The Westman Islands - Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic - are a small archipelago off the south coast, formed relatively recently by volcanic activity on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The inhabited island, Heimaey, is just 13km² in area but packs in a remarkable set of experiences: an intact town rebuilt after the 1973 volcanic eruption that consumed a third of it, the world’s largest puffin colony, one of Iceland’s best small museums, whale watching in the surrounding waters, and sea cliffs that rise straight from the ocean with little drama and everything presence.
For travellers on the south coast circuit, the Westman Islands represent the most significant detour. The ferry from Landeyjahöfn takes 35 minutes each way - genuinely fast - and the accommodation on Heimaey is sufficient for comfortable overnight stays. Many travellers who visit describe it as one of the highlights of a south Iceland trip.
Getting to Heimaey
By ferry (Herjólfur): The primary route. The ferry departs from Landeyjahöfn, which is approximately 160km from Reykjavík (2 hours) and 35km west of Vík on the Ring Road. Crossings take 35 minutes and run multiple times daily; frequency increases in summer. Book online at herjolfur.is - car spaces fill fast on summer weekends and the Þjóðhátíð festival weekend (early August) needs booking months ahead. Hire a car in Reykjavík before catching the ferry - car hire on Heimaey itself is very limited, and having your own vehicle makes it easier to reach the puffin colonies and volcanic craters on the far side of the island.
Alternative ferry from Þorlákshöfn: When Landeyjahöfn is weather-closed (more common in winter), the ferry runs from Þorlákshöfn south of Reykjavík. Journey time approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.
By air: Eagle Air operates flights from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RVK) to Vestmannaeyjar Airport (VEY), taking about 30 minutes. Useful if you are short on time or the ferry is weather-cancelled.
Town Centre: Heimaey
All accommodation on the Westman Islands is in Heimaey town or within a short drive of it. The town was rebuilt after the 1973 eruption of Eldfell volcano buried much of it under lava and ash - the eastern edge of the town centre sits directly below the Eldfell crater.
Budget Accommodation (Under ISK 22,000)
Sunnuhlíð Hostel is the main budget option on Heimaey, with dorm beds from approximately ISK 6,500 per person and private rooms from ISK 19,000–22,000. The hostel is clean and well-positioned in the town centre, with kitchen access and good common areas. For solo travellers and those on the south Iceland circuit, this is the obvious budget choice.
Guesthouses in the town centre: Several small guesthouses offer private rooms from approximately ISK 18,000–24,000 with shared or private bathrooms. A light breakfast is usually available at additional cost.
Camping at Vestmannaeyjar Campsite: The campsite at Herjólfsdalur valley - where the Þjóðhátíð festival is held in a natural amphitheatre - charges approximately ISK 1,800–2,200 per person per night, open late May through early September. The setting in the valley with cliffs on three sides is dramatic. During the Þjóðhátíð festival weekend (early August), the campsite hosts tens of thousands of visitors - do not attempt to visit that weekend without advance planning.
Mid-Range Accommodation (ISK 25,000–50,000)
Hótel Vestmannaeyjar is the main hotel on the island, with doubles running approximately ISK 32,000–50,000 in peak summer. The hotel is central, comfortable, and reliable. The restaurant is one of the better options in town. The hotel books out well in advance for July and August - 4–6 weeks minimum, more for the festival weekend.
Guesthouse Hamar and similar mid-range properties offer en-suite private rooms from approximately ISK 24,000–35,000. These suit couples and travellers who want private bathrooms without hotel prices.
Heimir Guesthouse (and comparable properties) run approximately ISK 22,000–30,000 for well-maintained private rooms, often with views towards the harbour or the Eldfell crater. The closer you can book to the ocean-facing side of town, the better the light in summer.
Self-Catering and Apartments
A growing number of self-catering apartments have appeared on Heimaey, running from approximately ISK 28,000–45,000 per night for a full apartment sleeping 2–4 people. For families or groups planning to cook, these work well - Bónus supermarket on the main road is well-stocked and significantly cheaper than eating out for every meal.
What to Do on Heimaey
Eldheimar Museum: The most important thing to do on the island. The museum is built around an excavated house that was buried under lava ash during the 1973 eruption - you walk through the original building as it was found. Entry approximately ISK 2,400 per adult. Open May through October.
Eldfell Crater: The 221m volcanic cone that erupted in 1973, directly above the town. A 40-minute walk from the town centre along a well-marked path. The crater rim is walkable; the lava field below it is still warm in places from residual heat.
Puffin watching: The Westman Islands host the world’s largest puffin colony - approximately 8–10 million birds. They nest on the sea cliffs from May through August. The most accessible cliff areas are at Stórhöfði on the south coast (20-minute drive) and at Eldfell’s outer slopes. Boat tours from the harbour give the best views from late May through August, typically approximately ISK 7,900–9,900 per person for a 1-hour trip.
Whale watching: Humpback and minke whales are regularly sighted in the waters around the islands from June through August. Tours depart from Heimaey harbour, approximately ISK 9,900–12,000 per adult - book in advance as peak-season slots fill quickly.
Sea cave boat tours: The volcanic coastline is riddled with caves accessible only by boat. Several operators run boat tours (ISK 8,900–10,000 per person, 1–2 hours) that go inside the caves and around the outer stacks.
See our Westman Islands guide for the full island circuit, bird-finding locations, and the 1973 eruption story in detail.