Port information & tips for Grímsey
Grímsey is Iceland's northernmost inhabited jewel and fascinates as the only region of the country with its spectacular location directly on the Arctic Circle. The remote island impresses with its dramatic basalt cliffs, incomparable peace, and the authentic atmosphere of a traditional fishing village in the middle of the North Atlantic. Highlights include the striking sculpture Orbis et Globus, which marks the exact course of the Arctic Circle, as well as the impressive colonies of puffins on the steep coastal walls. Smaller expedition ships dock directly at the central pier in the harbour of Sandvík, while larger liners anchor and bring guests to the harbour via short tender rides, from where all the sights of the compact island are easily accessible on foot.
Grímsey is a small, remote island in the North Atlantic and the only part of Iceland that crosses the Arctic Circle. Cruise ships calling at Grímsey are usually smaller expedition ships that take passengers to Sandvík Harbour Pier by tender boat. There is no classic terminal structure with direct road or rail connections on the island; travel from the DACH region generally requires several stages to reach the departure points on the Icelandic mainland.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, the journey usually begins with an international flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík. From there, a connecting flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri Airport (AEY) in northern Iceland is recommended. The domestic flight takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are seasonal direct flights from European cities to Akureyri (AEY). Akureyri is only about 3-4 kilometers from the city center. From Akureyri Airport, you can also fly directly to Grímsey (GRY) with Norlandair; the flight time is around 30-45 minutes. Due to the long journey, it is advisable to arrive in Akureyri at least one day before the planned embarkation.
Ferry & Onward Travel
The alternative to a domestic flight to Grímsey is the ferry connection with the "Sæfari" from Dalvík, a port town about 40-45 kilometers north of Akureyri. The ferry journey takes around three hours and is offered three to five times a week, depending on the season. From Akureyri, you can easily reach Dalvík by rental car via Route 82 in about 35-40 minutes. There are also bus connections (Strætó line 78) which take about 35 minutes; however, please note that the bus stop in Dalvík requires a 10-15 minute walk to the ferry pier. Ferry tickets should be booked online in advance, especially in the summer months.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transfers
Due to the multi-stage journey and the remote location of Grímsey, an overnight stay on the Icelandic mainland – ideally in Akureyri or Dalvík – is strongly recommended before traveling on to the island. This minimizes stress and provides a buffer for possible travel delays. There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in Akureyri. From Akureyri Airport, you can reach the city center by taxi in about 4 minutes or by public bus in about 9 minutes. Private transfer services are also available. Taxis or hotel-organized shuttles are available for the trip to Dalvík or Akureyri Airport. Long-term parking for cars can be found in Akureyri or near the ferry pier in Dalvík if required.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually around one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Grímsey is a small, remote island in the North Atlantic and the only part of Iceland that crosses the Arctic Circle. Cruise ships calling at Grímsey are usually smaller expedition ships that take passengers to Sandvík Harbour Pier by tender boat. There is no classic terminal structure with direct road or rail connections on the island; travel from the DACH region generally requires several stages to reach the departure points on the Icelandic mainland.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, the journey usually begins with an international flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavík. From there, a connecting flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri Airport (AEY) in northern Iceland is recommended. The domestic flight takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, there are seasonal direct flights from European cities to Akureyri (AEY). Akureyri is only about 3-4 kilometers from the city center. From Akureyri Airport, you can also fly directly to Grímsey (GRY) with Norlandair; the flight time is around 30-45 minutes. Due to the long journey, it is advisable to arrive in Akureyri at least one day before the planned embarkation.
Ferry & Onward Travel
The alternative to a domestic flight to Grímsey is the ferry connection with the "Sæfari" from Dalvík, a port town about 40-45 kilometers north of Akureyri. The ferry journey takes around three hours and is offered three to five times a week, depending on the season. From Akureyri, you can easily reach Dalvík by rental car via Route 82 in about 35-40 minutes. There are also bus connections (Strætó line 78) which take about 35 minutes; however, please note that the bus stop in Dalvík requires a 10-15 minute walk to the ferry pier. Ferry tickets should be booked online in advance, especially in the summer months.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Transfers
Due to the multi-stage journey and the remote location of Grímsey, an overnight stay on the Icelandic mainland – ideally in Akureyri or Dalvík – is strongly recommended before traveling on to the island. This minimizes stress and provides a buffer for possible travel delays. There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in Akureyri. From Akureyri Airport, you can reach the city center by taxi in about 4 minutes or by public bus in about 9 minutes. Private transfer services are also available. Taxis or hotel-organized shuttles are available for the trip to Dalvík or Akureyri Airport. Long-term parking for cars can be found in Akureyri or near the ferry pier in Dalvík if required.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually around one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Grímsey is located directly in the picturesque village of Sandvík and, thanks to its central location, allows for an uncomplicated start to your shore excursion.
On foot
The center of Sandvík and the immediate surroundings can be easily explored in 5 to 10 minutes on foot. The short distances lead you directly to local cafés, the church, and the impressive bird colonies along the cliffs.
Local shuttles and island tours
Small buses and private providers often wait directly at the pier to take guests to the Arctic Circle monument at the northern end of the island. This convenient option saves time and simultaneously offers interesting insights into the island's flora and fauna.
Ferry Sæfari
The ferry Sæfari regularly connects the port with the mainland port of Dalvík and forms the island's logistical lifeline. This connection ensures reliable accessibility and complements the local transport options in an ideal way.
To make the most of your stay on the remote island of Grímsey, we recommend an exploration on foot, which combines the symbolic crossing of the Arctic Circle with spectacular nature sightings directly on the coast.
Orbis et Globus
This striking work of art marks the exact line of the Arctic Circle and, thanks to its location at the northern tip of the island, offers a unique photo opportunity as well as the special experience of symbolically crossing the threshold to the Arctic.
The Bird Cliffs
The impressive basalt formations on the east side are home to huge colonies of puffins and other seabirds in summer, and the easy-to-walk paths along the cliffs offer fascinating insights into the untouched fauna and wide views over the North Atlantic.
Port of Sandvík
The charming center of the island welcomes visitors directly at the pier with its colorful fishing houses and a small, historic wooden church; at the same time, the protected bay is perfect for a relaxed stroll and offers an authentic insight into life on the edge of the habitable world.
The Arctic Circle Trail to the "Orbis et Globus" Sphere
The island of Grímsey impresses with its unique location directly on the Arctic Circle, and a hike to the prominent "Orbis et Globus" monument represents the cultural and geographical highlight for every cruise guest. The easy-to-walk path begins directly at the harbor of Sandvík and leads you in about thirty to forty minutes along the spectacular cliffs, which are home to numerous puffin colonies during the summer months. Thanks to the manageable size of the island, this experience can be perfectly combined with a visit to the small island church and a stop at the cozy Café Gullsól, where you can also receive your personal Arctic Circle certificate as a souvenir. Ideally, start your excursion immediately after arrival to enjoy the vast views over the North Atlantic in the clear air and return to the pier relaxed and on time before departure.
The way back to the harbor in the fishing village of Sandvík is very straightforward and relaxed on the small island of Grímsey. Since all paths converge in the charming main village, you will always reach your ship safely and on time.
On Foot
On Grímsey, walking is the easiest way to get around, and thanks to the clear paths, you will easily find your way back to the harbor in Sandvík. From the Arctic Circle monument, a clearly visible path leads along the west coast directly to the pier, allowing you to enjoy the views of the cliffs and seabirds during your stroll.
Local Minibuses and Tours
For guests with limited mobility, local minibuses are often available for organized shore excursions, dropping you off conveniently at the harbor quay. Additionally, the few local tour operators usually offer a direct return transfer from sights such as the old church or the lighthouse as part of their excursion packages.
Orientation and Timing
The island's clear structure ensures that the harbor remains well visible from many points, making orientation easy. Plan for a walking time of about 45 to 60 minutes for the return from the northern end of the island to ensure you arrive back at the pier well before departure and can enjoy the Arctic atmosphere until the very end.
