Reykjavík Grapevine - 04.08.2008, Side 33

REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 10—2008 | 33
DESTINATION
Surtsey, an uninhabited volcanic island and the
southernmost point of Iceland, is a spectacular
ecological wonder to behold. The island was cre-
ated by dramatic eruptions of undersea vents in
between 1963 to 1967, (a multimedia exhibit can
be viewed of its formation at The Culture House
on Hverfisgata) and has been designated a nature
preserve since its inception. Surtsey is closed off
to the public, only accessible to scientists studying
its distinctive geology, as well as the flora and fau-
na of its surroundings. Plant life includes mosses
and lichens; wildlife is comprised of a remarkable
plethora of seabirds (approximately eighty-nine
species of birds have been recorded) as well as
nearby marine life.
Due to its unique existence, the island was
newly added last week (July 7) to the United Na-
tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organi-
sation’s (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites,
which are global places of exceptional “cultural
or natural importance.” UNESCO calls the island a
“pristine natural laboratory” and is Iceland’s sec-
ond World Heritage Site after Þingvellir National
Park.
While mainland Surtsey is closed to tourists,
there is a guided boat ride that circumnavigates
the island given by Viking Tours, a travel compa-
ny in the Westman Islands. “It’s an amazing tour,”
says Sigurmundur Gísli Einarsson, captain of the
Víkingur tour boat. “We take 4-hour tours around
the island. Surtsey has one of the biggest colonies
of gannets, puffins and lots of killer whales also.”
The tours occur weekly, every Friday, costing 7,000
ISK for each person; tours also require at least 10
people on the boat with good weather permitting
the journey.
SIGHTSEEING
Viking Tours
Surðurgerði 4
900 Westman Islands
You can make reservations by calling
+354 488 4884 or email the tour agency at
viking@vikingtours.is
More info at www.vikingtours.is.
Surtsey Makes
The UNESCO List
By jaMeS crugnale — pHoto By jóHann vilBerg
Fly and discover
/ tel. 570 3030
Air Iceland
destinations
Get your action-packed day tour brochure
at hotels, airports or any travel agent.
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www.airiceland.is
FAROE ISLANDS
REYKJAVÍK
AKUREYRI
EGILSSTAÐIR
WESTMAN ISLANDS
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
ÞÓRSHÖFN
GRÍMSEY
CONSTABLE POINT
Greenland
KULUSUK
Greenland
NUUK
Greenland
NARSARSSUAQ
Greenland