A path takes on the volcanic cone of Eldfell, the "fire mountain" (221m), making for a climb that is easy but a little slippery. It leads you to the top of the crater, which is still hot in places. The panoramic view takes in the striking colour contrasts between this relief of black and ochre scoria, the new land created by the lava flow - Eldfellshraun - the green cliffs, the ocean and the white houses. As you contemplate this gigantic mass, you grasp the extent of the catastrophe that devoured part of Heimaey in 1973.