Surtsey

States
Iceland
Category
Natural
Year
2008
Region
Europe & North America
Coordinates
63.3030555556, -20.6022222222
Last Visited
Not visited yet
UNESCO ID
1267
WH Site
1267
Surtsey

Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.

Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland, is a volcanic island formed by underwater eruptions between 1963 and 1967, offering a unique natural laboratory for studying ecological succession and geological processes. Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, it remains uninhabited and strictly protected, allowing scientists to observe the gradual colonization of life, from microorganisms to plants and birds, in a pristine environment. Its significance lies in its untouched state, providing valuable insights into the Earth’s evolutionary history and the resilience of ecosystems.

πŸ“ Location Map
Points (1)