Activity Tours Airplane Tours The Power of Nature
The Power of Nature – Airplane TourDiscover the Westman Islands and the South of Iceland
This is a guided tour of the Westman Islands with a return journey over Iceland's surrealistic Southwestern countryside. We land at Heimaey, the main island of the Westman archipelago, where we take a guided coach tour of of the island. We'll see the volcanic crater of Eldfell, still-warm lava and half-buried houses from the island's infamous 1973 volcanic eruption. Price56,000 ISK per person Child (2-14): 50% discount Infant (0-2): 90% discount DeparturesDeparture from: Eagle Air at Reykjavik airport Meet: 30 min prior to departure Available: daily at 12:15, all year DetailsDuration: about 5 hours Minimum: 4 passengers
You can also send us an email: DescriptionVestmannaeyjar, 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! Departing from Reykjavik, we make the 25-minute flight to the island town of Heimaey, enjoying a superb aerial view of the newly born island of Surtsey – visibility, of course, permitting. On landing at Heimaey, a private coach takes you on a tour of the island, where you will witness a volcanic crater, still-warm lava and half-buried houses. The volcanic eruption started in Heimaey itself on 23 January in 1973 and destroyed and / or damaged about 60% of all the houses of the town. Close to one-third of all houses went under lava. Almost all local residents were evacuated. One man perished due to gas poisoning. The world's largest puffin colony is found in the Westman Islands. More than ten million puffins live there. Also, the islands have been the most important fishing port of the country for many decades. Surtsey Island originated in a large submarine eruption that commenced in 1963 and ended in 1967. It is the longest volcanic eruption in Iceland in historical times. Right after the eruption the new island Surstey became law protected. Geologists as well as biologists have been keenly monitoring the development of biodiversity on the island. From the Westman Islands, the flight proceeds to the mainland and along the edge of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, taking in the well-known volcano Hekla, which last erupted in 2000. Then fly over the spectacular waterfall Gullfoss, and on to Geysir – one of the world's most famous geothermal areas. An unforgettably dramatic experience. Perhaps Iceland’s most famous attraction, Geysir has given its name to geysers worldwide. The main geyser on the site hasn’t erupted for some years, but the smaller Strokkur geyser dutifully fires jets of boiling hot water in the air every seven minutes or so. The colossal waterfall at Gullfoss (‘golden falls’) crashes millions of gallons of glacial meltwater into a crevice, with the rising mists visible for miles around. The canyon at Thingvellir was the site of the first Icelandic parliament 1,000 years ago – it’s also evidence of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates prising slowly apart. Although there are few signs of the Viking parliament left today, the setting, home to Iceland’s largest lake, is reason enough to visit. Enjoy your sightseeing! ---
Eagle Air is next to Hotel Natura.
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