We’ve visited this fascinating and haunting station two times in the past few years to put together this guide on everything you need to know about visiting Grytviken, South Georgia.
As our ship gently cruised into King Edward Cove we were given our first sight of Grytviken, the largest settlement on South Georgia.
Nestled at the base of rising peaks carved out by the glaciers of yesteryear, Grytviken has a formidable appearance, with the rusted metal skeletons of the old whaling station dominating the town.
While the rest of South Georgia’s attractions are focused on the wildlife and landscapes, here it is the history of polar exploration, whaling and war that piques the curiosity of visitors.
With our vessel anchored and the zodiacs ready, we left the ship and made our way into Grytviken.
Don’t miss our complete and detailed guide with all the information you’ll need to travel to South Georgia.
Travel to Grytviken, South Georgia
South Georgia is one of the most remote places on the planet, located in the south Atlantic Ocean close to Antarctica, and fewer than 10’000 people travel here every year.
Almost everybody that visits South Georgia does so with a licensed tour operator, travelling by ship from Ushuaia in Argentina or Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
South Georgia is often combined with an expedition to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, giving travellers 2-3 days to explore the island.
Every single tour that visits South Georgia includes a stopover in Grytviken, the economic and political hub of the island, to officially stamp each guest into the territory and clear customs.
This also offers a perfect opportunity to explore the town, walk around the attractions and learn more about its history.
We first travelled to Grytviken in 2018 on an in-depth South Georgia photography symposium, and again in 2022 leading our own photography tour (running again in 2024), allowing us to spend extra time in the town and around the island.
While most people are focused on the king penguins, elephant seals and sea birds that occupy South Georgia, we found our time spent visiting Grytviken to be one of the most fascinating parts of the entire tour.
Here’s our guide to the history, attractions and sights of Grytviken, South Georgia, and to let you know what to expect on your next visit.
Whaling in Grytviken – A Tragic History
Grytviken was home to the largest…
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