Last updated: July 10, 2026

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður is a bird island off Strandir in the Westfjords, close to Drangsnes and Hólmavík. It should not be confused with the Arctic Circle island Grímsey north of Iceland.

This is a quieter, more regional nature stop: useful for travellers exploring Strandir, fjords, birdlife and the slower Westfjords coastline.

Quick guide to Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Coordinates 65.687839,-21.384841
Location Steingrímsfjörður in Strandir, North-West Iceland, near Drangsnes and Hólmavík
Best for Birdlife, quiet fjord scenery, Strandir route planning, Hólmavík base days and Westfjords slow travel
Nearby places Hólmavík, Drangsnes, Djúpavík, Hornstrandir and Reykhólar
Typical visit time Short viewpoint stop unless you are using local boat access or a specialist bird plan
Best season Summer for birdlife and easier Westfjords driving
Good to know This is a remote regional island reference, not the Arctic Circle Grímsey. Use Hólmavík and Strandir route planning.

What is Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður?

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður is an island in the Strandir region of the Westfjords. It is known mainly for birdlife, fjord scenery and its position close to Drangsnes and Hólmavík.

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður works best when it is planned as part of a practical island route, not as an isolated map pin.

Why visit Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður?

It is best for travellers already exploring Strandir who want a quieter coastal nature stop. The value is not big infrastructure; it is the landscape context, birdlife and the way it fits into a slower Westfjords route.

How to visit Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Use Hólmavík or Drangsnes as your base and build the island into a wider Strandir day. If you want a bookable activity nearby, whale watching from Hólmavík is the strongest fit.

Tours near Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður pairs best with tours that match the real access pattern: ferry routes, local island activities, nearby sea-life tours or wider regional day tours.

Places near Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Towns and villages near Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Suggested itinerary ideas

Short Strandir stop

Use Hólmavík or Drangsnes as the base, view the island as part of a quiet Steingrímsfjörður loop and keep the day flexible.

Hólmavík activity day

Pair the fjord with whale watching from Hólmavík and local coastal viewpoints.

Longer Westfjords route

Continue toward Djúpavík or build a slower southbound route through Reykhólar.

FAQ about Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður

Is Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður the same as Grímsey by the Arctic Circle?

No. This island is in Strandir in the Westfjords. The Arctic Circle Grímsey is a different island north of mainland Iceland.

Is Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður worth visiting?

Yes if you are already exploring Strandir and enjoy quiet fjord scenery, birdlife and remote coastal stops. It is not usually a standalone reason to travel across Iceland.

What tours work nearby?

The best nearby tour fit is Westfjords and Hólmavík based:

  1. Whale Watching Hólmavík Westfjords for the strongest local activity.
  2. Grand West for a broader Westfjords route.
  3. Calm Water Kayaking if you want a quiet fjord-style activity elsewhere in the Westfjords.

Where is Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður?

It is in Steingrímsfjörður in the Strandir region, near Drangsnes and Hólmavík.

What is the best base?

Hólmavík is the most practical service base, while Drangsnes is useful for a quieter coastal stay.

Is it good for birdwatching?

Yes, birdlife is one of the main reasons to include the island in a Strandir route, especially in summer.

Can you visit in winter?

You can travel in the region in winter, but road, daylight and weather conditions matter much more than in summer.

What should you combine it with?

Combine it with Hólmavík, Drangsnes, Djúpavík and a slower Strandir coastal route.

Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður map and island planning

Plan Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður with verified coordinates, nearby places, tour links and realistic timing.