AH36 Vestmannaeyjar - Pompei of the North

Visit the Westman islands, a nature wonderland

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, are truly a wonder of Nature. The youngest island of the Vestmannaeyjar celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2003 and the oldest one is close to 40.000 years old!

We drive through the nice villages and provinces of South Iceland to the new pier at Bakkafjara and take a 20 minute tour with the ferry to the islands. Once there we will be greeted by a local guide and join a bus tour around Heimaey Island.

We will visit the puffins in Storhofdi and walk up to the crater of Eldfell (the Mountain of fire) a volcano that was formed in a volcanic eruption which began without warning just outside the town of Heimaey on 23 January 1973. The eruption caused a major crisis for the island and nearly led to its permanent evacuation as volcanic ash fell over most of the island, destroying around 400 homes, and a lava flow threatened to close off the harbor, the island's main income source via its fishing fleet. An operation was mounted to cool the advancing lava flow by pumping sea water onto it, which was successful in preventing the loss of the harbor. After the eruption finished, the islanders used heat from the slowly cooling lava flows to provide hot water and to generate electricity. We will see some remains from the eruption as well as exploring the flora of the new lava field.

After a lunch break we join a boat cruise where we will see many of the wonders of the Vestmannaeyjar nature. Colorful ocean caves, millions of seabirds and, occasionally during the summer, groups of whales. On the return from the cruise we will enjoy instrumental music in the natural echo of the ocean cave Klettshellir.

Departures are planned from 15 May 2011. This date may need to be adjusted if the new port at Bakkafjara is not operational at this date.

Departure: 08:00

Duration: 11,5 hours

Pick-up: 07:30

Operates: May 15 - September 15.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Complimentary hotel pick-up service.

Children fares:

Infant (0 - 5): Free

Child: (6-11): 50%

Youth (12-17): Full adult fare.

Max 2 children / youth per full paying adult.

Included: Bus, Local English Guidance, Ferry & Boat Tour.

Book online and receive 5% online discount.

Online Booking: Up to 24 hours prior to tour departure.