Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Volcanic Island off the South Coast

The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are a group of 15 islands and 30 rock spires off the south coast — only one of which is inhabited: Heimaey (4,500 inhabitants). The islands are of volcanic origin and experienced two of the most dramatic natural events of the 20th century:

The 1973 Eruption

On January 23, 1973, a 1.5 km long eruption fissure opened in the middle of the night on the edge of the town on Heimaey. Lava fountains shot into the sky, and a lava flow began to bury the harbor — the lifeline of the fishing community. The entire population (5,300 people) was evacuated to the mainland within a few hours by boat — a logistical masterpiece.

Then came the most ingenious idea in the history of volcano fighting: The Icelanders pumped 6.3 billion liters of seawater onto the advancing lava to cool it and divert the lava flow. It worked! The harbor was saved — and today, thanks to the solidified lava, it is even better protected than before the eruption. 400 houses were buried under lava and ash, but the town was rebuilt. The Eldheimar Museum shows an excavated house under the ash — Iceland's "Pompeii".

Surtsey — The Newest Island in the World

Off the coast of the Westman Islands, the island of Surtsey was formed by an underwater eruption from 1963–1967 — the youngest island on Earth. Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural laboratory: Scientists observe how life colonizes a completely new island. Entry is strictly prohibited — only researchers with special permission are allowed on land.

Puffin Paradise

The Westman Islands are home to the largest puffin colony in the world. In August, when the young puffins (Pysja) fly for the first time, they regularly get lost in the town, attracted by the streetlights. The children of Heimaey then collect them and bring them to the cliffs the next morning, where they are released into freedom — the Puffin Patrol, one of Iceland's most heartwarming traditions.

Getting There

Ferry Herjólfur from Landeyjahöfn (on the south coast, near Seljalandsfoss): 35 minutes, approx. 1,700 ISK (11€) per person. Also possible with a car. In winter, during storms, the ferry is redirected to Þorlákshöfn (2.5h crossing). Alternatively: Flight from Reykjavík (20 min.).