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All Iceland Heimaey

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Heimaey

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Heimaey, Iceland

Updated October 27, 2022
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Unusual Attractions in Heimaey

Puffins on Heimaey.

Heimaey, Iceland

World's Largest Puffin Colony

Every summer local children form "pysja patrols" to save young birds that have wandered from their nests.
Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

Heimaey, Iceland

Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

On an island south of Iceland, a large volcanic rock formation resembles an elephant.
Helgafell, the supposedly dormant volcano, seen from the slopes of Eldfell, the volcano created by Helgafell’s eruption.

Heimaey, Iceland

Volcanic Island of Heimaey

A modern Nordic Pompeii on the Icelandic island of Heimaey.
A scene from the 1973 eruption on Heimay

Heimaey, Iceland

Eldheimar Museum

This museum explores how a 1973 volcanic eruption forever changed this small Icelandic island.
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An image depicting Elliðaey from its most popular angle.

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Elliðaey Island Lodge

Internet rumors, often involving Icelandic singer Björk, have abounded regarding this isolated outcrop of rock.
4 miles from Heimaey
The lonely lighthouse stands in isolation atop the rock pillar.

Iceland

Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse

A lonely beacon, precariously perched atop a remote sliver of rock.
8 miles from Heimaey
Gljúfrabúi, Iceland

Hamragarðar, Iceland

Gljúfrabúi

This fantastical waterfall is hidden in a cave located in a cracked cliff.
15 miles from Heimaey
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Explore Heimaey, Iceland

Islands 3
Geology 2
Volcanoes 2
Nature 1
Animals 1
Birds 1
Rocks 1
Geological Oddities 1
Rock Formations 1
Elephants 1
Children 1
Natural Disaster 1
World's Largest 1
Museums 1

Heimaey Leaderboard

Places Added

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Places Edited

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  2. Ragnar of Ballard
    1
  3. StepYoshi
    1
  4. Blindcolour
    1
  5. JohnnyXmas
    1
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Places Visited

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    4
  2. kkirkman
    4
  3. aespdx
    4
  4. din361
    4
  5. icelandmel
    4
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Recent Heimaey Activity

  • newing

    wants to go to World's Largest Puffin Colony

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    wants to go to Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

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    wants to go to Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

  • Magicmarker

    wants to go to World's Largest Puffin Colony

  • flyersgirl3

    wants to go to Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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