A day trip by ferry or flight to the Westman Islands archipelago, famous for the dramatic 1973 Eldfell volcanic eruption that buried a third of the town and the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony nesting on the clifftops from May to August. The main island Heimaey offers the Eldheimar eruption museum, volcanic hiking, and boat tours past the sea caves.
The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) day trip involves a 120 km drive from Reykjavik to the Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal, about 1.5 hours, followed by a 35-minute crossing on the Herjólfur car ferry (around ISK 3,500 / $25 per person); a domestic flight from Reykjavik's city airport (about 30 minutes) and organised day tours are also available. The archipelago's main island, Heimaey, is famed for the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption that buried a third of the town under lava and ash, and for hosting the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony, nesting on the clifftops from May to August. Highlights include the Eldheimar eruption museum, built around a house excavated from the 1973 ash fall, hiking to the summit of Eldfell volcano for views over the harbour, and boat tours past sea caves and around the neighbouring islet of Surtsey. A typical day begins with the morning ferry from Landeyjahöfn, a visit to Eldheimar and a hike up Eldfell in the late morning, lunch in Heimaey town in the early afternoon, and a boat tour or puffin-watching walk before catching the afternoon ferry back to the mainland. The islands are accessible year-round via ferry, though the puffin colony and best weather are concentrated between May and August; winter crossings can be affected by rough seas. Food options in Heimaey town include Gott Restaurant, Slippurinn, and several cafés near the harbour, making it easy to combine the museum and hike with a proper lunch stop.
| Distance | 120 km to ferry terminal from Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5 hours to ferry + 35-minute crossing |
| Getting there | Rental car to ferry terminal, then Herjólfur car ferry |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal, South Iceland (car ferry departure) |
How to get there
- rental car + Herjólfur car ferry (~ISK 3,500/~$25 per person)
- Domestic flight from Reykjavik domestic airport (~30 min)
- Organised day tour from Reykjavik
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal, South Iceland (car ferry departure)
63.4410, -20.2700 View on map
Highlights
- Visit the Eldheimar museum built around a house buried in the 1973 Eldfell eruption
- Hike to the summit of Eldfell volcano for harbor views
- See the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony (May-August)
- Boat tour past sea caves and the volcanic islet of Surtsey
Tips for visiting
- Book the Herjólfur car ferry crossing in advance, especially in summer when demand is high.
- The domestic flight from Reykjavik is faster (about 30 minutes) but weather-dependent and less frequent.
- Visit between May and August for the best chance of seeing the puffin colony.
- Check ferry schedules before planning the return trip, as departures thin out in winter.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the Eldfell summit hike, which crosses loose volcanic scoria.
When to visit
May-August for puffin sightings and calmer ferry crossings; the islands are accessible year-round but winter seas can disrupt the ferry schedule.
Accessibility
The Herjólfur ferry has lift and accessible seating; the Eldfell summit trail is steep loose scoria unsuited to wheelchairs, while Eldheimar museum and Heimaey town are level and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach the Westman Islands from Reykjavik?
Most drive 120 km to Landeyjahöfn and take the 35-minute Herjólfur car ferry, though a domestic flight and organised tours are also options.
When is the best time to see puffins on the islands?
The puffin colony nests on the clifftops from May to August, with peak numbers in June and July.
What is the Eldheimar museum about?
It is built around a house excavated from the ash of the 1973 Eldfell eruption and documents the disaster and the town's recovery.
Is the ferry crossing affected by weather?
Yes, winter crossings can be delayed or cancelled in rough seas, so building flexibility into the return schedule is wise.