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. The climb takes about 20–30 minutes. 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. You can feel warmth through the ground in certain spots, and steam occasionally rises. Visitors have been known to bake bread in the warm ground.

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) or fly from Reykjavik domestic airport (about 25 minutes). The trailhead is a short walk from 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.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

Region

Vestmannaeyjar

Heimaey island. Easy summit hike.

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 last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Check ferry schedules and weather before traveling to Vestmannaeyjar.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Eruption

1973

Five months of eruption threatened the town.

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

Planning help

Eldfell FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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