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The Volcano on Heimaey Island
Category

Sightseeing

Est. Duration

30-60m

Also

Hike

Message from Isleifur Eli

Eldfell is a volcanic cone on the Icelandic island of Heimaey that formed during an unexpected eruption in 1973. The eruption caused chaos, leading to the evacuation of the entire population of the island. Lava flows and ash destroyed hundreds of homes, but a heroic effort to cool the lava with seawater saved the island's crucial fishing harbor. After the eruption, the islanders used the heat from the lava to generate electricity and even extended their airport runway using volcanic material. It was a wild ride for Heimaey, but they managed to turn disaster into opportunity.

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