Heimaey, Iceland

A CAPTIVATING ISLAND WITH AN EXPLOSIVE PAST

Born from volcanoes and forever at their mercy, Heimaey is a small fishing village with a history as rocky as it is intriguing.

In January 1973, Eldfell volcano erupted in the middle of the night and forced the evacuation of the entire island. The eastern portion of Heimaey, where 400 homes and buildings were buried, is now an active archaeological excavation known as “Pompeii of the North.” Discover firsthand the results of the eruption and the process of unearthing homes in a truly unique project.

But the island also owes its incredible beauty to volcanic activity. Steep, jagged cliffs with lush vegetation rise from the sea, making Heimaey a hiking and sightseeing paradise. The vegetation also supports a wide variety of sea and bird life, including the world’s largest puffin colony in the summer. A wide variety of water and cave safaris are available (a cruise around the entire island takes about 90 minutes).

While focusing on a shot can be tough with the majestic surroundings, play a round of golf at the Vestman Island Course (midnight tee time in a volcanic crater, anyone?), named by Golf Digest as one of Europe’s most enjoyable courses.