Skansinn
Skansinn (“The Fort”) is popular among locals all year round, and for good reason—it offers spectacular views, and the area is steeped in history. The Skansinn fort was built in 1586 to protect the Danish royal store from English sailors and merchants.
By the 17th century, English fishing in the area had declined, but Vestmannaeyjar still needed to protect itself. The Danish military was assigned to defend Vestmannaeyjar following the Turkish invasion of 1627, when pirates abducted 242 islanders.
In 1639, Jón Ólafsson “Indíafari” (“Traveler of India”) took over as a marksman at Skansinn. His successor was Gunnar Ólafsson, who would be the last marksman. Herfylkingin Vestmannaeyja (“Vestmannaeyjar Military Alliance”) was established in the mid-19th century by Sheriff Andreas August von Kohl, and military exercises were carried out on Skansinn.
Armaments were discontinued again in 1870–1880, but Skansinn was for many years the main flag and maritime station, and ships were monitored from there. During World War II, Skansinn served as the British military base on Vestmannaeyjar.
Skansinn’s appearance changed considerably following the volcanic eruption in 1973, when more than 0.77 square miles (2 square kilometers) of lava were added to the island. Hringskersgarður jetty, which used to be in the middle of the sea, is now inside the channel. By cooling the lava, the islanders managed to prevent it from flowing over the jetty. Instead, the lava settle next to it, forming Skansinn as we know it today. Skansinn is now home to the Stave Church, Landlyst Museum, and a cannon.
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