Heimaey Island

Volcanic forces and a deep connection to the sea have both shaped the small Icelandic archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar. On this self-guided audio tour of Heimaey Island, you’ll discover how a dramatic 1973 eruption transformed the landscape. You’ll also hear about this resilient community that’s thrived on fishing for over a thousand years. The tour starts at the Vestmannaeyjar harbour, where you’ll learn about the modern town’s beginnings, and the arrival of motorised fishing boats in 1906. You’ll walk past historic buildings and monuments, including Skansinn fort, built in the 1500s to protect crown property from English merchants and marauders. You’ll explore the town’s oldest neighbourhood and visit Landakirkja, the historic church that stood defiantly above volcanic ash. The tour ends at the Sea Life Whale Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts for beluga whales and the annual tradition of rescuing puffin chicks.