Stay in Grímsey

  We had a blast meeting and hiking with Karen. She was knowledgeable and kind, as well as very patient. She gave us a fantastic tour of the beautiful Grimsey Island... read more and generously shared insights about life there. She also gave us a great recommendation for a lagoon in Akureyri. We are so glad we visited!!

  It is a long way by ferry to Grimsey and then you are met by Halla. Knowledgeable, personable and seemingly indefatigable. What was a very wet, very windy and... read more quite cold (weather forecast said zero centigrade with wind chill) was put to one side with what turned out to be a personalised tour for two. She took us to the places we'd thought we'd like to go to and was a font of knowledge about the island and lifestyle. We wouldn't have done half what we did without her. Were we ever considering a return we would look no further. Many thanks Halla.

  I can’t recommend this experience enough. Halla is incredible; warm, knowledgeable, funny, charming - you want to be her friend, and this tour gives you that privilege for a precious... read more few hours.

We went off season, which we were really grateful for. We got to see the island in all its bleak beauty. It’s an uniquely special place (we’re now seriously considering buying a second home there at some point!). You feel like you’re on the edge of the world, but it made me feel connected with life and the planet in a way that I rarely get to experience in my day to day existence.

Halla met us off the ferry, took us to see the Orb (a short but gorgeous drive/walk) and then took us on a little tour of the island, including some houses that might come up for sale!

It’s a genuine community; people rely on each other to get through daily life. When Halla’s car broke down, her lovely nephew came to pick us up and we finished the tour with him, before they saw us safely back to the ferry.

The ferry ride itself is quite long, but comfortable and worth it; it feels like an experience in its own right and it’s incredible to see the north Icelandic coast from the boat.

I couldn’t recommend this experience highly enough. Worth every single penny and we’ll definitely do it again in the summer season to see Grimsey in a new light.

  Images from the company Instagram account show no consideration for the welfare of the wildlife they “show you”. The Puffins are in clear distress and promoting the hunting of Guillemot... read more eggs for human consumption is disgraceful, in a modern age when seabirds are facing extinction. Shame on you.

  I loved the tour I took with Arctic Trip.
There is so much to discover and learn about Grimsey and Halla is a knowledgable and friendly and fun guide.
Highly... read more recommend to take a tour!

  I loved the tour I took with Arctic Trip. There is so much to discover and learn about Grimsey and Halla is a knowledgable and friendly and fun guide. Highly... read more recommend to take a tour!

  Crossing the Arctic Circle was on my bucket list - so my wife arranged a trip to Grimsey as part of our Iceland voyage

The experience is nothing... read more short of amazing. Hella picked us up from the airport and took us to her cozy guesthouse. The place is very clean and she provided tasty continental breakfast, snacks and coffee throughout our stay.
Hella perfectly planned our time (we had about day and a half): we went to the cirlce marker right away (you can not drive right up to it, so budget for some walking) - and then offered us few hikes to choose to see other things island has to offer - and that is. of course, puffins! You can see them pretty much everywhere but Hella and her friend pointed out the best photo spots. There is literally no question about Grimsey she could not answer.
The most important part, however, is Grimsey is very small - less than 50 permanet residents - so having a local host makes a huge difference! Hella knows everybody on the island - so for our short stay we really felt like part of the community.
From learning the history of every building, to making reservation at the island's only restaurant (don't miss it!) to knowing the hours of the convenience store - local host is a must.
Our 5 year old really enjoyed the experience too - and established an instant bond with Hella and her friend.

Few random suggestions:
- we flew to the island and took the ferry back - this is a good combo - the views on the flight are amazing and you get to spend more time.
- spend a night there - not only to hedge your bets with weather - but it also gives you chance to truly enjoy midnight sun and sample local restaurant
- if you have time in the evening - visit island pool - there is something surreal about swimming in a real indoor pool on an island with a population of less than 100
- Hella is setting up a scuba diving operation - see puffins underwater. Be prepared to wear dry suit.

Well... I am already looking forward to going back to Grimsey

  Crossing the Arctic Circle was on my bucket list - so my wife arranged a trip to Grimsey as part of our Iceland voyage The experience is nothing... read more short of amazing. Hella picked us up from the airport and took us to her cozy guesthouse. The place is very clean and she provided tasty continental breakfast, snacks and coffee throughout our stay. Hella perfectly planned our time (we had about day and a half): we went to the cirlce marker right away (you can not drive right up to it, so budget for some walking) - and then offered us few hikes to choose to see other things island has to offer - and that is. of course, puffins! You can see them pretty much everywhere but Hella and her friend pointed out the best photo spots. There is literally no question about Grimsey she could not answer. The most important part, however, is Grimsey is very small - less than 50 permanet residents - so having a local host makes a huge difference! Hella knows everybody on the island - so for our short stay we really felt like part of the community. From learning the history of every building, to making reservation at the island's only restaurant (don't miss it!) to knowing the hours of the convenience store - local host is a must. Our 5 year old really enjoyed the experience too - and established an instant bond with Hella and her friend. Few random suggestions: - we flew to the island and took the ferry back - this is a good combo - the views on the flight are amazing and you get to spend more time. - spend a night there - not only to hedge your bets with weather - but it also gives you chance to truly enjoy midnight sun and sample local restaurant - if you have time in the evening - visit island pool - there is something surreal about swimming in a real indoor pool on an island with a population of less than 100 - Hella is setting up a scuba diving operation - see puffins underwater. Be prepared to wear dry suit. Well... I am already looking forward to going back to Grimsey …

  We were met by Hella off the boat from Dalvik. Her smile told us we would have an enjoyable trip. As there was only myself and my wife we were... read more treated to a 4x4 vehicle and the added bonus of Hella's sister who drove the more difficult part of the island's tracks. Before we started touring the island we were taken to a restaurant where we had a delicious bowl of asparagas soup and bread. During the tour Hella's warmth was obvious. Her knowledge she passed on to us about the Island, it's people and animals was amazing. She took us to the place where the Arctic circle passed through the island as well as the best places to see puffins and Arctic terns. She even opened the roof to attract the terns diving bombing. Although about three hours long the tour ended all too quickly. A wonderful way to engage with Icelanders. Thank you Hella. …

  We were met by Hella off the boat from Dalvik. Her smile told us we would have an enjoyable trip. As there was only myself and my wife we were... read more treated to a 4x4 vehicle and the added bonus of Hella's sister who drove the more difficult part of the island's tracks. Before we started touring the island we were taken to a restaurant where we had a delicious bowl of asparagas soup and bread. During the tour Hella's warmth was obvious. Her knowledge she passed on to us about the Island, it's people and animals was amazing. She took us to the place where the Arctic circle passed through the island as well as the best places to see puffins and Arctic terns. She even opened the roof to attract the terns diving bombing. Although about three hours long the tour ended all too quickly. A wonderful way to engage with Icelanders. Thank you Hella.