Heimaey Puffin Colony

Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Westman Islands) off the south coast of Iceland. The island gained international fame in 1973 following the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Eldfell, which destroyed much of the town and led to the total evacuation of its residents. Biologically, Heimaey is of immense significance as it hosts the world's largest colony of Atlantic puffins. Every late summer, a local tradition known as the 'Puffin Patrol' occurs, where children rescue confused fledglings attracted by town lights and release them safely into the ocean. The island is rimmed by dramatic sea cliffs that provide good nesting sites for various seabird species. Its economy remains deeply rooted in the fishing industry, supported by a growing tourism sector focused on the island's volcanic heritage and wildlife. The harbor of Heimaey is one of Iceland's most important, now even better protected from Atlantic storms by the lava flows created during the 1973 eruption.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Heimaey

Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands.

Surtsey

Surtsey is a volcanic island formed in 1963 by a subaquatic eruption.

Eyjafjallajökull / Seljalandsfoss

A spectacular duo of the world-famous volcano and a waterfall where you can walk behind the water curtain.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is famous for the walking path that leads behind the falling curtain of water.

Oddi

Oddi was one of the most important cultural and educational centers in medieval Iceland.

Nature

Surtsey Island Reserve

This island formed by a volcanic eruption is used to study the natural colonization of plants and animals without human interference.

More places

Vestmannaeyjar Port

The port in the Westman Islands is essential for the Icelandic fishing economy.

Herjólfsdalur

This valley in the Westman Islands houses excavated ruins of an 8th-century settlement, suggesting habitation before the official Landtak…

Eyjafjallajökull

Eyjafjallajökull is a smaller glacier in southern Iceland covering a stratovolcano of the same name.