Grimsey is an island located in the northern part of Iceland, known for its unique phenomenon. While most islands in the world experience regular day and night cycles, Grimsey is an exception. Typically, nightfall occurs around 7:00 PM local time, but on Grimsey, the island is bathed in sunlight, whether it’s midnight or 1 AM. All of these phenomena are closely tied to Grimsey’s geographic location.
Situated 40 km off the northern coast of Iceland, Grimsey is within the Arctic Circle. Any region close to the Arctic Circle is known as ‘land of the midnight sun,’ including areas in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Nunavut, and several others. This occurrence is also referred to as the ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon, where the sun remains visible at midnight in the local time, especially during clear summer months in the northern part of the Arctic Circle.
During the summer season, Grimsey experiences 24 hours of continuous sunlight. The absence of nighttime on Grimsey has some side effects on the human body. The extended daylight hours can disrupt human sleep patterns, making it challenging to regulate sleep. Furthermore, the lack of nighttime during the summer in Grimsey can lead to mood disturbances, fatigue, and even cognitive disorientation.
Despite the absence of night, this 5 square kilometer island is home to nearly 100 people. The residents primarily rely on agriculture and fishing for their livelihood. However, some also depend on tourism. This small settlement has various facilities to welcome tourists, including cafes, a small airport connecting to the town center, a small harbor, a school, and a community center.
Typically, Grimsey is visited by tourists interested in exploring the Arctic Circle and experiencing the beauty of puffin birds that nest along the cliffs on Grimsey’s coastline. Grimsey is known as an ideal habitat for puffins due to the abundant food supply and the limited presence of predators such as rats and minks, ensuring the safety of puffin nesting.
Grimsey has a unique history and legend. It is said to have been discovered and initially inhabited by a farmer named Grimor from Norway. At that time, the island was inhabited by giants and trolls, which Grimor reportedly defeated, taking one of their daughters as his replacement.
That’s a brief glimpse into Grimsey, where the sun shines 24 hours a day. It’s important to note that this phenomenon doesn’t occur throughout the year but only during specific summer months.”
