Heimaey - Lava and History Walk

Vestmannaeyjar might be small with a modestly sized population but it is rich in history and natural beauty. This walking tour of the island with an informative local guide offers the chance to get to know some of its highlights more closely. The walking tour begins at the naturally formed harbor which was almost destroyed in the massive eruption on the island in 1973. After a short walk we will reach “Skansinn”, a replica of the old fort built by orders of the Danish king in the 17th century to protect the islands from theft and foreign trade. Nearby we will find a wooden church and Landlyst, the oldest house on the island. From Skansinn we walk up a small hill that offers great view of the island and from there we continue over the new lava that was formed in the dramatic eruption in 1973. The tour ends outside Sagnheimar Folk Museum in the center of the town.