Surtsey Island

Black, virtually plantless and somewhat sinister is 2.5sq km/1sq mi Surtsey, Vestmannaeyjar's youngest island. It first emerged from the ocean during a volcanic eruption which lasted from 1963 till 1967.

Heimaey residents 18 km/11mi away watched its birth, which at one point created a column of ash and steam 6km/3.7mi high.

Surtsey is off-limits to travelers although cruise-ships sail by at close range.