Vestmannaeyjabær: Nature, Volcanic Landscapes and Traditions

In Vestmannaeyjabær, nature watching, volcanic history and living traditions come together. Puffins, views from the water and places that recall the 1973 eruption offer a different focus from the major recurring festivals. You can tailor your trip to whether you mainly want to explore the landscape, enjoy activities together or experience a special event.

Getting there and finding your bearings

The Herjólfur ferry runs from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar. Landeyjahöfn harbour is near the destination and can be reached in a regular passenger car without four-wheel drive. You can also take a bus there from Mjódd bus terminal in Reykjavík. When planning your journey, check the current ferry timetable.

For an initial overview of the island, a hop-on hop-off bus tour visits key attractions and viewpoints; it is particularly suitable for short stays. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which experiences you want to focus on during your trip. Wildlife and nature watching, volcanic history and attending a festival are different reasons for planning a visit.

Puffins and insights into nature

At the harbour in Vestmannaeyjar, the visitor centre of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary includes the island’s only puffin rescue centre, an aquarium with native species and a natural history exhibition. It brings wildlife and nature knowledge together in one place. In the wider island area, the sanctuary consists of a natural sea inlet in Klettsvík Bay, an onshore care facility and a visitor centre. Guests can also visit the belugas Little White and Little Grey there.

Boat tours offer views of puffins in their natural habitat, other wildlife, rock formations and Elephant Rock. Further afield on Heimaey, there is a birdwatching hut at Stórhöfði that provides shelter from wind and rain. It is near a puffin colony and allows visitors to watch the birds without disturbing them. Further afield on Heimaey, Elephant Rock can also be seen from the golf course; from a boat, you can view it up close.

Volcanic rock and trails on Heimaey

The volcanic history is also evident at places further afield on Heimaey. Further afield on Heimaey, Eldfell was formed during the 1973 Heimaey eruption; a large wooden cross in its crater commemorates Jón Trausti Úranusson. At Páskahellir, you can see rock formed during this eruption. At Easter, there is a local tradition in Vestmannaeyjar of walking together to Páskahellir. Further afield on Heimaey, Gaujulundur also tells the story of the more recent lava: the area was created on it and is covered with small trees and shrubs.

The hikes vary in difficulty. The route to Stafsnes leads from Herjólfsdalur via Dalfell and includes a steep descent; the hike is considered challenging. The Heimaey Loop is further afield on Heimaey and is challenging; bringing a map is recommended. Stóra-Klif is further afield on Heimaey; it can be climbed, but the route may be very challenging. Local advice is recommended before setting out. This information helps distinguish hiking plans from nature watching or visits to cultural sites.

Another viewpoint further afield on Heimaey is Flakkarinn: from the platform, you can look out over birdlife, mountains and boat traffic. If you are interested in seeing the landscape from different perspectives, you can consider including viewpoints like this alongside activities on the water.

Experience traditions and culture

Recurring events include the 7-tinda-gangan, a large group hike held every year in June or July. The Þjóðhátíð festival takes place every year over the August weekend of Verslunarmannahelgi and lasts four days. The programme includes concerts, a range of activities for children and families, a fireworks display, communal singing and other events. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, check the relevant event dates before making arrangements.

Cultural sites also offer different ways to explore history. Herjolfstown Viking Museum is a turf house built in 2005 and designed as a reconstruction of Herjólf’s home. Viking Town offers a vivid insight into Viking life, work and everyday activities in this landscape through a collection of Viking artefacts. Together with the natural and volcanic history, this makes for a trip that need not focus on just one experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hruni, Villingaholt, Selfoss, Vík Í Mýrdal, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Grimsnes, Keldur, Hvolsvöllur.

Go to the regional travel overview: Sudurland.