A volcanic crater created overnight during the 1973 Westman Islands eruption that buried a third of Heimaey town and nearly claimed the island's harbor. Visitors can hike to the still-warm summit for commanding views over the archipelago, the Atlantic, and the buried town below. The eruption story is told at the nearby Eldheimar museum.
Eldfell is a volcanic cone that did not exist before January 1973, when a fissure opened without warning on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, forcing the overnight evacuation of the entire population of around 5,300 people. The eruption continued for five months, burying roughly a third of the town beneath lava and ash and nearly closing off the harbor that the local fishing economy depended on, before residents pumped seawater onto the advancing lava to halt its flow and save the port. Today a marked trail leads to the summit in about 30 minutes over loose volcanic rock and ash, reaching a viewpoint over the harbor, the rest of the archipelago, and the buried neighborhoods below, some of which have since been excavated as part of an ongoing archaeological project nicknamed the Pompeii of the North. In several spots near the summit, the ground remains geothermally warm decades later, noticeable by digging a few centimeters into the soil. The nearby Eldheimar museum, built around one excavated house, tells the eruption story in detail and is a natural complement to the hike. A full visit combining the museum and the summit hike takes about two to three hours.
| Admission | $0 (free) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24/7 |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Morning |
| Getting there | Bus tour |
| Address | Eldfell, 900 Vestmannaeyjar |
Good to know
- Best for
- hikers, history buffs, photographers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Eldfell, 900 Vestmannaeyjar
63.4275, -20.2464 View on map
Highlights
- Volcanic cone formed overnight in the 1973 eruption
- Summit views over the harbor and buried town
- Ground still geothermally warm near the summit
- Ongoing excavation of buildings buried by ash
- Eldheimar museum telling the eruption's story
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Eldheimar museum which tells the dramatic 1973 eruption story
- The summit trail takes about 30 minutes and requires sturdy footwear
- Soil near the summit can still be warm – dig a few centimeters and feel the heat
- Ferries to Heimaey depart from Landeyjahöfn harbor on the south coast
When to visit
Visit in summer when ferry schedules are most frequent and the trail conditions are driest.
Accessibility
The summit trail crosses loose volcanic ash and rock with no paved surface, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs; the Eldheimar museum itself is step-free.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Eldfell take?
About 30 minutes each way to hike to the summit, or two to three hours combined with the Eldheimar museum.
Is Eldfell worth it for kids?
Yes, the story of the eruption and evacuation is dramatic and engaging for children, though the loose volcanic ash on the trail requires sturdy shoes.
Is photography allowed on the summit trail?
Photography is unrestricted, and the summit gives a wide view over both the harbor and the excavated ash-buried neighborhoods.
How do visitors reach Heimaey to see Eldfell?
A car and passenger ferry runs from Landeyjahöfn on the south coast, with a crossing time of around 35-45 minutes.