- A pearl on the Arctic Circle north of Icleand -
Grimsey island - far away in the north: the home of one hundred people and one million seabirds. Courageous fishermen live there with their families. The island stands alone far out on the horizon, a blue cliff, surrounded by the wide Arctic Ocean, about 40 km off the north coast of Iceland; it is about 5 square kilometres in area.
The fishermen of Grimsey harvest the rich fishing banks all around the island but often venture in their small motorboats much further north on the Arctic Ocean. An endless ocean which often turns wild, with storms and frost, the waves even 15 m high. Or the polar ice may drift from the north and keep the ocean frozen all around the island. - At other times, such as during summer, the same ocean may be a shining mirror.
The islanders live in a small village by the harbour - a prosperous and fertile community.
The chorus of seabirds, never stops during the 24 hour long day in summer, not until late July when twilight begins to descend around midnight. The birds nest in the high cliffs that surround the whole island, except by the harbour.
During winter the daylight is very short; most of the sea birds stay far away, out on the open sea.
A ferry connects Grímsey with the mainland (town Dalvik) three days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the whole year. More days offered in summer. Bookings and more info here. The sailing takes about 3 hours.
Flights connect Grímsey with Akureyri on a regular basis the whole year i.e. three flights a week during winter (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays) and daily flights during summer. The flight takes about 30 minutes. Bookings: tel: +354 460-7000 or on Air Iceland Connect.
More information about Grimsey island on its official website.