Created
1963–1967
Nearly four years of submarine eruption.
Surtsey Volcano Iceland: UNESCO Island Guide
A volcanic island born from the sea between 1963 and 1967—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and living laboratory for ecological succession, closed to public access.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
Vestmannaeyjar
No public access. View from boat tours.
Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, Surtsey emerged from the North Atlantic in a spectacular submarine eruption that began in November 1963 and lasted nearly four years. The island has been strictly protected since its formation, providing scientists with an unprecedented opportunity to study how life colonizes barren land—from the first moss and insects to nesting seabirds and flowering plants.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Surtsey is closed to the public. This page is informational only. Boat tours around the island are available from Vestmannaeyjar.
Sources to check
Status
UNESCO World Heritage
Designated in 2008 for scientific value.
Access
No public access
Scientists only. View from boat tours.
Key Facts About Surtsey
- Volcanic island classification: Surtseyan eruption type (named after this very island) — submarine to subaerial
- Eruption lasted 3.5 years (Nov 1963 - Jun 1967); peak island size 2.7 km², now eroded to ~1.3 km²
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008: pristine natural laboratory for ecological succession studies
- Over 60 vascular plant species, 335 invertebrate species, and 90+ bird species now documented on the island
- Named after Surtr, the Norse fire giant who wields a flaming sword in Ragnarok mythology
- Strictly restricted: only ~5-15 approved scientists visit annually to minimize human impact on natural colonization
- Island loses an estimated 1 hectare per year to wave erosion; expected to persist above sea level for centuries
Nearby Attractions
- Heimaey island and Eldfell volcano
- Vestmannaeyjar Eldheimar museum
- Puffin watching tours from Heimaey
- Stafkirkjan (stave church replica on Heimaey)
- Vestmannaeyjar boat tours around Surtsey
- Herjólfsdalur valley and festival grounds
How to Get There
- Landing on Surtsey is prohibited—the island is a strict nature reserve with no public access
- Boat tours from Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar) circle the island at a distance; available in summer
- Reach Heimaey via 30-minute Herjolfur ferry from Landeyjahofn or 25-minute flight from Reykjavik
- Landeyjahofn ferry terminal is off Route 1 in south Iceland (~130 km from Reykjavik)
- On clear days, Surtsey is visible from Heimaey's south-facing viewpoints and from the Stori-Dimon headland
- The Eldheimar museum on Heimaey covers Surtsey's formation alongside the 1973 Eldfell eruption story
Best Time to Visit the Area
- May to September: boat tour season around Surtsey from Heimaey; calmest seas for viewing
- June to August: puffin season on Heimaey adds to Vestmannaeyjar appeal
- Landeyjahofn ferry runs year-round, but winter crossings from Thorlakshofn are longer and rougher
- July-August: warmest weather, longest days, best visibility for seeing Surtsey from Heimaey viewpoints
- Winter: ferry service continues but boat tours around Surtsey typically do not operate
- Vestmannaeyjar Festival (Thjodhatid) in early August is a major cultural draw if combining visits
Planning help
Surtsey FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.