The Westman Islands

Of the Westman Islands, just off the south-west coast of Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is an enthralling place to visit. The town of Heimaey was subjected to a volcanic eruption from Mount Edfell in 1973 that resulted in a substantial part of the island being covered by lava. When you visit today the scenery is dramatic, with the ash-covered hillsides and their beautiful flora, the dramatic and rugged cliffs teeming with puffins, the colourful town itself, and one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.

One a day's visit I just had time to make a circuit of the volcano, have a look at the golf course and spend some time walking round the town and the harbourside area. We arrived by a launch from our cruise ship and had most of the day in Heimaey.

Of course I loved everything about the place, but the fish processing factories were so atmospheric. Just taking pictures of ordinary residential streets was appealing as well. The changing light and the low cloud produced an extraordinary kind of setting and the pictures I've selected here will hopefully convey some of that. On seeing a few of my pictures of this place, a photography tutor exclaimed "I want to go there!". Such is the enignatic quality of the place. It deserves another visit and another attempt to capture the unique atmosphere.