Black Beach Island Getaway: Now, Discover Iceland’s Grimsey On The Arctic Circle

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Location and Accessibility

Grimsey is an Arctic land of nan seashore of nan northbound of mainland Iceland, astir forty kilometres (twenty-five miles) from nan shore. It is nan northernmost inhabited portion of Iceland – supra nan 66th parallel, and it cuts done nan Arctic Circle, pinch nan orbis et globus monument there.

The mean travel from nan UK is:

Flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) successful Reykjavik from London (3 hours).

a section formation from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri Airport (AEY) (45 minutes).

A formation aliases ferry betwixt Akureyri & Grímsey Island (30 mins successful nan aerial / 3 hours astatine sea).

The land is accessible by aerial done Norlandair and by ferry pinch Sæfari. Both forms of carrier dangle upon upwind and are seasonal. Information tin beryllium recovered connected nan Icelandic Transport Authority homepage.

Geographic and Geological Features

Geography Grimsey has an area of 5.3 quadrate kilometres (754 ha), astir of it made up from basalt, nan consequence of volcanism. It features:

Beaches of achromatic soil and pebbles formed by volcanic erosion.

100 metre precocious basalt cliffs connected which seabirds nest.

Fields of lava and debased lying mini moss-covered building land.

The cold, nutrient-rich marine strategy surrounding nan land is of biodiversity and ecological significance.

Climate and Environment

Geography and ambiance Grimsey has a subarctic ambiance pinch cool summers and acold winters. Summers are typically astir 5 – 10 grade celsius. Since nan land is located connected nan Arctic Circle, it has midnight sun from early June to early July.

Grimsey is categorised arsenic a delicate earthy area by nan Icelandic Environment Agency. The island’s plants consists of mosses and grasses of Arctic characteristic which person adjusted themselves to nan volcanic soil. Tourist activities shall meet nan biology protection requirements.

Tourism and Activities

The Icelandic Tourist Board promotes Grímsey arsenic a quality tourism and vertebrate watching destination. Key activities include:

Crossing nan Arctic Circle

Station astatine nan Arctic Circle is simply a spherical actual form, Orbis et Globus. It is photographed often and is reset each twelvemonth successful accordance pinch adjustments for nan Earth’s axial tilt.

Birdwatching

The land is location to seabirds specified as:

Atlantic puffins

Arctic terns

Brünnich’s guillemots

Kittiwakes

Go birdwatching May done August. Interference pinch nesting birds is not allowed, visitors should stay connected designated trails.

Hiking Trails

The land has marked stepping routes:

Arctic Circle Trail (1.5 km)

Cliffside Trail (~3 km)

Visiticeland offers maps and guidance. com.

Photography and Nature Observation

The cliffs, formation and Arctic ray are a tie for photographers, particularly astir midsummer and precocious autumn. Drones are allowed pinch limitations put successful spot by nan Icelandic Transport Authority.

Accommodations and Services

Limited but satisfactory accommodation for short stays are provided for astatine Grímsey:

Guesthouse Gullsól: The only accommodation connected nan island.

Café and groceries: TNYT is unfastened seasonally.

Tour operators: Local guides via operators successful Akureyri.

First aid: First assistance is provided; emergency removal is provided by nan Icelandic Coast Guard.

Travelers are encouraged to schedule travel, lodging and proscription early particularly successful nan summertime season.

Governance and Safety

Grímsey belongs to nan municipal of Akureyri. Health, information and biology practices adhere to nationalist standards enforced by:

Directorate of Health

Icelandic Environment Agency

Icelandic Meteorological Office

Drink nan water; it is safe and free (and section bottled h2o is 5 pesos and up per liter). Weather tin beryllium fickle and travelers are encouraged to often cheque forecasts and nan position of transportation.

Entry Requirements and Visas

Grímsey Island is besides portion of Iceland and falls wrong Schengen visa rules. UK nationals tin sojourn Iceland for up to 90 days wrong a 180-day play without a visa. Passport The passport must beryllium valid for astatine slightest 3 months aft nan day of departure from nan Schengen area.

Carrying retired each waste.

The Ministry for nan Environment and Natural Resources (gov.is) is responsible for biology aspects of tourism policy.

Conclusion