Hey Lykkers! Ever heard of a place where the birds are more famous than the people?
Welcome to Grímsey, a tiny island just off the northern coast of Iceland, where puffins rule the cliffs, skies, and hearts of visitors every summer. If you’ve never met a puffin before, trust us—these little guys are the real-life cartoon characters you didn’t know you needed in your life.
So grab your binoculars and your sense of adventure—we’re flying north (well, not literally) to explore puffin paradise!
Grímsey is more than just a dot on the map. It’s Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island, perched right on the Arctic Circle. That means you can stand with one foot in the Arctic, which is already pretty cool—but wait until you meet the locals.
Each summer, over 100,000 puffins call Grímsey home. With grassy cliffs, wide skies, and endless sea views, it’s like a 5-star resort for seabirds. And the best part? You can walk right up (respectfully, of course) and watch them go about their business—diving for fish, waddling around, and showing off those rainbow-colored beaks.
Let’s talk about these adorable birds for a sec. Here’s why puffins are so beloved—and kinda amazing:
They’re expert swimmers: Puffins flap their wings underwater like little torpedoes and can dive over 200 feet deep.
High-speed flyers: Those tiny wings flap up to 400 times per minute so they can zoom through the air at 55 mph.
Loyal partners: Puffins often mate for life and return to the same nesting spot each year.
Puffling alert: Baby puffins are called “pufflings,” and yes, the name is as cute as they are.
That beak, though: Their bright beaks aren’t just pretty—they help attract mates during the breeding season and even fade to gray in winter.
Locals on Grímsey still tell the tale of “Lundi,” a bold puffin who wandered off the cliffs and made a habit of strolling around the airstrip. Tourists adored him. Kids would dress like puffins to reenact his adventures, and somehow, Lundi became a symbol of the island’s quirky charm. Whether the story is true or puffin legend, it shows just how much people love these birds.
So Lykkers, if you're dreaming of a place where the sky meets the sea—and the cliffs are filled with puffin magic—Grímsey is calling your name. It’s wild, wonderful, and just a little bit weird (in the best way). Let me know if you want more Iceland travel ideas or puffin-packed plans!