Grímsey Island

💱 Currency Icelandic Króna (ISK)

🗣 Language Icelandic

🕐 Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Jun–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights

💰 Price Range From $4,300 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Being Iceland's northernmost inhabited island, offering pristine Arctic landscapes, unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to some of the most remote and untouched natural scenery in the North Atlantic.

Build Your Day in Grímsey Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Krian Restaurant The burger was great and the service was fantastic. Icelandic · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Grímsey Very relaxing. Island · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Orbis et Globus It was about a 40-minute stroll from the airport on a well-established path. Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k

The Arctic Circle Make sure to get your certificate at the gift shop! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Guesthouse Básar A diamond inside a larger diamond that is Grimsey. Indoor lodging · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Grimsey Airport The airstrip and the island crosses the Artic circle. Domestic airport · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Grímsey Lighthouse Everybody's first Lego build. Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Guesthouse Gullsól Guest house · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Midgardar Best place to stay! Hostel · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Grímseyjarferja Was Ron from St. Lawrence Island here? Port authority · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Fiske Monument Worth a trip Historical landmark · ★ 5 · 0k

nthspace Grímsey Just grand ! Art studio · ★ 5 · 0k

Arctic Trip Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

Arctic Grímsey Tour operator · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed

Sveinsstaðir Good luck with your good really place in hotel Bed & breakfast · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Grímsey Island

About Grímsey Island

Grímsey Island stands as a compelling port of call in Northern Europe's Arctic waters, attracting six distinguished cruise lines including PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic. With 28 upcoming cruises and a typical voyage duration of seven nights, this remote Icelandic destination appeals to travelers seeking authentic polar exploration. The island serves primarily as a port of call, allowing passengers to experience its unique character before continuing to neighboring ports like Akureyri, Reykjavík, and the dramatic Westfjords.

Summer months from May through September represent peak season, when the midnight sun bathes the island in perpetual daylight and weather conditions favor exploration. Visitors stepping ashore will discover a windswept landscape shaped by Arctic elements, abundant birdlife including puffins and arctic terns, and a tight-knit community that embodies Iceland's remote charm. Whether you're drawn by the island's position straddling the Arctic Circle or its rugged natural beauty, Grímsey offers an unforgettable glimpse into Iceland's northern frontier.

Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony

Stand at the 66°33'N latitude marker and experience the symbolic moment of crossing into the Arctic Circle. This unique Icelandic tradition offers a memorable photo opportunity and a tangible connection to one of Earth's most extreme geographical boundaries. Many cruise passengers mark this milestone as a career highlight.

Fresh Arctic Seafood Dining

Savor locally caught Arctic char, cod, and halibut at island restaurants featuring traditional Icelandic preparations. The island's fishing heritage shines through in every dish, with restaurants serving catch-of-the-day specials that showcase the pristine North Atlantic waters surrounding Grímsey.

Dramatic Basalt Cliffs & Seabirds

Hike along Grímsey's rugged coastline to witness towering basalt formations and thriving seabird colonies, including puffins and kittiwakes. The island's raw, windswept landscape offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding volcanic terrain unique to this remote location.

Local Artisan Crafts Market

Browse handmade Icelandic woolens, traditional lopapeysa sweaters, and locally crafted souvenirs at the island's modest but authentic shops. These authentic pieces reflect Grímsey's fishing culture and make meaningful mementos of your Arctic Circle adventure.

Remote Island Village Exploration

Wander through Grímsey's intimate settlement, meeting locals in this tight-knit community of fewer than 100 residents. Visit the charming turf-roofed church and discover how islanders have thrived in this isolated Arctic environment for centuries, experiencing genuine Icelandic hospitality.