Grimsey Island, far north in the Arctic, is home to around one hundred people and over a million seabirds. This solitary blue cliff stands on the horizon, surrounded by the vast Arctic Ocean, about 40 kilometers off the north coast of Iceland. Covering an area of roughly 5 square kilometers, Grimsey is a remote yet fascinating destination.

The fishermen of Grimsey harvest the rich fishing banks around the island, often venturing further north into the Arctic Ocean in their small motorboats. The ocean can be unpredictable, turning wild with storms, frost, and waves up to 15 meters high. Occasionally, polar ice drifts down from the north, freezing the waters around the island. However, during the summer, the ocean can become a shining mirror, calm and serene.

The islanders live in a small village by the harbor, a prosperous and vibrant community with many children. The chorus of seabirds is a constant backdrop during the 24-hour days of summer, as there is no night until late July when twilight begins to fall around midnight. The birds nest in the high cliffs surrounding the island, except by the harbor.

Winter on Grimsey brings very short daylight hours, and most of the seabirds stay far away, out on the open sea. Despite the harsh conditions, the families in the village lead modern lives. They have a good school for their children, an improved harbor, and a church that has stood for eight hundred years. The island also boasts two guesthouses and is served by a ferry three times a week. Additionally, an airport has been built for regular flights.

Grimsey’s allure lies not just in the destination itself but in what it represents. Tourists flock here to obtain their ‘I visited the Arctic Circle’ certificate, pose with the ‘You’re standing on the Arctic Circle’ monument, and appreciate the windswept setting. The scenic coastal cliffs and dramatic basalt formations provide a home for dozens of seabird species, including puffins and the kamikaze Arctic tern. A particularly charming anecdote is that the airport runway must be cleared of terns a few minutes before aircraft are scheduled to land.

Grimsey Island is a unique blend of rugged nature and resilient community, offering a true taste of life in the Arctic Circle.

Polar flight to the island of Grimsey
The island of Grímsey, lying 41 km (25.
5 miles) north of the mainland, is in fact Iceland's only bit of territory within the Arctic Circle.
Sunshine at midnight can be enjoyed in many parts of northern Iceland during summer, but to actually cross the Arctic Circle is something many people want to do.

All who come to the island are provided with a document confirming the fact that they have actually travelled north of the Arctic Circle and the precise location of the circle itself is marked by a signpost indicating distances to some of the world's main cities.

Apart from the magical line on the map, another good reason for coming here is to admire the cliffs, which are 100m (328ft) high in some places - perfect for the many bird colonies that nest on the island.