Vestmannaeyjar: Volcanic Landscapes, Trails and Culture

Volcanoes, birdwatching and a vibrant local history shape Vestmannaeyjar. Heimaey is the archipelago’s only settlement inhabited year-round; here, hiking destinations such as Eldfell and Helgafell sit alongside museums and places that tell the story of the 1973 eruption. When choosing a holiday apartment, there are therefore different travel interests to weigh up: would you like to spend most of your time outdoors, watch puffins or learn about the island’s history?

Volcanic landscapes and birdlife on Heimaey

At 227 metres high, Helgafell lies in the southeast of Heimaey. Eldfell is also a distinctive hiking destination: the volcano formed during the eruption on Heimaey in 1973, and a designated, popular route leads to its summit. If you are interested in the history of the eruption, you can combine a visit to the volcano with Eldheimar. The museum explores the events of 1973 and was built around a house that was buried by ash and lava. Another exhibition there is dedicated to Surtsey, the volcanic island that emerged off Iceland’s south coast in the 1960s.

There are various destinations for nature watching. Stórhöfði is the southernmost point of Heimaey and is known for its diverse birdlife. A birdwatching hut nearby lets you get close to the puffin colony without disturbing the birds. There are also many puffins at Sæfell and on the surrounding slopes. Stórhöfði has a hike suitable for families and people with little experience of mountain hiking. Stórhöfðaviti lighthouse has been in operation since 1906.

Trails with different characteristics

The trails on Heimaey vary considerably in their routes. Hamarinn is a marked hiking trail along the island’s entire west coast. The hike up Sæfell starts at the Sæfell car park and can lead directly up the mountain. By contrast, the ascent of Heimaklettur begins with vertical ladders and continues along stepped, clearly marked paths. These details offer several specific points to consider if you would like to include hiking days in your trip.

The trail to Skansinn is also a short, family-friendly option: the easy route has just 20 metres of elevation gain each way. History takes centre stage at the destination. Skansinn fortress, or defensive wall, was built in 1586 to protect royal trade from English attackers and rebuilt after the Turkish raid of 1627. If you are looking for a route with a distinctive course rather than an easy trail, the path to Stafsnes fits the bill: it leads from Herjólfsdalur over Dalfell and then descends steeply to Stafsnes.

Museums, history and experiences for children

In the centre of Heimaey, the Sagnheimar Folk Museum presents local heritage through interactive exhibitions. The Pirate Cave features dress-up and a treasure hunt for children; there is also a hands-on collection for children and adults. An authentic Þjóðhátíð tent is on display there, too. The festival was first held in 1874 and has been celebrated every year since the early 1900s.

Another historic house is Landlyst. It is one of the oldest houses in Vestmannaeyjar, was originally built in 1848 and now houses a medical museum. Stafkirkjan was consecrated on 30 July 2000 and stands on land formed during the 1973 eruption on Heimaey. Both sites complement the volcano museums by offering insights into other aspects of the island’s history.

The SEA LIFE Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre has step-free access and is fully wheelchair accessible. It is home to Iceland’s only puffin rescue centre and an aquarium featuring local species. During the summer months, the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary offers guided boat tours to the marine reserve in nearby Klettsvik Bay.

Whether you are focusing on volcanic hikes, nature watching or museums on your trip, Heimaey offers a variety of destinations and trail types. Other places to explore include Þykkvibær, Búðarhólshverfi, Vestmannaeyjabær, Stokkseyri, Grimsnes, Laugarás, Grafarkirkja and Hella.

Getting to Vestmannaeyjar

The ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar takes about 45 minutes. This crossing is a useful point of reference when planning your trip to the archipelago. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can also consider which of Heimaey’s attractions described here would be most appealing during your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Sudurland.