Heimaey, the largest island of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago in Iceland, spans an area of 13km² and stands as the sole inhabited island. These islands, including Heimaey, owe their existence entirely to volcanic pastimes.
Heimaey boasts a rich and captivating record, making it a destination really worth venturing to. One of the most awe-inspiring reviews on Heimaey is about circumnavigating the volcano from its summit. This volcano was famous for its big eruption in 1973 and offers a high-quality journey. From overdue May to mid-August, one must now not miss the opportunity to witness the incredible spectacle of 800 million puffins, charming little birds akin to penguins with colorful beaks.
Heimaey no longer serves as an everlasting image of Icelandic history. However, it also keeps captivating scientists and traffic from all corners of the globe due to its geological wonders. It stands as an absolutely unique natural phenomenon. Walking upon its soil, you may in no way forget about the profoundness of the instant!
Map of Heimaey Island
| Name | Heimaey |
| Country | Iceland |
| Constituency | South Constituency |
| Coordinates | 63°26′N 20°16′W |
| Area | 13.4 km2 (5.2 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +0 |
| Population | 4,500 |
| Airport | Vestmannaeyjar Airport (VEY) |
History of Heimaey Island
Suppose historical evidence proves that the discovery of Heimaey Island can be traced back to the Middle Ages (with the ruins of the island's first farm dating back to the ninth or tenth century) and limitless events that disrupted its maritime tranquility, specifically throughout the era of piracy. In that case, Heimaey Island sticks out in its modern records.
In 1973, a volcanic eruption devastated almost half of the town and reshaped the contours of the island, taking pictures the eye of headlines. In order to salvage their livelihoods, the island's 5,200 population bravely fought against the lava glide by injecting seawater into its direction and diverting it far from the harbor. This eruption also brought about a 15% increase in the island's surface area. It is not any surprise that many of the most high-quality aspects of Heimaey Island are intertwined with this volcanic eruption. However, the island's appeal extends a long way beyond the events of January 23, 1973.
Indeed, on the night of January 23, 1973, a volcano got here into lifestyle. More precisely, it became a novel basaltic volcano that emerged underground just a stone's throw away from the village and persevered to erupt until the very last days of June of the same 12 months.
Due to the excessive population density of the island, 5,200 people representing the island's residents were evacuated through 70 trawlers and airplanes. One existence changed into lost, and three hundred houses have been destroyed. A vast variety of the population never lower back to reside on the island.
During the volcanic eruption, 500 people remained on the island, serving as firefighters or rescue personnel to mitigate the losses as much as possible. It took numerous months for the lava glide to amplify, resulting in a considerable boom in the floor location of Heimaey Island. Firefighters applied 47 jetting hearth pumps to control and restrict the leakage, thereby preventing the lava from permanently blocking off the harbor.
5 Must-do Things on Heimaey Island
Visiting Two Volcanos
These two volcanoes are named Helgafell (226 m) and Eldfell (221 m), and their handiest commonality lies in their proximity. The former has shown no signs and symptoms of pastime for the past 6000 years. The latter erupted in 1973 and has become a visitor enchantment in Heimaey.
From the summit, you could behold the whole lot of the island, consisting of the additional rectangular kilometers left behind by the volcanic eruption. The main route to the 221-meter high height is quite convenient, and those craters function as super vantage points. They are in near proximity to each other, allowing for a handy ascent to respect the widespread Atlantic, the southern Icelandic skyline, and different parts of the island stretching out underneath your feet…
You may additionally maintain your exploration of the volcanic region by venturing into the Eldfell lava field, which extends for several hectares to the north of the volcano. Apart from a few sparse moss and plants, the lava remains, in large part, uncovered. Here lies a garden "Gaujulundur" created by a pair in 1985, presenting a stark contrast between the plants within and the encircling landscape. As you traverse the lava field, you may also stumble upon the remnants of old homes.
Visit the city
Heimaey is the only inhabited vicinity in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. While fishing serves as the metropolis's primary riding force, it's also famous for its football membership, which has performed first-rate achievement in national championships. Additionally, the island boasts a well-known golfing route that entices several golf fans.
As you wander the island, you will come upon visitor stores and charming road signs fashioned like puffins! Several museums may be observed on the island:
- The Eldheimar Museum (also called the Pompeii of the North) gives an in-depth account of the 1973 volcanic eruption.
- The Natural History Museum permits you to explore the nearby plants and fauna in conjunction with a small yet quaint aquarium.
- The Museum of Popular Art, located above the local library, provides a profound insight into the island's records.
It is worth noting that Heimaey hosts an annual tune festival, attracting many site visitors who eventually live for some days in this specific enclave that disappears amidst the crashing waves. Indeed an unmissable second!
Storhofði lighthouse and puffin
An adventure to Stórhöfði is an absolute should because it stands among the island's most charming points of interest. This outstanding landmark takes the form of a lighthouse, and ample parking is available in its vicinity.
Yet, it isn't always totally the lighthouse that captivates the senses; it is the exhilarating stroll along the cliffs that definitely enchants. On clear days, the spectacle is virtually stunning.
During the summer time months, one could be surprised at and seize the presence of lots of puffins nesting upon the cliffs. These abundant seabirds epitomize the essence of the island, serving as its true emblem.
The natural surroundings
Suppose we had been to speak of the unmissable highlights of the island of Heimaey. In that case, one cannot forget Heimaklettur, known as the "Home Rock," and the notable rock formation affectionately called the "Elephant Rock." The former stands as a majestic cliff, accomplishing the island's highest point at 283 meters, on hand through a slender route. The latter, a geological wonder, juts out into the ocean, eroded over the years to resemble the head of an elephant, with incredible realism…
As you wander the island, you'll undoubtedly be aware of the considerable presence of puffins. This land serves as a home to over two million people of this like species, frequently called "clowns of the ocean." It is one of the world's most cherished havens for these splendid creatures.
Along the western coast, we traverse a pathway that offers us a sweeping view of Ofanleitishamar, a three-kilometer-length cliff that also serves as a favored spot for puffins. Continuing southward, we arrive at a narrow isthmus that separates the northern part of the island from the Stórhöfði Peninsula, rising to an elevation of 122 meters and regarded for its ambitious Icelandic winds.
Skansinn
As we assign back to the northern part of the island, on the jap facet of the harbor, a sight to behold is the ruins of Skansinn, Iceland's sole castle. Unaffected by the ravages of lava, this citadel stands as a testament to the island's records. Adjacent to it, a charming little church graces the panorama, referred to as the "Háma Wood Church." Its excellent craftsmanship adds a hint of serenity to the surroundings.
Enjoy the view while enjoying the local cuisine
Heimaey is replete with pinnacle-notch dining institutions. For culinary enjoyment coupled with breathtaking vistas, one ought to venture to the harbor. There, an array of restaurants awaits, and due to its proximity to the ferry terminal, it serves as an excellent spot to take pleasure in Icelandic delicacies, whether or not you are departing or have arrived. We tremendously endorse seafood dishes or "plokkfiskur," a traditional Icelandic stew.
It is hard to fathom that Heimaey these days is basically a result of volcanic eruptions. Although the consequences of this event had been full-size, it's far the resilience of its population that definitely units this island apart, making it the terrific place it is nowadays.
How to Get to Heimaey Island
Heimaey Island lies an insignificant 12 kilometers off the southern coast of Iceland; however, reaching its beaches calls for a ferry adventure from Landeyjahöfn, which takes about 40 minutes, or a flight from Reykjavik.
To attain the port of Landeyjahöfn, one ought to flip properly from Route 1 onto the route leading to the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, then onto Route 254. Starting from Hella, the journey spans 60 kilometers or 1 hour and half-hour, or from Reykjavik with a 150-kilometer trip that lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Of course, the ferry ride comes at a value, with adult tickets priced at 1,380 Icelandic Krona. Senior citizens, young adults and college students can avail themselves of discounted fares at 690 Icelandic Krona. Children can alternatively experience free passage (for additional facts, please visit http://visitwestmanislands.com).
Accommodations on Heimaey Island
Choosing accommodation on Heimaey relies upon your possibilities and what you desire to enjoy at some stage in your visit.
The island's municipality - Vestmannaeyjabaer offers various lodging alternatives, consisting of hotels, guesthouses, and flats. Staying in Heimaey gives easy access to eating places, museums, and the harbor.
For a quieter, more secluded atmosphere, don't forget to stay on the northern or eastern coast of Heimaey. These areas provide lovely surroundings, impressive cliffs, and birdwatching opportunities.
The pleasant resort in Heimaey is Hotel Vestmannaeyjar, which is rated 8.8 and has over 473 reviews. The hotel has beautiful rooms with astonishing perspectives, admission to a hot tub and sauna, and proximity to neighborhood attractions. With its wellness center, renowned eating place and ideal area, it's miles the appropriate preference for vacationers searching for luxury and being close to the splendid attractions of this archipelago.
The New Post Office was located in the scenic Heimaey of the Westman Islands in southern Iceland, which gives first-rate one-room and one-bedroom flats. Each apartment features a relaxed kitchenette with a small eating place and a private restroom prepared with a bath. All residences boast a terrace, complimentary Wi-fi and free parking centers.
Luxury Ocean Villas is a stunning and spacious four-bedroom retreat accommodating up to 10 guests. Each guest room exudes elegance, modernity, and luxury, offering breathtaking views, ample storage space and complimentary Wi-fi.
Best Time to Visit Heimaey Island
Heimaey Island falls underneath temperate maritime weather, without a dry season with a quick and funky summer. The average annual temperature on Heimaey stands at 5.2℃, with a mean precipitation of 653.6 millimeters.
The months of May to September during the summer season are the most popular and most efficient times to visit Heimaey. During these months, the weather is usually mild, permitting you to witness the nesting of puffins and interaction in various outdoor sports.
