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.
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
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.