Nestled 40 kilometers off the northern coast of Iceland, Grímsey is a remote island that stands as the country’s northernmost inhabited point and the only part of Iceland within the Arctic Circle. Despite its isolation, Grímsey is home to a tight-knit community of just 20 residents, alongside a thriving population of seabirds that vastly outnumber the island’s human inhabitants.
The island, which spans just 6.5 square kilometers, offers visitors a unique blend of rugged beauty and remote serenity. During a late-August visit, the fierce winds whipped through waterproof gear, a constant reminder of the island’s unyielding Arctic climate. As tourists walk the island’s dramatic cliffs, they must be prepared to fend off Arctic terns, known for aggressively defending their nests, and keep an eye out for puffins, which arrive to nest in spring.
Until 1931, the only way to reach Grímsey was by boat, which would deliver mail twice a year. Today, visitors can travel by a 20-minute flight from Akureyri or a three-hour ferry from Dalvík, making it more accessible to those eager to experience one of Europe’s most isolated settlements.
Grímsey is renowned for its birdlife, with puffins, Arctic terns, razorbills, and guillemots all calling the island home. The seabird population is estimated to outnumber the human residents by around 50,000 to one. This makes Grímsey a prime destination for birdwatchers, who flock to the island between April and August to witness the birds’ nesting season.
Halla Ingolfsdottir, a local tour guide and business owner, moved to Grímsey in 2019 after spending years visiting her sister, who married a local fisherman. Ingolfsdottir describes Grímsey as a place where the overwhelming power of nature and the warmth of its small community create a special atmosphere. “Nature is very powerful here,” she says. “In the winter, the darkness brings the Northern Lights, and in the spring, the birds return. Every season is special.”
In addition to leading birdwatching tours, Ingolfsdottir runs a guesthouse and manages the island’s sole diesel-powered generator, as Grímsey is not connected to Iceland’s national power grid. Despite its isolation, the community remains self-sufficient and resilient, with islanders trained in emergency procedures to handle situations until help arrives.
Grímsey’s small population is part of a rich history, with the island mentioned in Icelandic sagas as early as 1024. The island was once a bustling fishing hub but faced severe population decline in the 18th century due to fishing accidents and harsh weather conditions. Today, Grímsey is part of the Akureyri municipality, though its residents maintain a strong sense of independence.
Visitors to Grímsey also have the chance to see two landmarks marking the Arctic Circle, including a concrete sphere installed in 2017. This installation, called Orbis et Globus, weighs over three tons and sits at the island’s northernmost point. The sphere is moved annually to align with the shifting latitude of the Arctic Circle, a reminder of the changing forces of nature.
The long winters on Grímsey bring months of total darkness, but the islanders have learned to cope with the absence of sunlight. Christmas decorations go up early and remain in place until February, creating a festive atmosphere that helps brighten the extended dark days.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, plans are underway to develop Grímsey as a destination for writers and creatives. Yet, despite its growing popularity, Ingolfsdottir emphasizes the importance of preserving the island’s tranquility. “We don’t want mass tourism,” she says. “What makes Grímsey special is its personal touch and the limit on visitors. It’s something we’ve done from the start, and it’s something other parts of Iceland should take note of.”
Grímsey, with its stark beauty and resilient community, offers a glimpse into life at the edge of the world—a rare opportunity to experience the Arctic in its purest form.
Related topics:
Discovering the Bohemian Alps: A Hidden Czech Legacy in Nebraska
Tourists Wanted: European Destinations Still Welcoming Visitors and Digital Nomads
Brits Outraged by Spain’s New Travel Regulations Ahead of Tomorrow’s Implementation