Eldfell is an exciting natural phenomenon forming a volcanic cone located in Iceland's Westman Islands. On the 23rd January 1973, a 300 meters long fissure opened across the island unannounced, releasing a lava fountain 50-150 metres high, and an eruption column as high as 9,000 metres. It brought about an immediate evacuation of the entire population and threatened destruction of homes and the harbour, potentially devastating the economy of the entire island. Fortunately, a successful attempt to cool the advancing lava flow with sea water saved the harbour. After the eruption, Ash and cooled lava were used as fillers, providing hot water and electricity to the islanders while new houses were built. The eruption was not only one of the most dramatic events in Icelandic history, but also a triumph of human resilience and creativity.