Landing Spotlight – Grytviken

Grytviken is a legendary location on the South Georgia Islands that was home to the largest whaling station in the early 20th century. It is located at the head of King Edward Cove within the larger Cumberland East Bay. Present-day Grytviken features the now-defunct whaling station, its rusted equipment providing shelter for wildlife, as well as a church, a graveyard, a post office and a museum.

The Antarctic fur seal is one of the many wildlife species you can observe during your visit to Grytviken

Historical Significance

The haunting remnants of the whaling station offer a look into the island’s past and provide interesting photography opportunities. Established in 1904, the station operated when marine life was abundant. Whalers quickly reduced whale and seal populations, leading to the station’s closure within 60 years. Fortunately, these populations have recovered significantly after nearly disappearing. The cleaned, corroded ruins of the processing plant are safe for visitors to explore.

The Neo-Gothic church in Grytviken was first built in Norway then erected there in 1913. This beautiful white church is one of the most southernmost churches in the world and people can get married there, though there are rarely services that you can attend. The South Georgia Museum has some wonderful exhibits on Antarctic exploration as well as a life-size replica of the James Caird sailboat. The museum has other exhibits that educate about the Falkland Islands war and the fascinating history of the region. There is also a post office on-site for you to send postcards home.

A visit to Shackleton’s grave is a must-do, and here we respectfully toast the great explorer as well as his right-hand man Frank Wild, whose ashes are buried next to his ‘boss’.

Grytviken, a hamlet on South Georgia

Grytviken Highlights

• Toast Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Wild at the cemetery
• Explore the Neo-Gothic Grytviken church
• Discover the South Georgia Museum, featuring artifacts and historical exhibits
• Hike Shackleton’s path into Grytviken
• Wander the ruins of the old whaling station for photo opportunities
• Spot fur seals, elephant seals, and various penguins among the ruins
• Send a postcard from the post office

King penguins are the second-largest species of penguin