How to Visit the Westman Islands in One Day
The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are one of the easiest island escapes in Iceland. There are puffin cliffs, a volcano you can climb and a town that was half buried by lava in 1973. The best part is that you can see the highlights in a single day. Here is how to plan it.
Getting to the Westman Islands
Drive to Landeyjahöfn. The ferry harbour is on Iceland's south coast, about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík.
Take the Herjólfur ferry. The crossing to Heimaey, the only inhabited island, takes about 35 to 40 minutes. In summer there are up to seven sailings a day in each direction. Book ahead, especially if you want to bring your car, and be at the harbour 30 minutes before departure. You can also leave your car in the parking area at Landeyjahöfn and walk on.
Check the route before you go. In rough weather or in winter, the ferry sometimes sails from Þorlákshöfn instead. That crossing is much longer and has fewer departures. Always check the current schedule at herjolfur.is.
Timing a day trip: the morning ferries leave Landeyjahöfn at 08:15 or 10:45. The evening ferries back leave Heimaey at 17:00, 19:30 or 22:00. That gives you anywhere from 6 to 13 hours on the island. Schedules change by season.
A One-Day Itinerary
Morning: volcano and lava
Start with Eldfell, the volcano that erupted without warning in January 1973. The walk to the crater rim takes 20 to 40 minutes and has views over the town, the harbour and the new lava field. Then visit Eldheimar, a museum built around a family home dug out of the ash. Plan about an hour there.
Midday: lunch by the harbour
Heimaey has cafés and restaurants close to the harbour. It is a good moment to warm up and watch the fishing boats come in.
Afternoon: cliffs, puffins and whales
Head south to Stórhöfði, the island's southernmost point, with its lighthouse and sea cliffs. From May to August it is one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close. On the way back, stop at Herjólfsdalur, the green valley inside an old crater, and at Sprangan, where locals practise the traditional art of cliff swinging. End the day at the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, home to two rescued beluga whales.
Evening: ferry back
Catch the evening ferry to the mainland, or stay the night and enjoy the island once the day visitors have gone.
Getting Around Heimaey
The town centre and the harbour are walkable. The island's best viewpoints are spread out, though, and the wind can be strong. Stórhöfði, the south coast and the lookouts above the lava field are much easier to reach by car. If you arrive on foot, a private tour is the simplest way to see everything without wasting time.
Practical Tips
Bring waterproof layers, even in summer. The weather changes fast out at sea.
Many cliff edges have no railings. Keep your distance, and lie down if you want the perfect puffin photo.
Check the ferry schedule the day before you travel, in case the route changes.
See the Island With a Local Driver-Guide
Short on time? Our 2-Hour Private Westman Islands Tour covers the highlights: Eldfell, the lava fields, Stórhöfði and the puffin cliffs. It is ideal if you are visiting for the day by ferry or cruise ship. Want to see it all at your own pace? Choose the Full-Day Private Tour. Both tours are private, in a comfortable BMW X5, and planned around you.
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