Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar Islands, Iceland

Heimaey is the most populated island off the Iceland coat with a population of 4,400. In 1973, lava flow from nearby Eldfell destroyed half the town and threatened to close its harbour, its main income source. An operation to cool the advancing lava with sea water saved the harbour. We arrived on the 30th anniversary of the day that the eruption ended. The President of Iceland was there to celebrate and the town was full of flags.

The coastline shows its volcanic origin
The coastline shows its volcanic origin
Longhouse typical of the 10th century was built in 2006
Longhouse typical of the 10th century was built in 2006
The harbour but it is still home to a large fishing fleet
The harbour but it is still home to a large fishing fleet
Museum of 1973 eruption has this house that was destroyed
Museum of 1973 eruption has this house that was destroyed
Striking architecture and use of glass in museum
Striking architecture and use of glass in museum
Our guide showing how men used ropes to collect birds eggs
Our guide showing how men used ropes to collect birds eggs
Typical Icelandic church
Typical Icelandic church
The interior always includes a ship
The interior always includes a ship
"Troll woman" created in 1975
"Troll woman" created in 1975
Flag to celebrate the 30th anniversary
Flag to celebrate the 30th anniversary
Guillemots
Guillemots
A glacier on top of the mainline mountain
A glacier on top of the mainline mountain
Surtsey is a new island formed by volcanic eruptions in 1963-67
Surtsey is a new island formed by volcanic eruptions in 1963-67
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