Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar): Complete Visitor Guide

The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) sit 10 km off Iceland’s south coast — a cluster of 15 volcanic islands and skerries of which only Heimaey, the largest, is inhabited. Around 4,500 people live there, alongside the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colony. The islands also carry one of Iceland’s defining modern stories: the 1973 Eldfell eruption that buried a third of the town and nearly closed the harbour, forcing the overnight evacuation of the entire population.

Most travellers skip the islands because they’re not on the Ring Road. That’s a mistake — Heimaey packs more concentrated drama into one walkable island than almost anywhere else in the country.

Getting There

Herjólfur ferry (the standard route). Sails from Landeyjahöfn, 138 km from Reykjavík just off the Ring Road, to Heimaey harbour in approximately 40 minutes. In summer there are 5–7 sailings daily. Foot passengers pay approximately ISK 1,100–1,800 each way as of 2026; taking a car costs significantly more and vehicle slots sell out days ahead in summer. Book at herjolfur.is. Landeyjahöfn has a free car park — most visitors leave the rental car there, since Heimaey is easily explored on foot.

Note: in winter, sand build-up and swell sometimes close Landeyjahöfn, and the ferry runs from Þorlákshöfn instead — a 2 hour 45 minute crossing. Check the schedule on sailing day.

By air. Atlantsflug and occasional charter operators fly small aircraft from Reykjavík domestic airport and from Bakki airfield (next to Landeyjahöfn) — the Bakki hop takes about five minutes and is one of the shortest scheduled flights anywhere. Useful when the ferry is weather-bound.

Things to Do on Heimaey

Hike Eldfell. The 200-metre volcano didn’t exist before January 23, 1973. The climb from the trailhead at the edge of town takes 30–45 minutes on a clear cinder path, and the ground near the summit is still warm enough in places to feel with your hand. Views cover the whole island, the new lava field that nearly sealed the harbour, and the mainland glaciers — Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull on a clear day. Free, open year-round.

Eldheimar museum. Built around a house excavated from the 1973 ash — the “Pompeii of the North.” The museum tells the eruption and evacuation story through the house itself, left exactly as the ash filled it. Entry approximately ISK 2,900 for adults as of 2026; open daily 11:00–17:00 in summer, shorter hours in winter. The single best volcano museum in Iceland.

Puffins at Stórhöfði. The headland at the island’s southern tip has a free viewing hide overlooking burrow slopes. From mid-April to mid-August, over a million puffins breed across the archipelago. Evenings in June and July are peak viewing, when the birds rally in huge wheeling flocks. Stórhöfði is also officially one of the windiest places in Iceland — bring a windproof layer even in July. For the wider picture on where and when to see the birds, see our puffin watching guide.

Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary. Klettsvík bay — the same bay that once held Keiko of Free Willy fame — is home to a sanctuary for belugas Little White and Little Grey, retired from a Shanghai aquarium. The visitor centre in town also runs a puffin rescue facility where you can meet rehabilitated birds. Entry approximately ISK 3,500 as of 2026; boat trips to the bay run in summer subject to conditions.

Boat tours. Operators including Ribsafari (RIB boats, approximately ISK 13,000–17,000) and Viking Tours (slower sightseeing boats, approximately ISK 8,000) circle Heimaey’s sea caves and cliffs, with puffin and sometimes orca sightings in season.

Sprangan. The traditional Westman Islands sport of swinging on ropes across cliff faces — originally a technique for collecting seabird eggs. There’s a practice cliff (Spranga) at the edge of town where locals demonstrate; visitors can try the low ropes at their own risk.

If your visit lands in early August, be aware of Þjóðhátíð — the islands’ enormous festival held the first weekend of August, when 15,000+ people fill Herjólfsdalur valley. Ferries and beds sell out completely; either plan around it or commit to it fully.

Where to Eat

• Slippurinn — the islands’ destination restaurant, run by chef Gísli Matt in an old machine workshop, focused on foraged and local ingredients. Set menus approximately ISK 11,000–15,000 as of 2026. Open summer season only; book ahead.
• Gott — relaxed, good-value spot doing fresh fish, bowls, and burgers, mains approximately ISK 2,500–4,500.
• Tanginn — harbourside restaurant with fish of the day and views over the boats, mains approximately ISK 3,500–6,000.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Vestmannaeyjar — the main hotel, central, with a small spa. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–38,000 in summer as of 2026.
• Glamping & Camping Vestmannaeyjar / Herjólfsdalur campsite — the valley campsite sits inside an old volcanic crater; tent pitches approximately ISK 2,500 per person, simple glamping huts more.
• Guesthouses and apartments — a dozen small options around town, typically ISK 15,000–25,000 per double in summer. Book early for June–August; the island’s bed stock is small.

How Long to Stay

A long day trip works: first ferry out, Eldfell and Eldheimar before lunch, Stórhöfði and a boat tour in the afternoon, last ferry back. But one night is the better plan in puffin season — evening light at Stórhöfði with the day-trippers gone is the islands at their best. The ferry connects neatly to a south coast itinerary; Landeyjahöfn is 30 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, making the islands an easy add-on to any south coast drive.

Browse Iceland tours — day trips, activity bookings, and multi-day packages across the country in one place.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers — Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland — a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Explore the Westman Islands Further

• Things to Do in the Westman Islands — Eldfell volcano, Eldheimar museum, puffin watching, and boat tours
• Where to Stay in the Westman Islands — Hotels, guesthouses, and camping in Heimaey
• Restaurants in the Westman Islands — Where to eat on the islands, from Slippurinn to harbour-side spots
• Day Trips from the Westman Islands — Boat tours, sea-cliff exploration, and the surrounding islets
• Westman Islands vs Snæfellsnes — Volcanic island or glacier peninsula: comparing two very different Iceland experiences