Cities and regions／Iceland
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Surtsey

Surtsey emerged from an eruption between 1963 and 1967 and is a protected scientific reserve. Public access is restricted; its relevance to a visit in the area lies in understanding its role in research without going ashore.

Surtsey
Photo by Bruce McAdam from Reykjavik, Iceland Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The island formed during an eruption between 1963 and 1967.
  • Its protection supports long-term observation of life establishing itself on new land with minimal human intervention.
Protected volcanic island of Surtsey seen from sea or air.
Photo by Brian Gratwicke Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 2.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Surtsey

Guides to this place

1 article

Surtsey

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Eldfell volcanic cone above Heimaey town and harbour.

Heimaey: connecting the harbor, recent lava and the memory of 1973

On Heimaey, the Eldfell volcano and Eldheimar Museum help you decide whether a ferry stopover is enough or whether it is worth staying overnight as the sea conditions change.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 28/09/2026