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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An island located south of the coast of Miyazaki City, Japan, has become a feline lover's paradise. The name is Aoshima Island, home to hundreds of cats of various breeds. A similar situation occurs on a remote island in northern Iceland, that is, Grimsey Island.
Millions of seabirds settle on this island, outnumbering the people inhabiting there. Grimsey Island entices globetrotters with birdwatching and unobstructed views of an area around the Arctic Circle. But the island's avian population is just one of its notable features.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a remarkable journey on Grimsey Island!
About Grimsey Island
Situated close to the Arctic Circle, Grimsey describes an island located 41 km off the northern coast of Iceland. Historical record regarding the island dates back to 1000 CE, says Arctic Adventure. However, humans are known to have inhabited Grimsey as early as 1222 CE.
As mentioned earlier, Grimsey is home to a significant seabird population, ranging from puffins to Arctic terns. People on Grimsey are approximately one-tenth the size of the avian population, largely comprising hardy Icelanders, primarily fishermen, establishing permanent settlements on the island.
Another thing worth mentioning is that given the location near the Arctic, you might find the sun rising all the time without setting at some times, and vice versa. Particularly speaking, people in Grimsey experience a day without a sunset on June 21, whereas they witness the sun remain below the horizon on December 21.
How to Get to Grimsey Island
Its remote condition might pose some challenges to reaching the island. Regardless, Grimsey is still accessible by a few modes of transportation, namely via air and a ferry. Citing Arctic Adventures and the official website of Akureyri, here are several things you need to know on how to get to Grimsey Island:
1. Taking the Sæfari Ferry
Grimsey Island is accessible by the Sæfari ferry, providing a direct year-round trip between Dalvik and Grimsey. The ferry's operational schedule varies depending on the season.
As winter approaches, the Sæfari runs three to four times a week, while in summer, it operates five times during the week.
The ferry can carry up to 106 passengers, and the trip takes 3 hours. Tickets can be booked online, and be sure to check the schedule available on the website.
2. Book a Flight with Air Iceland
You can reach Grimsey Island by catching a flight with Air Iceland, operating three times a week in winter and every day during summer. The flight from Akureyri town to Grimsey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Upon arrival on the island, take a brief break from your exhausting journey at the available two guesthouses: Guesthouse Gullsól and Guesthouse Básar. If you're down for a more thrilling experience, there is a camping ground near the public pool.
Popular Activities and Attractions on Grimsey Island
While the island of Grimsey is renowned for its unparalleled birdwatching, it offers an array of exciting activities worth trying. Here are several recommended attractions and things to do on Grimsey Island, as highlighted on Arctic Adventures, Guide to Iceland, and the official website of Akureyri.
1. Go Puffin Watching
The island is particularly popular to watch flocks of puffins. These adorable creatures, characterized by their colorful beak and black-and-white feathers, are visible from early April until late August in Grimsey every year.
2. Join the Grimsey Arctic Circle Tour
Engage in the Grimsey Arctic Circle Tour for a more exclusive experience. Indulge in the unobstructed panoramic scenes of Arctic coastal areas.
3. Visit the Lighthouse in Grimsey
Erected in 1937, Grimsey’s lighthouse is among the most notable buildings on the island. It is nestled in the southeast corner of the island and serves a crucial role in the boat traffic in the surrounding waters.
While you cannot enter the lighthouse, the location provides an ideal vantage point to see the cliffs and birdlife on the east coast of Grimsey.
4. See the Arctic Circle Monument
This monument, revealing a 9-ton stone sphere named “Orbis et Globus,” marks the boundary of the Arctic Circle in Grimsey. The 3-meter artwork has been on the island since the fall of 2017 and has attracted significant attention from tourists.
5. Admire the Basalt Column Formations
Nature enthusiasts can feast their eyes on the awe-inspiring basalt column formations on the southwest corner of Grimsey. These magnificent formations were brought about by lava flows that cooled as they encountered the ocean.
6. Savor the Local Food
After the long journey wandering around the island, savor the local food at Krían or stop by the local grocery store, Búðin, to pick up some munchies for a picnic.
7. Catch the Enchanting Northern Lights
Aside from watching puffins in their natural habitats, the island of Grimsey is perfect for catching the aurora borealis. Catch the northern lights dancing above the Arctic Circle without any distractions and light pollution.
There is actually another attraction that holds a historical significance of the island. It is the Miðgarðar Church, known to have existed since the 11th century. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed due to a fire on the evening of September 21, 2021.
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