When Eldfell erupted, thousands had to be immediately evacuated from the Westman Islands

Eldfell is located on Heimaey which is the largest island in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) archipelago. Like so many other eruptions in Icelandic history, Eldfell took everybody by surprise when it started erupting on the 23rd of January 1973. The eruption instantly turned the island’s 5.300 inhabitants into refugees. The eruption which formed Surtsey island in 1963 can be considered a precursor to the Eldfell eruption.  

Geological facts about Eldfell

Eldfell is part of Iceland’s extensive volcanic system, lying on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge.

Key geological highlights include:

• Type: Cinder cone volcano.

• Elevation: Approximately 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level.

• Formation: Created by the 1973 eruption, adding new landmass to Heimaey.

• Eruption Style: Strombolian and Hawaiian, characterized by lava fountains and basaltic lava flows.

• Tectonic Setting: Situated along the East Volcanic Zone, part of Iceland’s rift system.

The view from top of the Eldfell volcano over the town of Vestmannaeyjar.

The 1973 eruption in the Westman Islands

Eldfell’s eruption on January 23, 1973, was one of the most significant natural disasters in Iceland’s recent history, forcing the evacuation of nearly the entire population of Heimaey.

Key details:

• Timeline: The eruption began suddenly in the early hours of January 23, 1973 while most people were fast asleep.

• Location: The fissure, of approximately 1 km, opened up at the very edge of town, forcing an immediate evacuation.

• Evacuation: Nearly all 5,300 residents were evacuated overnight, with fishing boats transporting them to mainland Iceland. That the fishing fleet was in harbour on that day was a stroke of luck.

• Lava and ash: The eruption produced substantial lava flows and a thick ash cloud that buried parts of the town.

• Harbor threat: Lava threatened to block Heimaey’s crucial fishing harbor, but an ambitious seawater-cooling operation slowed the lava’s advance, ultimately preserving the port. Similar lava cooling techniques have been used in the eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula, along with protective barriers, to protect infrastructure.

• Duration: The eruption lasted until July 3, 1973, leaving behind a dramatically altered island.

The eruption transformed Heimaey’s landscape and had lasting social and economic effects. The successful response became an example of Icelander’s resilience and innovation in the face of natural disasters.

Video: Fire on Heimaey documentary

Impact of the Eruption on Heimaey

Eldfell’s eruption had profound consequences for the island and its people:

• Destruction: Hundreds of homes and buildings were buried under lava and ash, displacing many families.

• Economic Disruption: The fishing industry, the backbone of Heimaey’s economy, faced severe challenges due to infrastructure damage.

• Harbor Preservation: The use of seawater to cool lava flows and divert their path was a pioneering effort in volcanic crisis management.

• Scientific Advancements: The eruption provided valuable insights into volcanic activity, helping geologists study eruption forecasting and lava flow mitigation techniques.

Visit the Westman Islands and you can still see buildings half-buried under lava and tephra.

Eldfell and the Westman Island today

The island has recovered, and its residents have turned the eruption into an opportunity for education and tourism.

• Destination travelers: The eruption site, lava fields, and Eldheimar Museum attract visitors from around the world. At Eldheimar Museum you can walk around an excavated house which was buried in the eruption.

• Ongoing Monitoring: seismic activity is constantly monitored to detect potential future eruptions.

• Harnessing the heat from the lava field: From 1974 to 1988, the heat in the lava was used to heat all houses in the town.

• New Landscape: The eruption increased Heimaey’s landmass, creating a unique, evolving geological environment.

Comparing Eldfell to other famous volcanoes

Eldfell’s sudden eruption and impact draw comparisons to other well-known volcanic events:

• Mount St. Helens (USA, 1980): Both eruptions caused significant destruction and reshaped local landscapes.

• Parícutin (Mexico, 1943): Like Eldfell, Parícutin emerged suddenly and dramatically changed the region’s geography.

• Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland, 2010): While different in eruption style, both Icelandic volcanoes disrupted daily life and led to significant scientific study.

Photo credit for the feature photo from the 1973 eruption in Westman Islands: Mats Vibe Lund.