The fort is in a picturesque bayside space and boasts gorgeous vistas. It is steeped in historical past and a testomony to the island’s resilience. Guests can study Skansinn’s significance whereas basking within the unimaginable setting of steep, rugged hillsides and tranquil waters.
Skansinn is known as Kornhólsskans in Icelandic, however it’s extra generally known as ‘Skansinn’ or just ‘The Fort.’ Uncover the long-lasting Stafkirkjan church (the Heimaey stave church), the Landlyst Museum, and the lone cannon set towards breathtaking views.
Vacationers can rent a car and go to the Skansinn fort independently. Or, guide a Westman Islands tour to faucet into the information of an skilled information and hand the planning and group to a neighborhood professional.
Guide a two-hour kayaking tour with puffin watching from the Skansinn harbor. This tour offers a wonderful option to take pleasure in Klettsvik bay’s spectacular surroundings and wildlife. Or, try this two-hour private and customizable tour with a local guide to go to Skansinn and different highlights of Heimaey.
Photograph from Wikimedia, Artistic Commons, by Julien Carnot. No edits made
Location of Skansinn Fort and Easy methods to Get There
Photograph from Wikimedia, Artistic Commons, by Martin Peeks. No edits made
Skansinn fort is on Heimaey Island within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Westman Islands). It is on the island’s north finish, near the port and reverse the Hraunskogur valley.
Skansinn is a simple stroll from Vestmannaeyjabaer city or the port. Comply with Strandvegur highway, which turns into Skansvegur highway. Then flip left onto Skansinn highway. A brief manner alongside, you may discover the fort space with the museum and church.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a scenic stroll throughout the lava fields to Skansinn. Begin from the rainbow steps on Kirkjuvegur highway and comply with the easy-level path to Skansinn. The stroll has informative indicators in regards to the Eldfell eruption and remembrance plaques for buildings misplaced to the lava.
Heimaey connects to the Icelandic mainland with common ferry providers from Landeyjahofn on Iceland’s South Coast. Landeyjahofn port is roughly 84 miles (136 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik.
Historical past of Skansinn Fort
Skansinn fort was in-built 1586 upon the Danish King’s request. It was created to guard Vestmannaeyjar from English sailors and retailers who usually ignored commerce bans and fishing restrictions. Later, English fishing within the space decreased, however Vestmannaeyjar nonetheless required safety from pirates.
In 1627, pirates sailed from Algeria and invaded Vestmannaeyjar. The pirates arrived on the opposite facet of the island to Skansinn, so the fort was unsuccessful in stopping 242 islanders from being kidnapped and bought into slavery. Algeria was underneath Turkish rule then, which is why this occasion is known as the Turkish invasion.
Skansinn was rebuilt into an improved model after the 1627 invasion. The Danish army was assigned to defend Vestmannaeyjar from additional assaults, and army workout routines had been carried out at Skansinn.
Skansinn was the central flag and maritime station for a few years and was liable for monitoring ships within the space. Throughout World Conflict II, Skansinn was Vestmannaeyjar’s British army base.
Pure Surroundings at Skansinn Fort
Skansinn lies on the shores of Klettsvik bay, a location steeped in cinematic historical past. It is the positioning the place the well-known whale Keiko from the film “Free Willy” was launched.
Skansinn boasts a charming pure surroundings framed by three majestic mountains – Heimaklettur, Midklettur, and Ystiklettur. This idyllic setting offers the right backdrop for out of doors lovers, providing prime alternatives for kayaking and birdwatching, together with the possibility to identify puffins throughout summer season.
Skansinn’s panorama underwent important transformation following Heimaey’s disastrous volcanic eruption in 1973. The occasion added over 0.77 sq. miles (2 sq. kilometers) of lava to the island.
The lava engulfed Skansinn’s partitions, reshaping its look. Nonetheless, parts of the fort’s partitions had been reconstructed by means of the resilience of the islanders. Notably, the Hringskersgardur jetty, as soon as located within the sea, now finds itself nestled throughout the channel.
Islanders redirected the lava circulation, cooling it to forestall it from submerging the jetty solely. Because of this, Skansinn stands at present as a testomony to each pure forces and human ingenuity, providing guests a glimpse into the island’s exceptional historical past and evolving panorama.
Points of interest at Skansinn Fort
Photograph by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. No edits made
An array of points of interest awaits throughout the Skansinn fort for a multifaceted expertise that blends historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence.
Marvel on the outdated cannon sitting on the fort’s partitions. It has been there for a very long time, standing guard like a silent soldier from the previous.
Discover the Landlyst Museum in Skansinn, as soon as Iceland’s first maternity hospital, now reworked into an intriguing museum showcasing the island’s medical historical past. On this distinctive setting, find out how healthcare started on the island and the early days of medical care.
Uncover the Stafkirkjan church, a beautiful duplicate of Norway’s Haltdalen stave church. This architectural gem showcases beautiful craftsmanship and displays Iceland’s Nordic heritage. Its black exterior contrasts with the colourful pure environment, making a picture-perfect photograph alternative.
Above the fort’s partitions, remnants of the city’s outdated water tanks bear witness to nature’s devastating energy. They had been crushed by molten rock through the 1973 Eldfell eruption. Guests can mirror on the resilience of the islanders as they gaze upon these reminders of the previous.
After exploring the historic websites, chill out with a leisurely picnic amid awe-inspiring views of the bay and mountains.
Different Points of interest on Heimaey Island
Heimaey Island has many points of interest past Skansinn fort, every including to the island’s wealthy tapestry of historical past, tradition, and pure wonders.
Immerse your self within the charming tales of Heimaey’s previous on the Sagnheimar Folk Museum, the place reveals and shows convey to life the island’s folklore, traditions, and heritage. Acquire perception into the lives of its inhabitants and the occasions which have formed the island’s identification.
For a very distinctive expertise, go to the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre. Right here, you possibly can witness firsthand the conservation efforts devoted to defending these beloved marine creatures.
Discover the fascinating historical past of Heimaey’s volcanic previous on the Eldheimar Museum, the place interactive reveals delve into the 1973 eruption of the Eldfell volcano. Acquire a deeper understanding of the impression of this catastrophic occasion on the island and its resilient group.
Enterprise into the rugged landscapes of the Herjolfsdalur valley, the place winding trails lead you thru breathtaking surroundings and historical ruins. Marvel on the valley’s magnificence as you uncover its hidden gems.
Whether or not you are drawn to historical past, wildlife, or pure treasures, Heimaey Island affords various points of interest ready to be explored. Every provides to the island’s attract and leaves an enduring impression.
Locations to Eat and Keep Close to Skansinn Fort
Heimaey has some implausible locations to eat. Attempt Tanginn restaurant on the port for scrumptious seafood, steak, salads, soups, and burgers. Krain native restaurant, The Brothers Brewery, and Gott restaurant are on Barustigur highway near Skansinn, giving guests loads of decisions for meals and drinks.
These searching for accommodation in Heimaey can try the attractive Hotel Vestmannaeyjar. It is on Vestmannabraut highway, simply across the nook from Gott restaurant, and solely 765 yards (700 meters) from Skansinn fort.
Lodge Vestmannaeyjar has shiny, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a wellness heart with scorching tubs and a sauna.
Guesthouse Hamar is one other beautiful possibility close to the harbor. It has massive rooms with non-public bogs and serves breakfast day-after-day.
