Westman Islands Attractions Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is cluster of 45 rocky outcrops and islands off Iceland's southern coast recently affected by volcanic activity.
The island of Heimaey presents a newly formed landscape of lava after the 1973 volcanic eruption. The island of Surtsey emerged from the sea after a volcanic event in 1963.
The area is named "Westman" for Irish slaves who unwittingly became the islands first inhabitants over a thousand years ago. The area is abundant with varied bird-life.
The island of Heimaey presents a newly formed landscape of lava after the 1973 volcanic eruption. The island of Surtsey emerged from the sea after a volcanic event in 1963.
The area is named "Westman" for Irish slaves who unwittingly became the islands first inhabitants over a thousand years ago. The area is abundant with varied bird-life.
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Surtsey Island, Iceland
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.
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.
Vestmannaeyjar Bird-watching
Vestmannaeyjar is a stopover and nesting site for birds, especially sea varieties. An average of 30 species nest in Vestmannaeyjar and some nest nowhere else in Iceland.
Heimaey has several interesting locations for bird watching along the western coastline and southern tip of the island with this area being home to the world's largest colony of puffins, about 8 million.
Passerines and waders nest in the grassy area between the airport and coastline on Heimaey.
Heimaey has several interesting locations for bird watching along the western coastline and southern tip of the island with this area being home to the world's largest colony of puffins, about 8 million.
Passerines and waders nest in the grassy area between the airport and coastline on Heimaey.
