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Welcome to "Heimaslóð". Here you can find some fun and interesting facts about Vestmannaeyjar and its culture and history.

Vestmannaeyjar are a group of fifteen islands, rock pillars and skerries, large and small; a microcosm of humans, birds and creatures of the sea. We, who spend all or part of our lives in such close proximity to such splendours of nature and simultaneously be able to raise our children in safety and peace, consider it a privilege.

To many Vestmannaeyjar are unique; rising from the North-Atlantic ocean, far off the beaten track, a destination only to those who specifically set out to go there.

This, perhaps dated and fanciful remoteness, lends the islands an aura of magic and adventure, particularly to those living far away. Let me assure you, however, that Vestmannaeyjar are not that remote; the passage here is smoother and easier than you might think. And once here, what you will find waiting for you is magnificent rugged nature, inhabited by human and non-human teeming life that leaves its mark on any visitor; many of whom return again and again. We are lucky enough to have and have had among us valued friends that originally came for a few months´ fishing season that inadvertently lasted a lifetime.

The history of our islands is in many ways exceptional. For decades they were one of Iceland’s largest and busiest fishery centres contributing a proportionally immense share of the nation’s export revenue. As the fishing industry has become increasingly technologically advanced and entered the fierce competition of the international market place this has to some extent changed. The fishing industry is still, however, of great importance to Vestmannaeyjar and will continue to be, for the foreseeable future, one of the main pillars of the community’s economic life.

The new millennium is a juncture in more ways than one for Vestmannaeyjar. We must seek new and different “fishing grounds”, new industries to ensure diversity of employment. The islands offer considerable opportunities for those seeking to build new enterprises - a hard-working population, short distances and last but not least a safe and friendly environment for young families and growing children.

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