Things to Do in the Westman Islands: Puffins, Volcanoes, and Eldheimar Museum

The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) sit in the Atlantic about 10km off Iceland’s south coast, but they feel considerably more remote than that distance suggests. The archipelago has 15 islands; only one, Heimaey, is inhabited. Heimaey is the largest, with a population of around 4,000 people living between two volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1973 and buried a third of the town in lava. The islands have one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies, a first-rate volcano museum, and a hiking and wildlife scene that rewards the effort of getting here.

Getting to the Westman Islands

Herjólfur Ferry from Landeyjahöfn is the standard route. The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes, with 5–7 daily sailings in summer. Foot passenger tickets cost approximately ISK 1,100–1,800 each way as of 2026; car tickets cost more and sell out — book at herjolfur.is in advance. Landeyjahöfn is approximately 2 hours east of Reykjavik on Route 1.

In rough sea conditions — which happen regularly in autumn and winter — the ferry diverts to Þorlákshöfn (southwest of Reykjavik), which adds 2 hours 45 minutes to the crossing. Check herjolfur.is for current conditions and schedule before you drive to the port.

Atlantsflug operates short flights from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) and Bakki airfield near Heimaey. Flight time is approximately 25 minutes. Prices vary seasonally; check atlantsflug.is for current schedules. A useful option if sea conditions are poor or time is short.

Eldheimar Museum

Eldheimar is the standout attraction on Heimaey. The museum is built around a house that was partially buried by lava during the January 1973 eruption of Eldfell volcano — excavated and preserved in its original state as a time capsule from the night the island was evacuated.

The 1973 eruption is one of the most dramatic events in Iceland’s modern history. Within hours of a new volcanic fissure opening, the island’s 5,300 residents were evacuated by boat to the mainland — it was accomplished with near-zero casualties. Over the following months, lava poured into the harbour and threatened to close it entirely. Islanders pumped seawater onto the lava flow in an attempt to slow its advance; the harbour was preserved and eventually the eruption ended. The island actually grew slightly in size as a result.

Eldheimar tells this story through the preserved house, exhibits on the evacuation, personal accounts from residents, and reconstructed interiors. It is one of the best small museums in Iceland. Entry costs approximately ISK 2,500 adults, ISK 700 children as of 2026. Open daily; allow 90 minutes to 2 hours. Audio guides available in English.

Eldfell Hike

Eldfell is the younger of Heimaey’s two volcanoes — the one that erupted in 1973. The hike to the summit takes approximately 20–30 minutes from the car park at the lava field edge. The crater is still warm enough to heat soil noticeably underfoot. Views from the top extend over the town, the harbour, the neighbouring Helgafell volcano, and the Atlantic.

There is no entrance fee. Wear sturdy shoes — the volcanic cinders are loose and the slope is steep in places. The older volcano, Helgafell, is also hikeable from town. A circular route taking in both summits takes approximately 2–3 hours and gives comprehensive views of the island and coastline.

Puffin Watching

The Westman Islands have one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin breeding colonies — an estimated 8–10 million birds at peak season (late April to mid-August). They nest in burrows on the sea cliffs ringing Heimaey and the smaller uninhabited islands.

The best land-based puffin viewing is at Stórhöfði at the south end of Heimaey — a prominent headland where puffins nest in large numbers and approach closely. Evening (18:00–21:00) sees the most activity as birds return from the ocean. No guide required for Stórhöfði; access is by car or on foot from town (approximately 5km).

Boat tours give access to the sea cliffs around Heimaey and the outer islands where the colonies are densest. Viking Tours (vikingtours.is) operates puffin and wildlife boat tours from Heimaey harbour for approximately ISK 7,500–9,500 per person as of 2026. Tours run daily in summer (mid-May to August); departures are weather dependent.

A Westman Islands tradition worth knowing: each August, fledgling puffins fly for the first time and are often attracted by town lights, landing in streets and gardens. Locals (especially children) collect disoriented pufflings and release them from the cliffs at dawn the following morning. If you are visiting in early August, your hotel will know if this is happening.

Sæheimar Aquarium and Natural History Museum

This small museum and aquarium in central Heimaey covers the natural history and geology of the islands, with live fish and invertebrates from local waters. Entry costs approximately ISK 1,200 adults, ISK 600 children as of 2026. The museum houses Toti, a puffin rescued as a chick and now a resident of some fame. Allow 45 minutes.

Sea Kayaking and Coasteering

The caves and sea arches cut into Heimaey’s volcanic cliffs are accessible by kayak in calm conditions. Kayak Westman offers guided sea kayaking through the sea caves for approximately ISK 9,500–12,000 per person as of 2026. The tour takes 2–2.5 hours and no kayaking experience is required for the standard route. Wetsuits are provided.

The Elephant Rock and Coastal Walk

Heimaey’s coastline has several geological formations worth seeing on foot. The most photographed is Elephant Rock (Skansinn area, eastern coast) — a lava stack eroded into the shape of an elephant drinking from the sea. The walk from the town centre takes approximately 20 minutes and is flat. Nearby, the ruins of a 17th-century fortification (Skansinn) and a relocated Viking-era stave church (Stafkirkjan) are worth a short stop.

Practical Notes

Most visitors do the Westman Islands as a day trip from the south coast. With an early ferry and a late return, a day gives enough time for Eldheimar, Eldfell, Stórhöfði, and a meal. Staying overnight allows a more relaxed pace and the option to catch an evening puffin tour.

Guesthouse Hamar and Hotel Vestmannaeyjar are the main accommodation options; book ahead in July, which is peak season for the islands. The main restaurant strip is along Bárustígur and Heiðarvegur in central Heimaey. Einsi Kaldi is a reliable option for fish and local dishes (ISK 3,500–6,500 for mains as of 2026).

Hire a bicycle or car at the ferry terminal to cover the island efficiently — Heimaey is small (13.4 km²) but the main sights are spread across it. A bicycle from the ferry terminal costs approximately ISK 2,500–3,500 per day as of 2026.

The island’s petrol station is open standard hours; check times on arrival as they close earlier in winter.

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

Book Iceland attraction tickets — skip-the-queue entry for geothermal baths, cave tours, and top attractions.

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

See Also

• Westman Islands travel guide — The full guide: accommodation, restaurants, and how to plan your visit
• Puffin watching in Iceland — Comparing the Westman Islands colonies with other Iceland puffin sites
• Iceland volcanoes — The 1973 Eldfell eruption in context with Iceland’s broader volcanic history
• South Coast drive — The Westman Islands as a detour from the South Coast Ring Road route
• Birdwatching in Iceland — The broader guide to Iceland’s birdlife including the Westman Islands puffin and seabird colonies