Heimaey Island is situated in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Western islands) located in the southern region of Iceland.

Stop 1: Eldfell Volcano

After a long, arduous journey to the hostel we were warmed and rested, ready to tackle the day another day in Iceland. The day began with an early morning start with a hike up to the Eldfell volcano (220m in height) with less than optimal weather. As the hike continued on we gained altitude and we were exposed to stronger winds and the rain started to sting. Upon reaching the summit the visibility was lacking we ended the trek with a quick photo shoot. After a brief rest we returned to the hostel thoroughly soaked to eat some lunch.

 

Stop 2: Eldheimar (volcano museum)

Looking for a less wet activity we decided to attended the museum Eldheimar. At the museum we learned about the history of Vestmannaeyjar like the 1973 eruption of Eldfell and how the locals fought the oncoming lava flow to save the harbor and in the aftermath of the eruption the tephra that had fallen was then used to increase the surface area for the airport. There was also an exhibit on the formation of a new island Surtsey that came into existence in 1963 that has provided scientists a way to see how plants and fauna begin to inhabit new islands.

Stop 3: Outcrop near soccer field

Here we looked at some upper Pleistocene rocks with steeply dipping beds likely the remnants of an older volcano. My notebook decided it wanted to fly away in the heavy winds the island was experiencing.

Following this we went to the southernmost region of the island and we managed to spot an elusive puffin and experience the windiest part of the island.