WITNESS THE WESTMAN ISLANDS
The Westman Islands (or Vestmannaeyjar) have a beautiful and varied landscape, unique flora and are an excellent site for sailing, hunting and birdwatching. Off the south coast of Iceland, the Westman Islands are an archipelago that consists of 4 small islands and 11 large ones, of which Heimaey is the only one inhabited.
Ruins from the volcanic eruption of Eldfell in 1973 still remain in Heimaey. The eruption destroyed many buildings and caused the entire population of the island to evacuate to mainland Iceland. Heimaey and its surrounding islands have a rich history and were once captured by Ottoman pirates.
RUINS FROM THE VOLCANIC ERUPTION OF ELDFELL IN 1973 STILL REMAIN IN HEIMAEY. THE ERUPTION DESTROYED MANY BUILDINGS AND CAUSED THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE ISLAND TO EVACUATE TO MAINLAND ICELAND.
The island Surtsey is a unique sight and an area of some geological importance. It was created by a volcanic eruption which occurred below sea level in 1963.
The Westman Islands are most frequently visited during the summer months, particularly on the weekend before the first Monday in August, when the hills of Heimaey host the country's largest celebration, Þjóðhátíð.
Major towns
HEIMAEY
Regional airports
VESTMANNAEYJAR
Major attractions
HEIMAEY AND SURTSEY