Grímsey Island by ferry
Due to terms and conditions, the ferry to Grimsey is only bookable directly on the website of Road Administration Dalvík – Grímsey | The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration or on board the ferry. It is recommended to book in advance in the summer, because the ferry is often fully booked.
Nonni Travel booking service for the ferry to Grimsey is no longer available.
Please note that the ferry departs/arrives from Dalvík, about 30 min north of Akureyri.
Please note that this is only a return ferry transfer and not a guided tour!
The best time of year to visit Grímsey Island for puffin sightings is between May & August.
Highlights of Grímsey
- Grímsey Island
- Crossing the Arctic Circle
- Bird cliffs with puffins and other sea birds
- Ferry ride from Dalvík
- Scenic views of Eyjafjörður and Hrísey island
More than 40 km North of the mainland of Iceland lies Grímsey, the island of 5,3 sq.km, green and grassy on the top, but on the sides largely fortified with perpendicular rocks. Grímsey Island is also the only point of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle.
An old legend tells that once upon a time the island was only inhabited by trolls and giants, until they were slain by a man called Grímur. However, he took the daughter of one of them for a wife and the islanders are said to be their descendants. Whether that be true or not, the islanders are known for their hardiness as fishermen – which is surely a requirement on this isolated arctic island mentioned in many old sources. In the past, Grimsey was renowned as an inexhaustible source of eggs and birds, and for rich fishing banks around the island.
The ferry to Grímsey island is operated from Dalvík, a fishing town about 45 km north of Akureyri at the western side of the Eyjafjörður.
Board the ferry in Dalvik harbour, after a 3-hour sailing through the fjord and across the open ocean you will reach the destination. On the way you can enjoy the views of Hrísey Island and steep mountains on both sides of the fjord. Quite often whales can be spotted in the sea during the trip, however, the ferry does not stop for a closer look. After disembarking the ferry at the harbour of Grímsey you have about 3½-4 hours to explore the island on your own before returning to the harbour, boarding the ferry and sailing back to Dalvík.
Schedule
During winter, the ferry operates 3-4x per week and during summer up to 5x a week.
Current schedule & booking: Dalvík – Grímsey | The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration