Eldfell is a volcanic cone on the island of Heimaey in the Vestmannaeyjar, the Westman Islands, off the south coast of Iceland. The eruption began without warning on 23 January 1973. The cone rose to about 215 metres high by the end of the eruption.
Eldfell at a glance
The name Eldfell means Fire Mountain. Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island of the Vestmannaeyjar group. Eldfell stands above the town on Heimaey.
The 1973 eruption on Heimaey
The eruption opened a fissure on the eastern side of Heimaey. Almost the whole population was evacuated by fishing boat during the night the eruption began. Heimaey is part of Vestmannaeyjar. The eruption ended in mid-1973.
How the harbour was saved
As lava advanced toward the harbour, seawater was pumped onto it to slow and cool the flow and keep the harbour open.
Climbing Eldfell today
A marked path climbs Eldfell. The path gives views over Heimaey and the other Westman Islands. The ground on the cone stayed warm for years after the eruption.
Visiting Eldfell and South Coast tours
You can compare South Coast tours to see the current options.
Check the timing
The Driving Distance Calculator helps turn a visit to Eldfell: Heimaey's 1973 eruption into a realistic self-drive day.
