Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland.
It was formed in a volcanic eruption which began 130 metres below sea level, and reached the surface on 15 November 1963. The eruption lasted until 5 June 1967, when the island reached its maximum size of 2.7 km2.
Since then, wind and wave erosion have caused the island to steadily diminish in size: as of 2002, its surface area was 1.4 km2.
It was intensively studied by volcanologists during its eruption, and afterwards by botanists and biologists as life forms gradually colonised the originally barren island. Only scientists can go on the island with special permissions.
It has been legally protected from its birth and provides the world with a pristine natural laboratory. Free from human interference, Surtsey has produced long-term information on the colonisation process of new land by plant and animal life.
The best way to see the island is to reach the Westman Islans, in the area of N 63 25.343 W 20 17.520. If the sky is clear, you will see Surtsey Island at a distance of 20 km.
A lot of informations (there is even a webcam) can be found at : (
visit link)