Atlantic puffin on Grímsey island in North Iceland
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Grímsey

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TypeIsland
InhabitedYes

Grímsey is a small Icelandic island, 40 kilometres (25 mi) off the north coast of the main island of Iceland and straddling the Arctic Circle. In January 2011 Grímsey had 86 inhabitants. Until a vote in 2009 to amalgamate with Akureyri,[4] it constituted the hreppur (municipality) of Grímseyjarhreppur. The only settlement is Sandvík.

Grímsey is the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory; the islet of Kolbeinsey lies farther north, but is uninhabited. The closest land is the island of Flatey, Skjálfandi, 39.4 kilometres (24.5 mi) to the south. The Arctic Circle runs through the island, while the entirety of mainland Iceland lies south of the Arctic Circle. (Due to long-term oscillations in the Earth's axis, the Arctic Circle currently shifts northward by about 14.5 metres per year.) There are steep cliffs everywhere except on the southern shoreline. Grímsey has an area of 5.3 square kilometres (2.0 sq mi), and a maximum elevation of 105 metres (344 ft).

Despite the northerly latitude, the climate is generally mild, because of the North Atlantic Current, which brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico. A maximum temperature of 26 °C (79 °F) has been recorded, which equals that of the much more southerly capital Reykjavík.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%ADmsey

The place can form part of a wider journey through North Iceland, making it easy to combine the visit with other destinations in the region.

Harbour
Airport
Ferry service
Accessible
Marked trails
Accommodation
Bird nesting area
Sea cliffs
Lighthouse
Permanent settlement

Geology

Grímsey is a rocky island north of Iceland where marine erosion has created prominent cliffs and seabird nesting areas.

Nature

Grímsey is known for its location near the Arctic Circle, abundant birdlife and dramatic sea cliffs.

Best season

Summer

Visit tips

Grímsey can be reached both by ferry and by air.

Last verified 16 September 2026

Ratings and reviews

Grímsey

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