Heimaey, Iceland

Heimaey is an Icelandic island which lies approximately 7.4km off the south coast of Iceland. It is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, and the largest and most populated Icelandic island outside the main island of Iceland.

Heimay is part of the Westmann Islands and is famous for a volcanic eruption in 1973. The resulting lava flow threatened the entire town. Luckily fishing boats in port where able to evacuate threatened residents. The lava flow was on a course which would close off the narrow channel leading to the island’s port. So it was decided to pump seawater on the molten river to cool down the lava, causing it to harden in its tracks and save the harbor. The eruption increased Heimay’s size by 15 percent. Homes can still be seen submerged in barren lava fields.

Things to See & Do

* Hiking
* Sightseeing
* Eruption site
* Boat trip around Heimay
* Puffins

General Information

Cruise Season – May - Oct
Currency – Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language – Icelandic
Population – 4,500 approx
Area – 13.4 km²
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code + 354

Travel Links - The island is connected to the rest of Iceland by a ferry and Vestmannaeyjar Airport.