VisitSweden UK launches new LGBT travel inspiration portal

Eurovision Song Contest darlings Sweden have launched a brand new online portal on interactive story-telling portal Medium, designed to inspire LGBT travelers to find out more about Sweden, its destinations and open-minded Swedish lifestyles.

The site is part of VisitSweden’s ongoing effort, as one of a handful of national tourist boards to proactively, attract and engage LGBT people. The online hub at visitswedenlgbt.com will feature content – editorial, photos and videos, by a range of Ambassadors, both from the UK and Sweden, covering travel inspiration, Arts and culture, food, music, gay and lesbian lifestyles and much more.

Sweden has so much to offer LGBT travelers across its various hip cities and countryside – urban-nature, unique and exciting things to do, beautiful people – but moreover – an unrivaled, forward-thinking approach to diversity. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1944 and the age of consent was equalized in 1978 – the country has been pioneering when it comes to LGBT rights. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been banned since 1987. Sweden was also the first country in the world to allow transgender persons to a change their legal gender in 1972. This year, Sweden celebrates 7 years of nationwide same-gender marriage, backed overwhelmingly by the Church of Sweden.

Ola Ericson / imagebank.sweden.se

The new site will tell stories from four Swedish destinations:

Stockholm – The (gay) capital of Scandinavia, last year crowned “Destination of the Year” at the British LGBT Awards, just before it hosted Eurogames – the world-renowned gay sporting event. It most recently played host to arguably the best Eurovision Song Contest ever put on. Stockholm is a magnificent on the water, merging deep history to contemporary urban chic.

Gothenburg and West Sweden the closest entry point into Sweden from the UK, just under 2 hours flight. It is an intimate, laid-back, super-fun part of Sweden known for a hip vibe and its breathtaking surrounding archipelago.They play hosts to West Pride – a fun, political and friendly LGBT festival who will be home, alongside Stockholm to Europride 2018. Just outside the city, a breathtaking archipelago awaits – where lobster safaris and stunning sunsets abound. You could check out chic gay-owned hotels or even get-active with some soft-adventure!

Malmö and Skåne shot to fame the last time Sweden hosted the Eurovision Song Contest (yes, they do keep winning). And this eccentric city, just across the bridge from Copenhagen has exploded as an LGBT city-break since. In the summer, head down and people-watch at Ribersborg Beach and spend some time unwinding at the Ribersborg Kallbadhus, a heritage bath-house where you sunbathe, sauna and sea-swim in the best way, nude. In Skåne, the garden of Sweden – you can try Swedish wine and taste fresh, Swedish produce.

Hjalmar Andersson / imagebank.sweden.se

Swedish Lapland is all about the light. It is the most LGBT-welcoming place in the world to revel in the midnight-sun and in winter, to chase the stunning Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Progressive, diverse and fun – Swedish Lapland is home to some amazing places to stay – including the majestic ICEHOTEL. Also in Kiruna, the local ice-hockey team, who a couple of years ago changed their team-strip to rainbow colours in an anti-hate message against Russia – have decided to keep the strip in ongoing solidarity with Sweden’s LGBT population.

You can find more information over at visitswedenlgbt.com.

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