Grímsey - Globus Trail Mixed trail (both hiking and cycling)
A walk that goes all the way around the island, from the northernmost point to the southernmost tip.
With a stop at the Arctic Circle marker, crossing the Arctic Circle, and walking along the sheer cliffs south toward the lighthouse.
Continuing to the basalt column cliffs on the west side of the island, then past the church and back into the village.
More information
Region
Norðurland, Akureyrarbær
Starting point
66.539452, -18.015574 (66° 32.367'N, 18° 0.934'W)
Markings
Sign(s) at the starting point of the trail
Duration
4 - 6 hours
Surface
- Pavement - e.g. asphalt or concrete
- Grass
- Mixed surface - e.g. soil, stones, grass
Obstacles
Aqueduct - A ditch or a chute to divert water
The hiking trail mostly follows an uneven track where puddles often form, with surfaces consisting of gravel, grass, or dirt.
Hazards
- Slippery trail
- Car traffic
- Cyclist traffic
- Horse traffic
Service on the trail
- Restrooms
- Garbage disposal
- Campsite
Í þorpinu og við kirkjuna eru snyrtingar. Tjaldsvæði er í þorpinu og rusladallar, en sorpílát eru einnig á nokkrum stöðum meðfram akveginum þar sem er bundið slitlag.
Lighting
Unilluminated
Period
Open all seasons
A walk that circles the island, from the northernmost point to the southernmost tip. Along the way, there is a stop at the Arctic Circle marker, crossing the Arctic Circle, and walking along steep cliffs south toward the lighthouse. The route continues to the basalt column cliffs on the west side of the island, then past the church and back into the village.
The walk begins at the harbor in the village. From there, head toward the airport and into the parking area by the airstrip. Walk past the hangar and the guesthouse Básar. North of the guesthouse, you can see the old Arctic Circle marker, “the signposts and the bridge.” Continue eastward down to the shore, through grassy heathland until you reach a gravel road. Turn right and follow it up to Básavík, a magnificent cove surrounded by high bird cliffs.
The walk begins at the harbor in the village. From there, head toward the airport and into the parking area by the airstrip. Walk past the hangar and the guesthouse Básar. North of the guesthouse, you can see the old Arctic Circle marker, “the signposts and the bridge.” Continue eastward down to the shore, through grassy heathland until you reach a gravel road. Turn right and follow it up to Básavík, a magnificent cove surrounded by high bird cliffs.
Be careful not to walk too close to the edge, as puffins have burrowed into the banks, making the soil unstable.
Return to the gravel road and continue up the hill, keeping to the road as it runs along the coast north to Fót (Eyjafót). On the way, you will see the new Arctic Circle monument, “ORBIS et GLOBUS” (Circle and Sphere). Continue as far north as you can—at this point, nothing stands between you and the North Pole except the endless sea.
From there, head back up the hill the same way you came. Once you reach the upper part of the island again, take the first track on the left toward the east coast of Grímsey. Follow this track south all the way to the lighthouse at the southern tip of the island. You can take a short detour out onto the rocks at the very southern end of the island, near the lighthouse, where you will find the millennium stone from 1717 (when the Arctic Circle first moved onto the island).
From the lighthouse, walk across the island, following the road for part of the way, then switching to a grassy path through heathland toward the western side. At the southwest corner, there are impressive basalt columns. Follow the coastline until you see the house Borgir, then take the track that runs south of the house and back onto the gravel road leading to the village. Walk past the church and continue into the village, returning to the starting point of the hike.
Return to the gravel road and continue up the hill, keeping to the road as it runs along the coast north to Fót (Eyjafót). On the way, you will see the new Arctic Circle monument, “ORBIS et GLOBUS” (Circle and Sphere). Continue as far north as you can—at this point, nothing stands between you and the North Pole except the endless sea.
From there, head back up the hill the same way you came. Once you reach the upper part of the island again, take the first track on the left toward the east coast of Grímsey. Follow this track south all the way to the lighthouse at the southern tip of the island. You can take a short detour out onto the rocks at the very southern end of the island, near the lighthouse, where you will find the millennium stone from 1717 (when the Arctic Circle first moved onto the island).
From the lighthouse, walk across the island, following the road for part of the way, then switching to a grassy path through heathland toward the western side. At the southwest corner, there are impressive basalt columns. Follow the coastline until you see the house Borgir, then take the track that runs south of the house and back onto the gravel road leading to the village. Walk past the church and continue into the village, returning to the starting point of the hike.