The red top
Warm volcanic gravel.
Bjarne Henning Kvaal… — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Szilas — Public domain · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Szilas — Public domain · Szilas — Public domain · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0
Eldfell is a volcanic cone just over 200 metres high on Heimaey in the Westman Islands off south Iceland. Its name means hill of fire, and it appeared suddenly in 1973, one of the country's newest mountains, and you can walk to its warm red top from the town itself on a short visit. The eruption began without warning on 23 January 1973 on the east of the island, and the islanders were evacuated for a time. Ash fell over most of the island, destroying around 400 homes. A lava flow threatened to close the harbour, the island's main livelihood, so people pumped sea water to cool it, which saved the harbour. They later used heat from the lava for hot water and electricity. You climb a path of red volcanic gravel beside cracks that may still feel warm, and from the top you see the town, harbour, black lava, ocean and older Helgafell. Below, lava joins the coast in dark cliffs. The town has colourful houses and a working fishing harbour, and visitors mention an eruption museum called Eldheimar. The volcano is 1.7 km in a straight line south-east of the town centre. A ferry reaches the island from Landeyjahöfn on the mainland, or sometimes from Þorlákshöfn. Gravel slips, so wear sturdy shoes and keep to the path to protect the surface. Wind is very strong, so bring a jacket. Check ferry times, as weather can stop them.
Warm volcanic gravel.
A flow stopped with sea water.
Town and ocean from above.
Heimaey island, Westman Islands, Iceland
Usually by ferry from Landeyjahöfn, so check times and weather.
It is fairly short, but gravel slips and wind is strong.