The harbor

The harbor in 1973

The Westman Islands’ harbour is a large fishing and transportation port, the only one on the entire south coast of Iceland between Hornafjörður and Þorlákshöfn. The islands are 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. The Westman Islands´ harbour attracted the notice of the world in the eruption of 1973.

The islands´ 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 harbour, thereby ending any possibility of continued habitation. By dint of swift reaction, resourcefulness and hard work the lava flow was halted and the harbour saved by the continuous spraying of thousands of liters of water on the encroaching fiery flow. The unforeseen result was that the harbour 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 150 m long can sail into the harbour 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. The Westman Islands port fulfills all international regulations for sailing and cargo protection.