Carry On Icelandic: Culture [selections] (2004)
View all of Vestmannaeyjar
Previous subsectionVestmannaeyjar
The Vestmannaeyjar form a cluster of islands off the south coast of Iceland. There are thought to be a total of 15-18 islands and 30 skerries and rock pillars. The islands were all formed by volcanic eruption and are all connected to the volcanic system which has its centre on Heimaey Island. Four eruptions are known to have occurred in Vestmannaeyjar since Icelandic settlement, the first in 1637 and the last in 1973, when there was an eruption on Heimaey Island which destroyed a quarter of the town.
Most of the islands have steep-sided cliffs down to the sea and are difficult to approach and land, except by experienced climbers. Many of the islands have vertical sides, but grass does grow on their tops. Birds and eggs are something of perk for the residents, and each year there is a large bird hunt, especially of the puffin bird or "lundi".
Vestmannaeyjar town is located on Heimaey Island, the largest town on the cluster, and is, amongst other things, the most important fishing town in Iceland.
Top of Page
Content, including images, © Stofnun Siguršur Nordals, 2004. Used with permission.
TEI markup © Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2004. All rights reserved.
Those interested in using these texts for any purpose not covered under Fair Use must seek the permission of Stofnun Siguršur Nordals and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries.