The harbor

The harbor seen from atop Heimaklettur

Vestmannaeyjar's harbor is a large fishing and transportation port, the only one on the entire south coast of Iceland between Hornafjörður and Þorlákshöfn. Vestmannaeyjar is one of the mainstays of the country's fishing industry and rich fishing grounds are close by. They have for centuries provided a considerable part of the country's export revenues and consequently been of great importance to the entire nation's economic life. Vestmannaeyjar's harbor attracted the notice of the world in the eruption of 1973.

When the eruptian began, the island's fishing fleet transported the entire population to the mainland in a matter of hours and during the following months continued to land fish in Heimaey, volcanic eruption or not. For a while the lava flow threatened to destroy the harbor, thereby ending any possibility of continued habitation. By dint of swift reaction, resourcefulness and hard work the lava flow was halted and the harbor was saved by the continuous spraying of thousands of liters of water on the encroaching fiery flow. The unforeseen result was that the harbor actually improved, being safer and calmer today than it ever was.

Apart from local vessels, about 600 ships come to port annually and about 200.0000 tons of fish are brought ashore. Vessels up to 150m long can sail into the harbor and turn around there.

The port provides all facilities for ferrying passengers from large cruise liners as well as offering complete service for vessels, large and small. Vestmannaeyjar's port fulfills all international regulations for sailing and cargo protection.

Cruise Vestmannaeyjar