Fun Facts About the Island of Grímsey
- Seabirds outnumber locals at Grimsey by about 10,000 to one.
- The island is a safe haven for seabirds as no minks or foxes live here.
- In Grimsey, the sun stays above the horizon for 24 hours on June 21 and stays below the horizon for 24 hours on December 21.
- Grimsey is first mentioned in writing around the year 1000 CE, but the first recording of people actually living on the island dates back to 1222 CE.
- The first church in Grimsey was built in the 11th century.
- Grimsey’s highest point stretches about 105 m (344,48 ft).
- Grimsey is the perfect place to see the Northern Lights.
- Grimsey is actually a part of Akureyri’s municipality.
The Arctic Circle in Iceland
As one of the world’s northernmost locations, the Arctic Circle is certainly not an ordinary travel destination. Below find everything you need to know about Iceland, Grimsey, and the Arctic Circle.
What is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is the imaginary line that circles around the top of the planet. This line marks the latitude north of which there is at least one full day of darkness and one full day of light a year.
Technically speaking, the Arctic Circle wraps around the globe at 66°33′ N degrees north of the Equator (the imaginary line that goes around the middle of the Earth).
Everything north of the Arctic Circle is known as the Arctic, the northernmost region of the Earth. The Arctic Circle crosses eight countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, the U.S., Canada, Greenland, and Iceland (where it passes through the island of Grimsey).
Is Iceland in the Arctic Circle?
Yes, Iceland is in the Arctic Circle, but only a small part of the country is crossed at the 66°N latitude. This small part is the island of Grimsey. The mainland is located a few degrees south of the Arctic Circle. That said, all of Iceland’s Arctic Circle tours take place in Grimsey, Iceland’s only real piece of Arctic territory.
However, the Arctic Circle is on the move. Due to long-term oscillations in the Earth’s axis, the Arctic Circle moves about 15 m (48 ft) northwards every year.
This means that the Arctic Circle will pass Grimsey by around 2050. There is a 9-ton concrete sphere that marks Arctic Circle’s changing position, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Touch the Arctic Circle in Grimsey now before it’s too late! You can do so on our Grimsey Arctic Circle Tour.
Arctic Circle Map Iceland
Iceland is located between Norway and Greenland in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at its northernmost point, on the island of Grimsey.
Where is Grimsey Located?
Grimsey is located 41 km (25 mi) off Iceland’s northern shore straddling the Arctic Circle.
GPS Coordinates: N66° 32′ 22.096″ W18° 1′ 17.278″
How to Get to Grimsey?
There are two different ways to visit Grimsey. You can take the Sæfari ferry, which sails from the northern village of Dalvík three days a week year-round.
Alternatively, you can catch a flight with Air Iceland from Akureyri. This flight takes off three times a week in winter and every day in summer.
What to Do at Grimsey?
- Go puffin watching. From May to September the island is an excellent bird watching location, especially for those interested in seeing puffins in their natural habitat.
Recently, a Grimsey Puffin astonished scientists by using a tool to scratch an itch in a viral video.
- Take an exclusive Grimsey Arctic Circle Tour and create unforgettable memories — all in one day! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see puffins and other seabirds up close, enjoy romantic landscapes, and chat with locals throughout your trip.
- Make a stop at the Arctic Circle Monument, a 9-ton stone sphere which was put up in 2017. This piece of art marks the boundary of the Arctic Circle in Grimsey.
Other exciting things to do on Grimsey Island include:
- Visit a small wooden church rich in history and cuteness that dates back to 1867.
- Walk along the dazzling and sharp ocean cliffs. The view, feeling, and grandness of it all is something you will keep with you forever.
- Take a dip in a swimming pool open after dinner Monday-Wednesday and on Saturdays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Witness the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle. If you’re visiting Grimsey Island in winter, make sure to check the aurora forecast. When the lights come out they will shine even brighter and dance even more playfully at Grimsey!
Where to Stay at Grimsey?
There are two guesthouses found on the island of Grímsey:
- Guesthouse Gullsól
- Guesthouse Básar
Alternatively, you have the option of camping at Grimsey. The camping ground is situated by the public pool, which serves as the shower and WC for the camping ground. The reception at the pool serves as an information center.
Swimming pool opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- On Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where to Eat at Grimsey?
- Búðin – the local grocery store where you can pick up all the basics. A perfect stop if you are looking to have a picnic!
- Krían – only open in summer but can be opened for pre-booked groups in winter. The restaurant is named after the Arctic tern known as kría in Icelandic.
Grimsey Weather
Despite the remote northern location of Grimsey, the climate here is surprisingly mild because of the warm Gulf Stream waters. The maximum temperature recorded in Grimsey is even higher than in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, which is way farther south.
However, don’t forget that Iceland’s weather is highly unpredictable. You might experience all four seasons in just one day! Make sure to bring warm outdoor clothing and a waterproof jacket. Good clothing is key to fully exploring the island without having to worry about catching a cold.
Grimsey in Summer
In the summertime, Grimsey is known as one of the absolute best places to experience the Midnight Sun in Iceland. Daylight lasts up to 24 hours a day! This means only one thing: you’ll have all the time you need for sightseeing.
The summer is also an excellent time to go birdwatching. The island is home to a fabulous puffin colony, one of the largest in the country.
Grimsey in Winter
Grimsey can be easily visited in winter by ferry or plane. The biggest draw during the season is the Northern Lights. The views of the great aurora are simply fantastic since the island is far away from city lights. The otherworldly pink sunsets are a great bonus too.
Please note that the puffins in Grimsey can only be seen from May to September. So if you want to see them whilst on the island, you should come back during the summer.
Movies Filmed in Grimsey
Grimsey (2018). A Spanish short film about a man who follows his ex-boyfriend to Iceland after a breakup and ends up finding himself in Grimsey. This location plays such a big part in the movie that producers decided to name the film Grimsey!
Interesting Places Near Grimsey Island
