Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
GRÍMSEY
Best known as Iceland's only true piece of the Arctic Circle, the remote island of Grímsey
(population 77), 40km from the mainland, is a lonely little place where birds outnumber
people by about 10,000 to one.
Grímsey's appeal probably lies less in the destination itself, and more about what it rep-
resents. Tourists flock here to snap up their 'I visited the Arctic Circle' certificate and pose
for a photo with the 'you're standing on the Arctic Circle' monument (which is actually
around 20m south of the 'real' line). Afterwards, there's plenty of time to appreciate the
windswept setting. Scenic coastal cliffs and dramatic basalt formations make a popular
home for dozens of species of seabirds, including loads of puffins, plus the kamikaze Arc-
tic tern. We're particularly fond of the anecdote that the airport runway has to be cleared
of the terns a few minutes before aircraft are scheduled to arrive.
If sleeping inside the Arctic Circle sounds too good to pass up, two places offer accom-
sol@visir.is
;
r without bathroom per person Ikr5500) to find teeny-tiny rooms perched above the
island's gift shop (which opens in conjunction with ferry arrivals and sells coffee/tea and
waffles). The full kitchen is handy for self-caterers; sleeping-bag beds are Ikr4000.
without bathroom incl breakfast Ikr11,000/16,000), right next to the airport. Sleeping-bag ac-
commodation here is Ikr6000. There is a guest kitchen and meals are available, and sail-
ing and sea-angling trips can be arranged (with notice).
There's a small campground by the community centre. The only restaurant is Krían,
open daily in summer. A general store is attached.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
There are a number of options for reaching Grímsey.
Air
From mid-June to mid-August, Norlandair (
www.norlandair.is
)
operates daily flights
to/from Akureyri; flights operate three times weekly the rest of the year. The bumpy
25-minute journey takes in the full length of Eyjafjörður and is an experience in itself.
around Ikr10,000.
Air Excursion
From mid-June to mid-August, Air Iceland offers half-day excursions
from Akureyri (Ikr28,200) that include flights and a couple of hours on the island (includ-
