south-iceland · Iceland
Pompeii of the North
Journey to Heimaey's 'Pompeii of the North,' where homes like the partially excavated house in the image stand testament to the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption. Buried under layers of dark volcanic ash, these ruins offer a poignant glimpse into the island's resilience and its deep connection to nature's raw power.
About Pompeii of the North
Journey to Heimaey's 'Pompeii of the North,' where homes like the partially excavated house in the image stand testament to the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption. Buried under layers of dark volcanic ash, these ruins offer a poignant glimpse into the island's resilience and its deep connection to nature's raw power.
History & Background
Iceland's history is deeply intertwined with its volcanic landscape, and the 'Pompeii of the North' on Heimaey stands as a powerful testament to this enduring relationship. While Iceland was settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, developing unique turf-walled farms to survive the harsh environment, this particular site tells a more recent, yet equally dramatic, story. It preserves the memory of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, a catastrophic event that saw an entire town buried beneath volcanic ash and lava. On January 23, 1973, a fissure opened on the eastern side of Heimaey, spewing lava and ash over the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The 5,000 inhabitants were evacuated by fishing boats overnight, a remarkable feat of community cooperation. For the next five months, the eruption continued, ultimately burying over 400 homes and adding significant new land to the island. The efforts to save the town involved spraying vast amounts of seawater onto the advancing lava flow to cool and divert it. Today, the excavated houses, like the one visible in the image emerging from the dark ash, offer a unique archaeological window into modern life suddenly halted by nature's fury, showcasing both the destructive power of volcanoes and the incredible spirit of a community that eventually returned to rebuild its home.
Did You Know?
- ✔Site preserves homes buried by the 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey island.
- ✔Often called 'Pompeii of the North' due to its dramatic volcanic burial.
- ✔Over 400 homes were buried, and 2 sq km of new land was added to Heimaey.
- ✔The entire population of 5,000 was evacuated overnight during the eruption.
- ✔Excavation efforts continue to unearth more of the buried town.
Tours Near Pompeii of the North
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Book NowAbout Pompeii of the North
The 'Pompeii of the North' on Heimaey island is not merely a collection of historic ruins; it is a captivating open-air museum chronicling the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption. This site offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw power of nature and the incredible resilience of the Icelandic people. As seen in the image, visitors can walk alongside partially excavated homes, like the one with its white walls and distinctive red door, now encased in thick layers of dark volcanic ash and rock. The corrugated metal roof, twisted and exposed, speaks volumes about the forces at play. Wooden posts delineate paths and excavation areas, inviting closer inspection of a community frozen in time. The eruption, which lasted for five months, added over two square kilometers of new land to the island and buried hundreds of homes under tons of ash and lava. Today, this site allows you to literally step into the past, exploring houses that have been carefully unearthed, revealing personal belongings, furniture, and the everyday lives of the islanders. The surrounding landscape, with its green hills and the ever-present Eldfell volcano, provides a stunning backdrop to this powerful historical narrative. A visit here is a profound experience, connecting you directly to a pivotal moment in Iceland's modern history and offering a vivid understanding of how Icelanders have learned to live in harmony, and sometimes in conflict, with their dynamic natural environment.
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Book NowHistory & Background
Iceland's history is deeply intertwined with its volcanic landscape, and the 'Pompeii of the North' on Heimaey stands as a powerful testament to this enduring relationship. While Iceland was settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, developing unique turf-walled farms to survive the harsh environment, this particular site tells a more recent, yet equally dramatic, story. It preserves the memory of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, a catastrophic event that saw an entire town buried beneath volcanic ash and lava. On January 23, 1973, a fissure opened on the eastern side of Heimaey, spewing lava and ash over the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The 5,000 inhabitants were evacuated by fishing boats overnight, a remarkable feat of community cooperation. For the next five months, the eruption continued, ultimately burying over 400 homes and adding significant new land to the island. The efforts to save the town involved spraying vast amounts of seawater onto the advancing lava flow to cool and divert it. Today, the excavated houses, like the one visible in the image emerging from the dark ash, offer a unique archaeological window into modern life suddenly halted by nature's fury, showcasing both the destructive power of volcanoes and the incredible spirit of a community that eventually returned to rebuild its home.
Story & Folklore
In 1973, the tranquil life on Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands, was shattered when the Eldfell volcano erupted without warning. A wall of fire and ash consumed homes, streets, and livelihoods, forcing the entire population to evacuate overnight. The image captures a poignant remnant of this cataclysm: a partially excavated house, its white walls and red door peeking from beneath immense, dark volcanic deposits. Wooden supports mark the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve these homes, creating a stark visual reminder of the island's battle with nature. Visitors walking the paved path, much like the figures in the photo, can almost hear the echoes of a community forced to flee, leaving behind everything they knew, only for their homes to be preserved in an accidental time capsule, offering a unique window into a pivotal moment in Icelandic history.
Visitor Information
Best Time
Late Spring to Early Autumn (May-September)
Duration
2-3 hours
Access
Accessible via ferry to Heimaey, then a short drive or walk from Vestmannaeyjar town center. Paved pathways at the site.
Why Visit
Experience the raw power of nature and human resilience at this unique volcanic archaeology site.
Did You Know?
The 'Pompeii of the North' refers to homes buried by ash from the 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey, mirroring ancient Pompeii's fate.
The Ash-Buried Secrets of Heimaey
Local tales whisper of the island's guardian spirits, who, angered by a forgotten promise, allowed Eldfell to awaken. They say the buried homes hold the islanders' deepest secrets, waiting for the day the ash reveals them, a reminder of the delicate balance between man and nature.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Eldfell Volcano Hike
Hike to the summit of Eldfell volcano for panoramic views of Heimaey and the surrounding Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. The path is often warm from residual heat.
Offers a breathtaking perspective on the very volcano that created the 'Pompeii of the North'.
Sæheimar Aquarium and Natural History Museum
Located nearby, this museum provides deeper insights into the island's unique geology, marine life, and the history of the 1973 eruption through artifacts and exhibits.
Complements the historical site with scientific and cultural context, including rescued puffins.
The Lava Wall
Witness the massive lava wall that halted the flow towards the harbor during the eruption, a testament to human ingenuity in diverting nature's force.
See the physical evidence of the heroic efforts to save the island's vital fishing port.
Practical Information
Best Time
Late Spring to Early Autumn (May-September)
Duration
2-3 hours
Access
Accessible via ferry to Heimaey, then a short drive or walk from Vestmannaeyjar town center. Paved pathways at the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for Pompeii of the North?▾
Yes, there is an entry fee as it's part of the Eldheimar museum experience, which provides access to the excavated homes and exhibits.
How long should I plan to spend at the site?▾
We recommend dedicating 2-3 hours to fully explore the excavated houses, the museum exhibits, and to reflect on the historical significance.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?▾
Parts of the Eldheimar museum, which encompasses the Pompeii of the North, are wheelchair accessible. However, some outdoor paths around the excavated homes might be uneven due to the volcanic terrain.
What is the best way to get to Heimaey?▾
The most common way to reach Heimaey is by taking a ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the mainland. Flights are also available from Reykjavík.
Can I touch the artifacts or enter the buried houses?▾
To preserve the delicate historical site, visitors are generally requested not to touch artifacts or enter the excavated houses directly, but viewing areas provide excellent perspectives.