Where to Stay in the Westman Islands: Hotels & Guesthouses on Heimaey

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago — the others are sea cliffs, nesting rocks, and the new volcanic island of Surtsey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, off-limits to visitors without scientific permits). It’s small enough to walk across in a day but rich enough in landscape, wildlife, and history to hold you for three.

The accommodation scene reflects the island’s scale: a handful of hotels and guesthouses, a hostel, and a campsite. None of these are luxury properties. What they offer instead is proximity to a genuinely unusual volcanic island that’s improbably close to Reykjavík.

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar is the largest and most central hotel on Heimaey, located in the town of Vestmannaeyjar (which shares its name with the island group). Rooms are comfortable and have private bathrooms; doubles run from approximately ISK 30,000–40,000 per night as of 2026, high season. The hotel restaurant serves straightforward Icelandic food and is one of the island’s better dinner options. It’s within walking distance of the ferry terminal, the Eldheimar museum, and the town’s main street.

Guesthouse Hamar

Guesthouse Hamar sits slightly above the town near the golf course, offering views across Heimaey’s harbour and the surrounding sea. It’s a quieter option than the hotel, with a mix of en-suite and shared-bathroom rooms. Doubles with private bathroom cost approximately ISK 26,000–33,000 per night as of 2026. Self-catering kitchen available. The location means a short walk into town but a better view from the window.

Árnanesbraut Guesthouse

A small family-run guesthouse in the residential part of town. Rooms are modest and clean; shared bathroom is standard. Prices run approximately ISK 18,000–24,000 for a double as of 2026. The owners are helpful with local information on hiking routes and puffin-watching spots. A good choice for budget-conscious travellers who don’t want hostel dormitories.

Westman Islands Hostel (Farfuglaheimilið)

The youth hostel on Heimaey is affiliated with the HI network and offers dormitory beds from approximately ISK 6,500–7,500 per night as of 2026, with private rooms from around ISK 20,000 when available. Communal kitchen, shared bathrooms, common room. It fills up with walkers and cyclists in July and August — book online at least 3–4 weeks ahead.

Campsite Heimaey

The campsite is located near the town’s swimming pool, approximately 10–15 minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal. It’s open from May to September. Pitches cost approximately ISK 1,800–2,200 per person per night as of 2026; electricity hook-up is available for an additional fee. Hot showers, toilets, and a communal kitchen are on site. The swimming pool adjacent to the campsite has a hot pot — an excellent way to spend an evening after a long hiking day.

Þjóðhátíð Festival (Early August)

If you’re visiting during the Þjóðhátíð festival (typically the first weekend in August), be aware that this is the largest festival in Iceland by attendance relative to the host population. Roughly 15,000 people descend on an island of 4,500 for a long weekend of outdoor concerts, bonfires, and communal celebration. Accommodation books up months in advance for Þjóðhátíð weekend. If you want to attend the festival, treat accommodation as the first thing you book — before transport, before anything else.

Get travel insurance for Iceland — policies covering glacier hikes, F-road driving, and volcanic disruption.

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

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Getting to Heimaey

Ferry from Landeyjahöfn: The Herjólfur car ferry runs between Landeyjahöfn on the south coast and Heimaey in approximately 35 minutes. Several crossings run daily in summer. Check current schedules and book ahead at ferry.is. The ferry from Þorlákshöfn (90 minutes) also operates when sea conditions prevent the Landeyjahöfn route.

By air: Domestic flights operate between Reykjavík Domestic Airport and Heimaey in approximately 25 minutes. Icelandair Express Air operates the route; it’s more expensive than the ferry but significantly faster.

Landeyjahöfn is approximately 130 km from Reykjavík — a 1.5–2 hour drive. Most visitors combine the Westman Islands with a south coast drive along Route 1.

For what to see and do on the island, visit our Westman Islands things to do guide. For dining on Heimaey, see best restaurants in the Westman Islands.