Arctic Circle & diplomas
The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at its northern most point, on the island Grímsey which is a part of the town Akureyri.
The Arctic Circle is the southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun remains constantly above or below the horizon for 24 hours (at the solstice in June and December). North of the Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for constant 24 hours once per year. This happens on the 21.st of June making the sun even visible at midnight. On the other hand the sun stays totally out of sight on the 21.st of December, as the sun stays below the horizon for 24 continuous hours.
The position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed as it moves about 15 cm pro year as a part of fluctuations taking a cycle of about 40.000 years. In many places the position of the Arctic Circle is though made fixed by 66°33’ N. Currently the Arctic Circle is now at 66°33.5’N at Grímsey, north of the airport terminal in Grímsey.
Diploma
All visitors arriving on organized package tours with Norlandair/Air Iceland to Grímsey receive a diploma stating that they have crossed the Arctic Circle – free of charge.
Other visitors can purchase a diploma in the local gift-store “Gallerí Sól”. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday during summer. During other times pre-reserve your diploma by phone (+354) 4673190 / (+354) 4673156 or by email: gullsol@visir.is.
