Visit the island of Grímsey by flight
Grimsey is a small island located on the Arctic Circle. It is the northernmost inhabited island of Iceland and has a population of around 61 people. The island offers stunning natural landscapes, including cliffs, bird colonies, and rugged coastlines. It is also home to various bird species, including puffins, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Grimsey provides a tranquil and remote atmosphere, allowing visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visiting Grímsey by flight is possible in two ways:
Scheduled flight:
Norlandair flies all year round every Tue, Fri and Sun to Grimsey and back on the same day. During Jun, July and August flight days are only on Tuesdays and Sundays. Flight time is 30 minutes and stop on Grimsey is 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on season and flight days, details see below), so despite the stay on the island is short, it is possible as a day tour.
1.5-2 hours spent on the island.
The best time of year to visit Grímsey Island for puffin sightings is between May & August.
- transfer to/from port to Akureyri harbour
- return flight to/from Grimsey
Price per person starts from 35.000 ISK depending on availability. Minimum numbers of passengers is 2 guests. A walking tour by a local guide can be pre-booked optional on request.
Please check if your ship schedule and travel date fits to the flight schedule:
Private sightseeing flight:
Another option to visit Grimsey on a day trip is by private sightseeing flight. The departure times from Akureyri are around noon, the tour is 3-3.5 hours in total with an aprox. 2 hour stop on Grímsey, giving you time to explore the local community, the scenery of the island and – of course – crossing the arctic circle on foot.
Price per person starts from 68.000 ISK (minimum passengers: 2 guests)
Grimsey Highlights
- Grímsey Island
- Crossing the Arctic Circle
- Bird cliffs with puffins and other sea birds
- Glimpse into the life of a tiny fishing community on a remote 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.
People often visit this northernmost Icelandic settlement in order to set foot across the Arctic Circle. However, Grímsey has a number of other things to offer. Early in the summer, observing the midnight sun on the island can be an unforgettable experience. On the West coast there are beautiful coves, lined with basalt columns and skerries. The East coast boasts 100 m high sea cliffs, where egg-collecting from the cliffs is still practised. Conditions for bird-watching are unique, the cliffs during the summer months are covered in nesting sea birds such as puffins, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes. On the grassy parts of the island, one must walk with care to avoid treading on the numerous tern’s nests and young chicks.
The island has a church, swimming pool, small grocery store, local handicrafts shop, ATM and two guesthouses.
In good weather the travel to and from the island offers impressive views of the mountains on both sides of Eyjafjörður, whether you decide to take the sea or the air route from Akureyri.
Good to know:
Grimsey is a wonderful place and definitely worth a longer visit. An overnight stay on Grimsey is a memorable experience for those who have more time.
There is also a ferry service running to Grimsey from Dalvik, which is located about 30 minutes drive North of Akureyri. Due to schedules this service is not suitable for cruiseship passengers. Guests on a self drive tour can book ferry tickets online at Dalvík – Grímsey | The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration