04/06/2025
Interesting Facts About Summer in 📍Vestmannaeyjar:
1. A Flowering Volcano
After the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, large fields of lupines began growing on the lava. In summer, these purple flowers against the red volcanic rock look surreal — life blooming on top of destruction.
2. Europe’s Largest Puffin Colony
Each summer, millions of Atlantic puffins return to the cliffs of Vestmannaeyjar — the largest colony in Europe. The best viewing is at Stórhöfði, where the wind often dies down and the sunsets are magical.
3. Þjóðhátíð Festival
On the first weekend of August, the island becomes a glowing sea of tents, bonfires, fireworks, and Icelandic songs sung in the Herjólfsdalur crater. It’s a legendary summer tradition — like a northern Woodstock.
4. Midnight Light
In June and July, the sun barely sets — the sky glows golden even around midnight. Sunsets can last for hours, casting a warm glow over cliffs and the iconic Elephant Rock.
5. Mountain-Climbing Sheep
You’ll see sheep grazing in the most impossible places — steep cliffs, narrow ledges, even volcanic slopes. Locals joke they were born with built-in crampons.
6. Baby Puffins Glide into Town
In August, puffin chicks (called lundi) often get confused by the lights and land in the town. Kids and volunteers gather them at night and release them back to the sea — a beloved summer tradition.
7. Wild Herbs & Berries
Icelandic thyme (blóðberg) and wild blueberries grow all over the island. Locals pick them for tea, jam, or just for snacking on hikes — a peaceful part of island life passed down through generations.
