Surtsey is part of the Westmann Isles, Iceland’s newest and most important group of islands. About 5,000 years ago, most of the Westmann’s were born the same way Surtsey was, by bubbling and blasting their way to the surface. Because of their youth, they are among the most ruggedly beautiful islands in the world, known for their sheer cliffs and huge bird populations (there are 10 million puffins alone). The largest island, Heimey, hosts the only populated town of the same name, which was thrust onto the world’s stage in 1973 when a nearby volcano called Eldfell erupted and nearly swallowed the town in lava flow. In an extraordinary episode of man vs. nature, most of the town was saved when firefighters used huge jets of water to cool the lava, creating a damn against the red-hot stream. Had the town been destroyed, not only would its people have suffered, but all of Iceland’s economy: Heimey is the country’s most important fishing center. 

The best way to see the Westmann Isles is by boat (tours can be arranged from Heimey, where you’ll also find accommodations). The surrounding waters are filled with orcas and whales, and there are huge, echo-filled caves that boats can actually enter. Because of its scientific value as a living laboratory illustrating how life develops on new land, Surtsey, unfortunately, is off-limits.