Grímsey is an island off the north coast of Iceland, nestled across the Arctic Circle. It is, therefore, the only part of Iceland that is truly in the Arctic. There is a famous monument marking the edge of the Arctic Circle: an eight-tonne sphere of stone. The shape was designed to represent the rolling movements of the true Arctic circle, as a rooted monument would not be able to move along with its true location. (As a side note, the boulder may soon have to enter the seas to the north, as the Arctic Circle is moving away from Grímsey. It is expected that by the middle of the 20th Century, it will no longer be considered Arctic territory.)

The island’s biggest attraction is its wealth of birdlife; millions from dozens of species make Grímsey their home.Their numbers are so prevalent here for several reasons. First, the arctic seas around the island have plenty of fish, meaning the birds have plenty to eat. Secondly, hunting the birds and the collection of eggs have also been minimised in the last half century (although the traditions do still continue.Finally, there are no mice, mink or rats, meaning the eggs can lay safely in the low grass.

The main attraction for me is Atlantic Puffins that nest on the island, but there are wide range of other species, including Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Auks, Razorbills, Thick-Billed Murre and Northern Fulmar. ..

The best season for birdwatchers to visit Grímsey is between May and September. Outside of the warmest months, the birds migrate to warmer climates. Also, June brings 24 hr daylight, with the sun never setting around the summer solstice.

Click HERE for an evocative video about Grimsey by Einar Guðmann and Gyða Henningsdóttir.