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Grímsey
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Grímsey is the northernmost inhabited island of Iceland, situated about 40 kilometers off the north coast in the Arctic Ocean. The island covers 5.3 square kilometers and is famous for being the only part of Iceland intersected by the Arctic Circle, although the circle's precise position shifts slightly each year due to axial tilt. The landscape features rolling green slopes on the west and sheer basalt cliffs on the east, rising up to 105 meters from the sea. The local economy is centered almost entirely on fishing, sustained by the rich Arctic waters surrounding the island. For wildlife enthusiasts, Grímsey is a prime location for birdwatching, as it hosts massive colonies of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins and razorbills. Despite its remote location, the island maintains a small village with a church, a guesthouse, and an airstrip connecting it to Akureyri.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Siglufjörður (60 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 108 | 91 | 97 | 77 | 63 | 43 | 63 | 75 | 106 | 124 | 118 | 126 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Grímsey island is reachable by ferry or domestic flight. The entire settlement can be explored on foot.
Typical hours
Ferry connections depend on weather and typically run several times a week. Flights from Akureyri are regular.
Photography
The Arctic Circle marker at the northern end is a popular photo subject. The bird cliffs offer fantastic shots of puffins.
Time needed
Allow at least half a day for travel and exploring the island. A day trip from the mainland is quite feasible.
Combine with
Combining with Akureyri, the capital of the north, is a good idea. Most flights and ferries depart from there.
Getting there
Regular flights from Akureyri to the island take about 30 minutes. The ferry departs from Dalvík and takes around three hours.
Insider tip
Book flights or ferry well in advance, especially in high season. Bring weatherproof clothing as the weather can change quickly.
Geography
Facts
- The Arctic Circle passes directly through the island
- Total area of approximately 5.3 km²
- Highest point on the cliffs is 105 meters
- Located 40 km from mainland Iceland
- Cod fishing is the primary industry
- Home to around 60 permanent residents
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Grímsey (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do you cross the Arctic Circle on Grímsey?
Yes, Grímsey is the only part of Iceland located directly on the Arctic Circle.
How do you get to the island?
By ferry Sæfari from Dalvík or by plane from Akureyri.
Are there puffins there?
Yes, the island is famous for its huge sea bird colonies.
Do people live on Grímsey?
Yes, there is a small village with about 60 to 100 residents.
Is there accommodation on the island?
Yes, there are a few guesthouses and a small campsite.
Grímsey: where is it located?
Grímsey is located in Iceland.
Grímsey: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Grímsey: why is it worth visiting?
Grímsey is the northernmost inhabited island of Iceland, situated about 40 kilometers off the north coast in the Arctic Ocean.
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