popular “straight-friendly” restaurant and bar, open from lunch until late.
• Haket, a LGBTQ-friendly pub known for its relaxed vibe and Friday night quizzes.
• Gretas, Gothenburg’s oldest gay bar and nightclub, with dance floors and occasional live shows.
• Club Queer, a long-running mixed LGBTQ+ club night, usually held the last Friday of every month at Park Lane.

Hotels:

• Hotel Dorsia and Hotel Pigalle are two unique boutique hotels in central Gothenburg, often described as decadent, Parisian-inspired and seductive.
• Avalon Hotel and Clarion Hotel Post are part of the Pride-supporting Strawberry chain. Avalon is feng shui certified; Post is set in a stunning former post office building.
• Other hotels frequently recommended in the LGBTQ+ community include Scandic Crown, Scandic Rubinen, Gothia Towers and Upper House.

More tips:

LGBTQI Gothenburg at Goteborg.com, Queer Calendar Gbg on Instagram, QX Queer Map.

Other spots around the country worth a visit

Sweden's LGBTQ+ inclusiveness isn’t limited to its major cities – queer travellers will find welcoming places and experiences across the country. Here are a few worth exploring:

• Klubb Chroma in Luleå, the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in Swedish Lapland.
• Sund Nergården in Sörmland, a stylish countryside hideaway for adults, run by Johan and Niklas. This lakeside boutique hotel also offers summer glamping.
• Author Selma Lagerlöf’s home Mårbacka in Sunne, Värmland.
• Singer and acress Zarah Leander Museum on Vikbolandet, Östergötland.
• ABBA-member Björn Ulveaus’ restaurant Slottsholmen in Västervik, Småland.
• Lådfabriken on the island of Orust. Johan Buskqvist and Marcel van der Eng have transformed a former fish box factory into a colourful boutique B&B just over an hour north of Gothenburg.
• Ransvik Havsveranda, Kullahalvön, Skåne. A scenic coastal café and restaurant run by Andy and Matti, offering sea views and LGBTQ+ friendly vibes.
• Birgit Nilsson Museum in Båstad, Skåne, is a museum celebrating the iconic Swedish opera singer, beloved by generations of LGBTQ+ fans.