Eruption
1973
Five months of eruption threatened the town.
Eldfell Volcano: the 1973 Eruption and Summit Hike
The cinder cone that nearly destroyed Vestmannaeyjar in 1973. Today it is a climbable summit with warm ground and views across the island.
Region
Vestmannaeyjar
Heimaey island. Easy summit hike.
Quick Answer
In the early hours of January 23, 1973, the earth split open just outside the town on Heimaey island. Over the following months, the entire population was evacuated as lava advanced toward the harbor, the island's economic lifeline. Residents pumped seawater onto the lava front, cooling and diverting it enough to save the harbor. Eldfell is now a 200-meter cinder cone that visitors can climb.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Check ferry schedules and weather before traveling to Vestmannaeyjar.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Summit hike
20–30 minutes
Warm ground and panoramic island views.
Access
Ferry or flight
30-min ferry from Landeyjahöfn or flight.
What to Expect at Eldfell
- Cinder cone classification: 200 m scoria cone formed entirely during the 1973 eruption (VEI 3)
- 1973 eruption (Jan 23 - Jul 3): fissure opened 200 m from town; 5,300 residents evacuated overnight
- Residents fought advancing lava with seawater pumps; 6 million tons of water saved the harbor entrance
- Red and black cinder slopes with residual heat patches: ground temperatures still 50-70°C in places
- Short 20-30 minute hike to the 200 m summit with 360-degree views of Heimaey and the archipelago
- Lava field (Eldfellshraun) buried ~400 homes and added 2.2 km² of new land to the island
- Visitors can see layered tephra deposits, volcanic bombs, and the contrast between old and new lava
Nearby Attractions
- Eldheimar museum (Pompeii of the North)
- Stafkirkjan stave church replica
- Puffin colonies on Heimaey cliffs
- Sprangan cliff-climbing ropes at Herjólfsdalur
- Vestmannaeyjar harbor boat tours
- Sæheimar aquarium and natural history museum
How to Get There
- Take the Herjolfur ferry from Landeyjahofn (30 min) or fly from Reykjavik domestic airport (25 min)
- Landeyjahofn is off Route 1 in south Iceland (~130 km from Reykjavik)
- From Heimaey harbor, the Eldfell trailhead is a 10-minute walk through town
- No car needed on Heimaey for Eldfell: the island is walkable; bikes and golf carts available for rent
- The trail is unmaintained loose scoria but well-trodden; sturdy footwear recommended
- Combine with Eldheimar museum (5-minute walk from trailhead) for full eruption context
Best Time to Visit
- Year-round: Eldfell is hikeable in all seasons; warm ground patches noticeable even in winter
- May to August: puffin nesting season on the Heimaey cliffs
- June to August: warmest months with longest daylight; best for summit views and photography
- Ferry runs year-round; winter crossings may depart from Thorlakshofn if Landeyjahofn seas are rough
- Early August: Thjodhatid festival on Heimaey; book accommodation and ferry well in advance
- Shoulder months (April-May, September): fewer visitors, still good hiking conditions
Look at the eruption through contemporary photographs
In its July 1, 2026 news item, Eldheimar introduced photographs taken by geologist Bessi Aðalsteinsson during eruption-watch duties in March 1973. They offer a contemporary record to compare with the town and volcanic landscape visible today.
Use the museum for the evacuation and rebuilding story, then decide whether weather and footing suit a separate Eldfell walk. The museum visit does not require climbing the cone, and a summit visit is not a reason to dig into warm ground or test it with your hands.
Planning help
Eldfell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What happened during the 1973 Eldfell eruption?
On January 23, 1973, a fissure opened just 200 meters from the town of Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey island. Over five months, lava threatened to close the harbor and bury the town. Residents were evacuated overnight and later fought the advancing lava with seawater pumps.
Can you climb Eldfell?
Yes, you can hike to the summit of Eldfell. Allow time for the actual route from your starting point, the descent and the conditions. From the top you can see Heimaey, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. The ground is still warm in places near the top.
Is the ground still warm on Eldfell?
Yes, some areas near the summit still have residual heat from the 1973 eruption. Do not dig, touch hot ground or enter fenced areas to investigate residual heat.
What is the Eldheimar museum?
Eldheimar (Pompeii of the North) is a museum in Vestmannaeyjar built around a house excavated from the 1973 lava and ash. It tells the story of the eruption and evacuation through interactive exhibits and personal accounts.
How do you get to Eldfell?
Eldfell is on Heimaey island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Take the Landeyjahöfn ferry (30 minutes) after confirming the actual departure port and timetable. The trailhead is a short walk from town.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.