A red, conical volcano on Heimaey island that erupted without warning in 1973, burying hundreds of houses under lava and ash and forcing the midnight evacuation of the entire population.
Story & Legend
On the night of January 23, 1973, a fissure tore open just meters from the sleeping town of Heimaey. In a miraculous stroke of luck, a severe storm the previous day meant the entire fishing fleet was safely docked in the harbor. These boats successfully evacuated all 5,300 residents to the mainland in the dead of night, with only one casualty.
Geology & Science
Eldfell ('Hill of Fire') is a spectacular, young cinder cone that added over 2 square kilometers of new land to the island. The eruption poured a massive wall of ʻaʻā lava towards the town and the vital harbor. In an unprecedented engineering feat, Icelanders pumped millions of tons of cold seawater onto the advancing lava front, successfully halting it and saving the harbor.
Safety
The hike to the summit of Eldfell is relatively short (about 200 vertical meters) but steep, and the loose, red volcanic scoria makes it slippery. Stay on the marked paths. Do not wander onto unmarked lava fields, as there are still deep, dangerous fissures hidden among the rocks.
Photo Tip
When you reach the summit, the view is a stark contrast of colors: the deep red and black of the fresh volcanic crater, the bright green roofs of the surviving town below, and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island.
Insider Tip
Before doing the hike, visit the Eldheimar Museum at the base of the volcano. It is built directly over the excavated ruins of a house buried in the 1973 eruption. Also, dig your hands a few inches into the red scoria near the summit—the ground is still hot to the touch, over 50 years later!
Best Time to Visit
May to September, when the ferry crossings are calmest.
What to Bring
Good grip hiking shoes for the loose gravel, and a windbreaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Eldfell volcano?
Eldfell is located on Heimaey in the Westman Islands. You must take the Herjólfur ferry from the Landeyjahöfn terminal on the South Coast (a 35-minute crossing). You can hike to the volcano directly from the island's harbor.
Is Eldfell still an active volcano?
Yes, it is part of the active Vestmannaeyjar volcanic system, though it is currently dormant. You can still feel geothermal heat venting from cracks near the summit.
