In the harbour of Vestmannaeyjar, the Beluga Whale Sanctuary visitor centre brings together a puffin rescue centre, an aquarium featuring native species and a natural history exhibition. There are also boat tours, hikes and recurring cultural events.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The Herjólfur ferry runs from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar. Landeyjahöfn is in the vicinity of Vestmannaeyjabær and can be reached in a regular car without four-wheel drive. You can also take a bus there from Mjódd bus terminal in Reykjavík. Plan the journey to the harbour and the ferry crossing as separate steps, and check the ferry timetable before travelling.

For short stays, the Vestmannaeyjar Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a good way to get your bearings: it takes you to important sights and viewpoints on the island and is especially suitable for short visits.

Puffins and Nature Around the Island

The visitor centre in the harbour includes Iceland’s only puffin rescue centre, an aquarium featuring native species and a natural history exhibition. The facilities may change over time; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Boat tours in Vestmannaeyjar offer views of puffins in their natural habitat, other wildlife, rock formations and Elephant Rock. The rock can also be seen from the golf course; a boat offers a closer view. There are different ways to enjoy the scenery.

On the Vestmannaeyjar islands, visitors can see the belugas Little White and Little Grey. For observing birds on land, the hut at Stórhöfði provides a viewpoint sheltered from wind and rain, close to a puffin colony, without disturbing the birds. At Flakkarinn, a viewing platform overlooks birdlife, mountains and boat traffic.

The landscape on Heimaey also has many different aspects: Gaujulundur is an area of small trees and shrubs established on new lava. Elsewhere on the island, Eldfell was formed during the 1973 Heimaey eruption. A large wooden cross stands in the crater in memory of Jón Trausti Úranusson.

Hiking and Cycling

The Heimaey circular route follows the Puffin Run course and runs alongside a puffin colony for part of the way. It is challenging, and it is recommended that you bring a map. The trail to Stafsnes leads from Herjólfsdalur via Dalfell and includes a steep descent; the hike is considered challenging. Stóra-Klif can also be climbed, but the hike may be very demanding. Local advice is recommended before setting out.

The 7-tinda Gangan is another hike tied to a particular time of year: it takes place every year in June or July, with a large group. There are also cycle paths in many places on Vestmannaeyjar.

Traditions and Culture

The Þjóðhátíð festival takes place every year over the August weekend of Verslunarmannahelgi. The four-day programme includes concerts, a varied programme for children and families, a fireworks display, communal singing and other events. At Easter, a local tradition in Vestmannaeyjar is to walk together to Páskahellir. There, you can see rock formed during the 1973 eruption.

Viking history is presented in different ways. Herjólfstown Viking Museum, built in 2005, is designed as a turf house and recreates Herjólfur’s home. Viking Town offers a vivid glimpse into how Vikings lived, worked and prospered in this landscape through its collection of Viking artefacts.

Discover more destinations: Laugarás, Sólheimar, Vík Í Mýrdal, Háfur, Hruni, Grafarkirkja, Ásólfsskáli, Búðarhólshverfi.

For the regional travel overview: Sudurland.