Vestmannaeyjar: One of Iceland's best-kept secrets

May 2025

Just off Iceland's southern coast lies a cluster of volcanic islands shaped by fire, battered by waves, and deeply loved by those who call them home. These are the Vestmannaeyjar — the Westman Islands — a place where history still smolders beneath the surface, and nature never sits still for long.

At first glance, the scenery grabs you: sea cliffs rising sharply from the Atlantic, puffins darting overhead, and the ever-present silhouette of Eldfell, the volcano that changed everything.

A Town That Faced Fire

In 1973, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, Heimaey, was forever changed. A volcanic fissure tore open the earth just above the town, and lava began to pour toward the harbor. Over 5,000 people were evacuated overnight, not knowing if they'd ever return.

But they did. And they rebuilt.

Today, that eruption is still visible — not just in the cooled lava fields that edge the town, but in the spirit of the people who stayed. A walk through the Eldheimar Museum, built over a house buried in ash, is a quiet, powerful reminder of resilience. It's not just a museum — it's a time capsule.

A Taste of the Islands

Don't let the town's size fool you — Vestmannaeyjar has a surprisingly strong culinary scene. Being surrounded by the sea, it's no surprise that seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Local restaurants take pride in simple, honest cooking — often with an elevated twist.

At Slippurinn, a beautifully restored shipyard-turned-bistro, the menu changes with the seasons and the catch. You might find salt cod with wild herbs, Arctic char smoked in-house, or rhubarb cocktails made with foraged island ingredients. It's thoughtful, locally rooted dining at its best.
For something more casual, head to Einsi Kaldi, a cozy spot known for fish of the day and local lamb dishes. Pizza is done with flair here — with toppings like langoustine and local blue cheese.
GOTT is a family run restaurant where everything is made from scratch on premise from the freshest ingredients at each time.
Vöruhúsið is a family friendly restaurant with a flavorful and versatile menu.

A Home for Two Special Visitors

Just a short walk from the harbor, you'll find one of the most quietly remarkable places on the island: the Beluga Whale Sanctuary at the Sea Life Trust.

This world-first sanctuary is home to Little Grey and Little White, two beluga whales relocated from captivity in China. Their new home in Klettsvík Bay is a remarkable achievement — a blend of conservation, science, and Icelandic sea air.

Visitors can learn about their journey, see the sanctuary from viewing platforms, and gain insight into the wider marine protection work on and around the island. It's humbling, moving, and a rare opportunity to witness an animal sanctuary making real change.

Outdoors, in Every Direction

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Vestmannaeyjar. Trails loop around the island's volcanic ridges and sea cliffs, with panoramic views at nearly every turn. Hike to the top of Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973, where the lava still radiates warmth below the surface. Or tackle the trail to Blátindur for one of the best viewpoints in the country — if the wind allows it.

RIB boat tours are another must. These high-speed inflatable boats take you around the island's outer edges, into sea caves, beneath towering cliffs, and past rock stacks like Elephant Rock, a formation that really does resemble its namesake. In summer, puffins by the thousands fill the air — while whales and dolphins often follow your boat like old friends.

If you prefer things slower, golfers will love the island's 18-hole course — bordered by ocean on one side and lava fields on the other. It's one of Iceland's most scenic courses.

Community, Culture, and Firelight

Despite its remote setting, Heimaey hums with life. The town is colorful and close-knit, and the island's annual festival, Þjóðhátíð, is a highlight of the Icelandic summer. Thousands gather in Herjólfsdalur valley for a long weekend of music, bonfires, and midnight singing under the stars. It's festive, local, and emotional — a celebration of survival, community, and joy.

Even if you're not visiting during the festival, you'll feel that same spirit throughout town — in the murals, the humor of the locals, and the way everyone seems to wave when you pass by.

Photo credit: Visit North

The Puffin has a special place in the heart of the Westman Island islanders but these stunning birds inhabit the cliff faces of the rocks surrounding the island. Late August the puffin chicks leave their burrows and have a habit of flying into the town itself. The islanders consider it their responsibility to rescue the chicks by finding and returning them to sea, an annual, heartfelt tradition.

You can reach Vestmannaeyjar by ferry from Landeyjahöfn, a quick and scenic crossing (about 35 minutes), or by flight from Reykjavík, which takes under half an hour. The ferry runs year-round, weather permitting, though spring through autumn offers the best chance for calm seas and clear skies.

Vestmannaeyjar: Where Every Element Lives

At Key to Iceland, we believe meaningful travel happens where the elements meet — where earth, fire, sea, and story come together in one unforgettable place. Vestmannaeyjar is just that.

Come for the puffins, the lava, the food, the music.

Stay for the feeling — of resilience, beauty, something deeper beneath the surface.