An Island On The Arctic Circle

Iceland is below the arctic circle with the exception of its most northerly island, Grimsey. Here the arctic circle cuts through the island, providing Grimsey with the midnight sun in the summer and twenty-four hours of darkness in the winter.

Monument Marking The Polar Circle In Norway

We spent the last year well above the arctic circle and it was with great sadness that we crossed south of it as we went down the Norwegian coast. Somehow leaving the far north gave a sense of finality to our time in Norway and Svalbard. With Grimsey came the opportunity for us to visit 66° 33' N one last time before continuing south.

But there is more to Grimsey than its latitude. Its people are some of the friendliest in Iceland and they take pride in their island and its unusual history. On November 11th they celebrate the birth of their benefactor, Daniel Willard Fiske, an American scholar and world champion chest player. Who never personally set foot on the island but decided to make several contributions to its people after passing Grimsey on a steam ship in 1857. Besides gifting every household with a marble chest set, he funded the island’s first school and library. He also left Grimsey a portion of his estate, leaving a lasting impression on its inhabitants for generations to come. 

Grimsey

Both as we approached and later walked on Grimsey, we were struck with the island’s simple yet intricate shape. Gentle grassy uplands dominate the top of the island, only yielding to the sheer rocky cliffs that drop down to meet the sea. Exploring was easy thanks to the fields. The only inconvenience was a colony of arctic terns that seemed to take great enjoyment in pretending they were protecting their nests. 

Atlantic Puffins

The cliffs are prime nesting ground for various types of birds including our favorite, puffins. Rarely have we gotten a close look at their exotic beaks and plumage until we walked along Grimsey’s bird cliffs. Here they were less timid, we almost thought we were going to accidentally step on them as we walked past. Their density was incredible, a sight we will never forget.

For more photos please click on Grimsey Album.