Hrísey

Grímsey is a small island located about 40 km north of mainland Iceland and is the country’s northernmost inhabited area. The island covers approximately 5.3 square kilometers, with its highest point reaching about 105 meters above sea level.

A small village is located on the island, where residents traditionally depend on fishing and, more recently, tourism. Grímsey is unique in that the Arctic Circle crosses the northern part of the island, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can cross the Arctic Circle on land.

Grímsey is renowned for its abundant birdlife and is considered one of Iceland’s best birdwatching destinations. Puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and many other seabird species nest along the island’s cliffs during summer.

Transportation to Grímsey is provided by regular ferry services from Dalvík and scheduled flights from Akureyri. An automatic weather station has been in operation on the island since 2005.

Today, approximately 100 people live on Grímsey. In 2009, the island officially became part of the municipality of Akureyri following a local referendum.