Heimaey facts for kids
Heimaey in February 2009. Looking north-east
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Iceland |
| Coordinates | 63°26′N 20°16′W / 63.433°N 20.267°W |
| Archipelago | Vestmannaeyjar |
| Total islands | 15 |
| Area | 13.4 km2 (5.2 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 200 m (700 ft) |
| Highest point | Heimaklettur |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 4,500 |
Heimaey is a fascinating island in Iceland. It is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar group. Heimaey is also the biggest and most populated island off Iceland's coast. It covers about 13.4 square kilometers (5.2 square miles).
This island is located about 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles) from the south coast of Iceland. It is the only island in the Vestmannaeyjar chain where people live. Around 4,414 people call Heimaey home. The island has its own airport and a golf club.
In January 1973, a volcano called Eldfell erupted nearby. Lava flows destroyed half of the main town. The eruption also threatened to block the island's important harbor. People worked hard to cool the lava with seawater. This amazing effort saved the harbor, which is vital for the island's economy.
Contents
Discover Heimaey: Iceland's Largest Island
Early Life on Heimaey: First Settlers
Long ago, around the year 900, a man named Herjólfur Bárðarson settled on Heimaey. People say he built his farm in a valley called Herjólfsdalur. This name means "Herjólf's valley." Old stories from a book called the Landnáma tell us about him.
Archaeologists found even older ruins in 1971. These ruins showed that people lived on Heimaey almost 100 years before Herjólfur. This means the island has a very long history of human settlement.
A Historic Raid: Protecting Heimaey's People
In 1627, ships from the Barbary Coast visited Iceland. They raided several towns along the south coast and nearby islands. Heimaey was one of the places attacked. The islanders faced a difficult time because Heimaey was quite isolated.
Many people were captured during this event. One famous story is about Guðríður Símonardóttir. She was taken from her home on Heimaey. Later, she was able to return to Denmark. She eventually married a well-known poet named Hallgrímur Pétursson. A famous church in Reykjavík, Hallgrímskirkja, is named in his honor.
Eldfell's Eruption: A Fiery Challenge
The Night the Volcano Woke Up
On January 23, 1973, at 1:00 AM, the Eldfell volcano on Heimaey erupted. The ground began to shake, and long cracks, called fissures, opened up. These fissures stretched for about 1,600 meters (5,200 feet). Hot lava started to pour out and spray into the air.
Volcanic ash also blew over the sea. As the eruption continued, the situation became more serious. The fissures closed, and the lava began flowing in one strong stream. This stream moved towards the island's important harbor. Winds also changed, covering the town with a thick layer of ash.
Saving the Harbor: A Brave Effort
That night, all 5,000 island residents had to leave their homes. Most people were evacuated by fishing boats. Luckily, almost the entire fishing fleet was in the harbor at the time. The flowing lava threatened to destroy the harbor completely.
The eruption lasted for many months, finally ending on July 3. During this time, Icelanders came up with a clever plan. They sprayed the advancing lava with six million tons of cold seawater. This made some lava harden and helped redirect other flows. Their brave efforts successfully saved the harbor.
The eruption changed Heimaey forever. Half of the town was buried under lava and ash. The island itself grew larger, expanding from 11.2 square kilometers to 13.44 square kilometers. Amazingly, only one person died during this massive natural event.
Heimaey Today: Island Life and Wildlife
Island Connections and Daily Life
Today, about 4,500 people live on Heimaey. Most islanders earn their living through fishing. The island is connected to mainland Iceland by a regular ferry service. It also has the Vestmannaeyjar Airport, making travel easier.
Amazing Wildlife: Puffins and More
Heimaey is a very special place for wildlife. Every summer, about eight million puffins come to the island. They nest and raise their young here. Many millions of other birds also visit Heimaey for breeding and feeding.
During an annual festival, people on the island are allowed to catch a small number of puffins. This is a traditional part of the festival. The puffins are shared at the celebration or eaten at home.
Gallery
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Helgafell volcano
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Eldfell volcano
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View of the island
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View of the island
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Vestmannaeyjar harbour in Heimaey
See also
In Spanish: Heimaey para niños
