On the final day of our voyage, we arrived in the idyllic town of Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Heimaey was nearly a modern-day Pompeii, if not for the quick thinking and heroic actions of its inhabitants. It appears to be a quaint and quiet town sitting in the shadow of an old volcano. But this volcano appeared suddenly just a few decades ago, forcing the townsfolk to flee the island for shelter — miraculously only a single person perished in this event. Today, Heimaey showcases its eruptive past while also being home to a plethora of puffins and a garish number of gannets; they also host a microcosmic music festival in the summer.
8/11/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
Djúpavik
Visiting Djúpavík, a remote and captivating village in Iceland’s Westfjords, is an experience that feels like stepping into a forgotten world. The journey to Djúpavík begins with a breathtaking sail through the deep fjords, where towering cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and the vastness of the Arctic landscape unfolds in every direction. The sailing in itself is an adventure, with the crisp sea air and the occasional sighting of northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes adding to the allure. As we approached Djúpavík, the silhouette of the old herring factory loomed in the distance, a testament to the village’s past as a thriving fishing hub. Today, the factory stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic, its rusting structures juxtaposed against the pristine natural surroundings. Walking along the many trails with fellow guests, we were struck by the stillness and solitude, broken only by the sound of the wind and waves. The guide shared stories of the village’s heyday, giving life to the silent ruins. The visit was a profound reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of the people who once lived in this remote part of the world. Djúpavík, with its stark beauty and sense of history, left an indelible impression on us all.