Eldheimar: A Window into Iceland's Volcanic Past
Discover the fascinating story of the 1973 eruption at Eldheimar, a captivating museum in Vestmannaeyjabær dedicated to Iceland's volcanic history.
Eldheimar, located in the charming Vestmannaeyjabær, is a captivating museum dedicated to the history of the 1973 volcanic eruption that reshaped Heimaey Island. Visitors will find immersive exhibits that bring the story of this natural disaster to life, making it a must-see for tourists interested in Iceland's geological wonders and cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Eldheimar
- Gerðisbraut 10, Vestmannaeyjabær, 900, IS
- +3544882700
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and have a more personal experience with the exhibits.
- Check for guided tours that may provide deeper insights into the exhibits and the eruption's history.
- Don't miss the café for a taste of local treats after exploring the museum.
- Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and absorb the rich history presented.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, you will need to reach the town of Vestmannaeyjar. From the main road in the Eastern Region, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) towards the south. Follow Route 1 until you reach the ferry terminal at Landeyjahöfn. This is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Egilsstaðir. Here, you can catch the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar, which takes about 35 minutes. The ferry costs around 1,500 ISK (approximately $12 USD) for a one-way ticket. Once you arrive at Vestmannaeyjar, drive to Gerðisbraut 10 (Eldheimar) which is approximately a 5-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
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Public Transportation
For those using public transportation, take a bus from Egilsstaðir to Hvolsvöllur. This bus ride will take about 2 hours. From Hvolsvöllur, you will need to transfer to a bus that goes to Landeyjahöfn, which takes about 30 minutes. The bus fare from Egilsstaðir to Hvolsvöllur is around 3,000 ISK (approximately $24 USD). After reaching Landeyjahöfn, board the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (cost: 1,500 ISK, approximately $12 USD). Once you arrive in Vestmannaeyjar, you can take a local taxi or walk to Gerðisbraut 10, taking about 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi.
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Ferry
If you are in the nearby coastal towns, you might find direct ferry services to Vestmannaeyjar. Check local ferry schedules as they may vary seasonally. The ferry ride generally takes about 35 minutes and costs around 1,500 ISK (approximately $12 USD). Upon arriving at Vestmannaeyjar, you can drive or use local transportation to reach Eldheimar located at Gerðisbraut 10.
Discover more about Eldheimar
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Safnahús Vestmannaeyja
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Sagnheimar
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Vestmannaeyjabær
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Essential places to dine
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Valhalla Restaurant.
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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