See the full description on my new website: www.wildernesscoffee-naturalhigh.com → The walking track to Eldfell – The Fiery Mountain.
The walk to the top of Eldfell is the one every visitor to Heimaey wants to do. It’s that famous volcano that spectacularly erupted out of nowhere in January 1973. The track is easily accessible, with incredible views everywhere you look. From the top you can gawk onto the impressive lava flow that was furiously roiling & boiling only a few decades ago, and single-handedly enlarged the island by several square kilometers.
The harbour entrance of Heimaey, between towering cliffs and the huge lava flows from Eldfell.
This is a short summary. See the full description & more pictures on The walking track to Eldfell – The Fiery Mountain.
The eruption almost devastated the island, causing the entire population to evacuate overnight. But the intimidating lava flow that nearly closed off the harbour also created a new & improved version, making it even better and more sheltered than it was before.
Meandering paths across the lava field
There are various paths across the lava field, with memorial signposts with the names of the streets that are now buried 30 to 60 meters below the lava.
Track through the lava field, with the towering shape of Heimaklettur in the background. It’s incredibly beautiful, but intimidating at the same time…
View to that other famous volcano, across the sea on the mainland.
At the end of the colourful top ridge you can find some steamholes still emanating heat from below. In wintertime, when Eldfell has been snowed upon, you can see exactly where it’s still warm on the top ;-) And yes, you might catch some northern lights too…!
Nowadays, Eldfell occasionally still erupts a rainbow ;-)
Other tracks
Want to explore more of these spectacular views? Here you can find a variety of walking tracks around Heimaey. The biggest challenge is choosing just one…
Read how to travel to Vestmannaeyjar in this article.
(c) Nancy Claus – Wilderness Coffee & Natural High
Follow the Wilderness Coffee & Natural High page on Facebook for more stories and updates.
Wilderness Coffee with a view ;-)
More stories & inspiration
Dalalæða – Spectacular waterfalls of fog
Ode to the mountains! – The magic of Mount Taranaki
Hawaii – Volcanic fields of fire
El Hierro – A volcanic hotspot underneath the sea
Etna – Vigorously steaming from all its craters
Wilderness Coffee & Natural High 
Great story and pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Peter! It is a very photogenic place too :-)
LikeLike
Nice blog. I was working on the West manna Islands 2 years after the eruption and loved it ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bragi! The aftermath of the eruption must have been still very visible at that time… How long were you there? Good luck with your adventures on the road! ;-)
LikeLike