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Fiskhellar (Fish Caves) and Monument to the 1627 Algerian Raid

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Iceland

Fiskhellar (Fish Caves) and Monument to the 1627 Algerian Raid

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Fiskhellar (Fish Caves) and Monument to the 1627 Algerian Raid

Recommended by 14 hikers out of 15

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Location: Iceland

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Best Hikes to Fiskhellar (Fish Caves) and Monument to the 1627 Algerian Raid

4.8

(46)

187

hikers

1. Puffin Lookout – View of the Cliffs of Heimaey loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

16.3km

04:27

230m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.7

(16)

hikers

2. View from Eldfell Crater – View from Eldfell Crater Edge loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

10.5km

03:12

220m

Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Expert

4.9

(7)

hikers

3. View from the Ridge – Vestmannaeyjar Heating System loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

5.39km

02:01

230m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

Tips

Sasha Taylor

May 3, 2023

For centuries the fishermen-farmers made shelters of rock for fish in the cliffs, at Fiskhellar (Fish Caves); some of them still remain but most have been destroyed. It was a good place to dry fish because it was free of flies. Many people tried to hide from the pirates in those caves, particularly women and children and they were hoisted down there on a rope. The raiders were not deterred by the cliff. They climbed down to capture the people in shelters low on the cliff and shot those who they were unable to catch. It is not reported that they had used rope to climb down, perhaps not being particularly adept at that sport. On Thorlaugargerdishilla, a shelf high up in the cliff, people are said to have found a hiding place and the raiders were unable to get at them. Reportedly, some of the women’s skirts extended over the edge of the shelf and eighteen bullet holes were found on the skirt of one woman, but she was unhurt.

Source: visitwestmanislands.com

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Elevation 10 m

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Tuesday 21 October

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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Location: Iceland

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View of the Cliffs of Heimaey

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Puffin Viewpoint

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View from Eldfell Crater

Eldfell Volcano

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Fiskhellar (Fish Caves) and Monument to the 1627 Algerian Raid

1. Puffin Lookout – View of the Cliffs of Heimaey loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

2. View from Eldfell Crater – View from Eldfell Crater Edge loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

3. View from the Ridge – Vestmannaeyjar Heating System loop from Vestmannaeyjabær

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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