ubeetrip: Heimaey

Photos on Gmaps

Route: Amsterdam, Overveen, Amsterdam, North Sea, Alesund, Norwegian Sea, Longyearbyen, Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park, Polar Ice Cap, Ny-Alesund, Jan Mayen and Greenland Sea, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, North Atlantic Ocean, Heimaey, Reykjavík, Invergordon, Amsterdam - ship Ms Rotterdam.
Places: North Atlantic Ocean, Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, Heimaey, Stafsnes, Halldórsskora, Urðaviti, Faxasker, Birds nests, Natural arch, Eldfell, Bjarnarey, Elliðaey, Helgafell, Thridrangar Lighthouse.

Wildlife: Puffin, Fulmar, Common Murre, Northern Gannet.

Main

⏳ July 29,2019

Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, with a population of 4,500. Nearby Eldfell volcano erupted in January 1973 and destroyed half of the town. An operation to cool the advancing lava with seawater saved the harbor. Eldfell (Hill of Fire) is 200 m high.

Behind is Stafsnes a scenic spot and Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock) an elephant shape rock sculpted by Eldfell volcanic activity.

Urðaviti

A lighthouse was first built on Urður east of Heimaey in 1925. That lighthouse went under lava in the eruption in 1973. Shortly after the eruption ended, Urðaviti was rebuilt on new land from the bowels of the volcano. Twice he went into the sea because he quickly broke away from the new lava.

The current urðaviti was built in 1986 according to drawings by engineer Steingrímur Arason. There, a staircase and staircase form the base of a fiberglass lighthouse that stores the lighthouses. The lighthouse has had electric light from the beginning.

Another lighthouse on Faxasker island

Puffin

Heimaey is home to eight million puffins every summer.

Birds nests

Natural arch and Urðaviti lighthouse

Eldfell volcano (in fog)

Bjarnarey

Elliðaey

Unfortunately, after they lowered a couple of tender boats, we received an announcement from Captain that "due to unpleasant conditions" we will not debark on the island. We did not notice any "unpleasant conditions" ... no waives (see the birds on the sea in the next picture), no wind... we found not justified that decision.