Grímsey, Island on Arctic Circle near Akureyri, Iceland
Grímsey is an island with steep cliffs populated by seabird colonies and a small fishing settlement. The island spans about 5 square kilometers and is surrounded by rough waters that constantly shape its rocky shoreline.
Norse settlers arrived here in the late Viking period and developed fishing methods that still form the foundation of the local economy. The settlement of Sandvík grew from this early colonization and has existed continuously to the present day.
The island maintains deep roots in fishing, and the few people living here carry on this tradition daily, passed down through their families across generations.
Ferries operate year-round from Dalvík to the island, with more frequent departures during warmer months. Visitors should expect changeable weather and pack appropriate clothing, as conditions can shift rapidly.
The Arctic Circle marker on the island is regularly moved because Earth's axis shifts gradually, changing the marker's exact position. This makes the island an unusual place where a geographical reference point must be continuously adjusted.
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