Herjólfur is the traditional name given to the car ferry that operates between the south coast of the Icelandic mainland and Vestmannaeyjar, sometimes called the Westman Islands. The largest island, Heimaey, has a population of approximately 4,300, most of whom live in the archipelago’s main town, Vestmannaeyjabær. The other islands are uninhabited.
Vestmannaeyjar came to international attention in 1973 with the eruption of Eldfell volcano, which destroyed many buildings and forced a month-long evacuation of the entire population to mainland Iceland. Approximately one-fifth of the town was destroyed before the lava flow was halted by the application of 6.8 billion litres of sea water. The harbour entrance just escaped being blocked by the lava flow but in the end was well protected.
The current , the fourth ferry to bear the name, entered was designed in line with Iceland’s long-term plans to promote electric modes of transportation. With 80 per cent of Iceland’s energy coming from non-fossil resources, mainly hydropower and geothermal energy, will support Iceland’s sustainability goals well.
