Surtsey is a volcanic island off the south coast of Iceland in the Vestmannaeyjar group. It lies about 32 kilometres from the south coast. It formed between 1963 and 1967.
How Surtsey rose from the sea
Surtsey formed in a series of eruptions on the seabed between 1963 and 1967, which built the island up above the surface. It is named after Surtur, a fire giant in Norse mythology.
A closed scientific reserve
Surtsey is a strictly protected nature reserve, closed to the public, so scientists can study how life colonises new ground undisturbed. Since it formed, plants, insects, and birds have gradually colonised the new land. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. It cannot be landed on without a research permit, so visitors see it from boats or from the air.
Surtsey and the Westman Islands
Surtsey is in the Vestmannaeyjar group.
Seeing Surtsey and South Coast tours
Surtsey is a volcanic island off the south coast of Iceland. You can compare South Coast tours to see the current options.
Allow time for the road
Check the Driving Distance Calculator when deciding how Surtsey: island formation and access belongs in the rest of your itinerary.
