No. Surtsey is strictly off-limits to all visitors. Only a small number of approved scientists are permitted to land on the island each year. This restriction exists to preserve Surtsey as an uncontaminated natural laboratory for studying how life colonizes new land.

How was Surtsey formed?

Surtsey was formed by an undersea volcanic eruption that began on November 14, 1963. The eruption continued until June 5, 1967, building the island up from the seafloor to a peak area of about 2.7 km². Erosion has since reduced it to roughly 1.3 km².

Why is Surtsey a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Surtsey was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 because it provides a pristine natural laboratory for studying ecological succession — how plants, insects, birds, and marine organisms colonize virgin land. It has been protected from human interference since its emergence.

Where can I learn about Surtsey without visiting it?

The Eldheimar Museum on Heimaey has exhibits about Surtsey and the Westman Islands' volcanic history. Boat tours around the Westman Islands pass close enough to see the island from the water. The Surtsey Research Society also publishes findings online.

Surtsey UNESCO World Heritage Island Iceland: History & Guide

A volcanic island born from the sea in 1963, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reserved exclusively for scientific research into how life colonizes new land.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Westman Islands, South Iceland

Access restricted to approved researchers only.

On November 14, 1963, an undersea eruption south of the Westman Islands broke the ocean surface and began building a new island. Over the next three and a half years, eruptions piled up lava and tephra to create Surtsey, named after the Norse fire giant Surtur. Since the eruptions ceased in 1967, scientists have documented every species that has arrived — from bacteria and mosses to seabirds and seals — making Surtsey one of the most important ecological research sites in the world.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

SafeTravel

Born

1963

The eruption began on November 14, 1963, and continued until June 5, 1967.

Status

UNESCO

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its outstanding scientific value.

Access

Researchers Only

Strictly off-limits to the public. Only approved scientists may land on the island.

What to Expect

Ecological Succession

Scientists have documented over 70 plant species, dozens of bird species, and hundreds of invertebrate species colonizing the island naturally since 1967.

Volcanic Formation

Surtsey was built by both explosive tephra eruptions and effusive lava flows. The lava cap protects the island from rapid erosion, though it has shrunk from 2.7 km² to roughly 1.3 km².

Seabird Colonies

Fulmars, guillemots, puffins, and gulls have established nesting colonies. Their guano enriches the soil, accelerating plant colonization.

View from the Sea

While landing is prohibited, boat tours from Heimaey pass close enough for views of the island's dramatic silhouette rising from the ocean.

Eldheimar Museum

The museum on Heimaey tells the story of Surtsey's birth and the broader volcanic history of the Westman Islands through film, artefacts, and interactive displays.

Scientific Legacy

Over 60 years of uninterrupted research have made Surtsey a reference point for understanding how ecosystems develop on virgin volcanic terrain.

Getting There

Surtsey cannot be visited by the public. The island is located about 32 km south of Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Boat tours from Heimaey pass within viewing distance. For those interested in Surtsey's story, the Eldheimar Museum on Heimaey provides comprehensive exhibits about the eruption and the ongoing research programme.

Best Time to Visit

Since Surtsey itself is closed to visitors, the best time to learn about it is during a summer visit to Heimaey (June to August), when boat tours around the Westman Islands operate and the Eldheimar Museum is fully open. The island is visible from the sea year-round, weather permitting.

Planning help

Surtsey FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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