Heimaey - Eldfell and Helgafell Volcanoes

The high-jinks of Helgafell and Eldfell are Heimaey's main attraction. The lava field newly-created in 1973 covers 3sq km/1.14sq mi and has enlarged the island by 2.1sq km/.8sq mi.

A network of hiking paths can be climbed to the top of newly created Eldfell while investigating the steaming fissures and vents on the way. On the summit are lots of steaming vents and brilliantly colored mineral deposits.

Helgafell, 5,000 years older than neighboring Eldfell, can also be climbed on the south-west slope.