Grímsey

Overview

Grímsey is Iceland's northernmost inhabited island, sitting 41 kilometres off the north coast of the mainland and uniquely straddling the Arctic Circle at 66°33'N. This remote 5.3-square-kilometre island supports a permanent population of approximately 60 residents, making it one of Iceland's smallest communities. The island's position directly on the Arctic Circle makes it the only populated place in Iceland where visitors can officially cross this significant latitude line, earning certificates to commemorate their achievement.

What truly distinguishes Grímsey, however, is its extraordinary seabird colonies. The island hosts one of Iceland's most important breeding grounds for Atlantic puffins, with an estimated 10,000 breeding pairs arriving each summer. The dramatic basalt cliffs that ring much of the island's 14-kilometre coastline provide ideal nesting sites for puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. The sheer density of birdlife during breeding season transforms Grímsey into one of the North Atlantic's premier wildlife spectacles, with birds outnumbering human residents by thousands to one.

The island's isolation has preserved both its natural character and traditional fishing culture. Grímsey's small harbour supports a fleet of fishing boats that form the backbone of the local economy, while the island's single settlement clusters around the airstrip and community centre. This authentic glimpse into rural Icelandic island life, combined with the Arctic Circle crossing and world-class birding opportunities, makes Grímsey a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travellers.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 66.5500°N, 18.0167°W

**Entry Fee:** None

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 (flights and ferries operate on schedules)

**Best Time to Visit:** May to August for puffins; June to July for peak breeding activity

**Access Level:** Moderate (requires flight or ferry, then walking on uneven terrain)

**Nearest Mainland Town:** Dalvík (41km by sea), Akureyri (83km by sea)

**Population:** Approximately 60 residents

**Area:** 5.3 square kilometres

How to Get There

Flying

Air Iceland Connect operates daily flights from Akureyri Airport (AEY) to Grímsey Airport (GRY) year-round, with the 20-minute flight costing approximately 15,000-20,000 ISK return. The eight-seater aircraft operates weather permitting, with frequent delays or cancellations during winter months. Book well in advance during summer. From Reykjavík, drive to Akureyri (386km via Route 1, approximately 4.5 hours) to catch connecting flights.

Ferry

Sæfari operates ferry services from Dalvík harbour aboard the Sævar, running three times weekly from June to August (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and twice weekly during shoulder seasons. The journey takes 3 hours each way, with same-day return trips possible on operating days. Adult fares cost approximately 8,000 ISK return. The ferry accommodates vehicles but space is extremely limited and must be pre-booked.

Parking

Dalvík harbour offers free parking adjacent to the ferry terminal. Akureyri Airport provides both short-term (500 ISK per day) and long-term parking (300 ISK per day).

Access

From Grímsey's small harbour or airstrip, all locations on the island are accessible on foot. The settlement and Arctic Circle marker are within 500 metres of both arrival points, while the prime puffin-viewing areas along the western and northern cliffs require 2-3km walks across grassland and uneven terrain.

What to See and Do

The island's primary attraction is its seabird colonies, concentrated along the dramatic cliffs that rise up to 105 metres above sea level. The western cliffs, accessible via a 2km walk from the settlement, offer the most reliable puffin viewing from May through August. These charismatic birds nest in burrows dug into the cliff-top turf, allowing remarkably close observation during breeding season. Peak activity occurs during early morning and evening feeding times.

The northern cliffs provide equally spectacular birding opportunities with larger colonies of guillemots and razorbills. Fulmars nest throughout the cliff system, while Arctic terns aggressively defend their ground-level territories across the island's interior grasslands during June and July.

The official Arctic Circle marker, located near the island's centre, marks the ceremonial crossing point where visitors can obtain Arctic Circle certificates at the community centre for 1,000 ISK. The Arctic Circle's actual position shifts slightly due to axial wobble, but Grímsey remains the only inhabited location in Iceland where this latitude can be crossed.

Grímsey's small museum, housed in the community centre, displays local history, fishing culture, and natural history exhibits. The island's single shop provides basic supplies and locally-made crafts. Walking the entire coastline takes 4-5 hours and reveals the island's varied geology, from black sand beaches to towering basalt columns.

Best Time to Visit

**May:** Puffins arrive and begin establishing territories. Weather remains unpredictable with frequent flight cancellations. Ferry service resumes.

**June-July:** Peak breeding season offers optimal wildlife viewing. Puffin chicks hatch and adults are most active. Arctic terns are present but highly aggressive. Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight. Weather is most stable for travel.

**August:** Puffin chicks fledge and adults begin departing by mid-month. Other seabirds remain active. Weather begins deteriorating.

**September-April:** Most seabirds have departed. Ferry service suspended. Flights frequently cancelled due to weather. Northern Lights visible during dark months but unreliable transport limits access.

**Peak Season:** Mid-June to mid-July offers the best combination of wildlife activity and reliable transport, but requires advance booking and higher costs.

Safety

Weather conditions change rapidly and can strand visitors for several days when flights are cancelled or ferries suspended due to rough seas. Always pack extra food, warm clothing, and medications. The island's medical facilities are extremely basic.

Cliff edges are unmarked and potentially unstable, particularly after rain. Maintain at least 3 metres distance from all cliff edges and avoid areas where puffin burrows may undermine the surface. Strong winds are common and can be dangerous near exposed clifftops.

Arctic terns dive-bomb perceived threats to their nests from June through July. Wear head protection and avoid areas with obvious nesting activity. Puffins bite if handled and should never be approached closer than 2 metres.

The island lacks mobile phone coverage in many areas. Inform locals of your walking plans and expected return times. Weather can deteriorate rapidly, creating poor visibility and dangerous conditions for cliff walks.

Nearby Places

**Akureyri** (83km): Iceland's northern capital offers excellent restaurants, museums, and the Akureyri Botanical Garden. Essential stop for flight connections.

**Húsavík** (65km): Europe's whale-watching capital provides excellent cetacean viewing opportunities from April through October, complementing Grímsey's birdlife.

**Dettifoss** (120km): Europe's most powerful waterfall, accessible via challenging F-roads but offering spectacular hiking in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park.

**Ásbyrgi** (110km): Horseshoe-shaped canyon with excellent hiking trails and additional birding opportunities in a sheltered woodland environment.

**Mývatn** (140km): Geothermal area combining volcanic landscapes, pseudo-craters, and diverse birdlife including various duck species not found on Grímsey.

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