The top activity tours in the Westman Islands

Sightseeing’s great, but there’s nothing like doing rather than seeing to get the most out of a place when you visit. That’s definitely true for the Westman Islands, where there’s a wealth of tours and activities to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of our favourites to get you started.

Go on a RIB safari, kayak or boat trip

The coastline of the Westman Islands is spectacular which means you should try to do at least one boat trip during your stay. There’s a choice of vessels, from sedate cruisers to nippy RIBs. The former are great for parties that enjoy listening to a commentary and chatting about the places they’re seeing. Meanwhile the high speeds attainable by RIBs inject energy, fun and thrills into the proceedings. Alternatively, slip through the sheltered coastal waters on a kayak tour. What doesn’t change is the incredible scenery. Imagine grassy-topped cliffs teeming with sea birds or rocky outcrops whose faulting and folding shows why geology is such a fascinating discipline. Landmarks such as Elephant Rock, formed from basalt, and the jaw-dropping acoustics of Klettshellir cave mean this is far from an ordinary excursion, whichever mode of transport you pick.

Take a guided lava walk 

You can’t really visit the Westman Islands without doing justice to Eldfell, the volcanic cone formed during the 1973 eruption on Heimaey. Though your ATV ride will have given you a flavour of what it’s like, you may wish to consider returning on foot to explore at a more unhurried pace. Though it’s easily possible to walk up there on your own, one of the best ways to learn about the place is to opt for the “guided by a local” tour. Being able to get a resident’s perspective on the eruption and on how the islanders rebuilt their damaged town is a tempting opportunity. You’ll start at the harbour and walk via Skansinn to the summit of Eldfell before looping back to the town. 

Hike to Heimaklettur

The hilly terrain that characterises the Westman Islands means there are plenty of places where you can get a workout while admiring the striking landscape. One of the best hikes is up to Heimaklettur, though it’s not a casual stroll. In Icelandic, Heimaklettur means “Home Rock”, and it’s the destination for the signature walk of the Westman Islands. With its peak standing at 279 metres above the water in the harbour, it’s the archipelago’s highest point. To do this walk, you’ll need to be fit and you’ll also need to be comfortable with heights. Oh, and it’s best in fine weather when the wind isn’t too strong. Ladders, ropes and chains help hikers navigate the steep stretches. After that it’s a moderate trail that leads to a fabulous view that is ample reward for the effort you’ve just made. Similarly, the hike to Herjólfsdalur is another that delivers on the promise of stellar views.     

Rent a bike

Mountain biking enthusiasts will relish the chance to get out and explore Heimaey on two wheels. Typically, online rentals are for five hours, which gives you enough time to cover a lot of the main sights on this compact island. You can arrange to pick up your bike right beside the ferry port, so you won’t waste any time before you get pedalling. The mountain bikes used are well-maintained Trek 3700 or Trek Skye S models, so you can be confident that they will handle the terrain admirably, leaving you to focus on the sights themselves. One activity you might come across is locals honing their spranga technique. This abseiling-type sport was originally used to gather bird eggs from the cliff face though it is more dangerous than it looks. Shorter and longer rentals are also possible should you wish, making this a flexible option if you want to get some exercise and fresh air in this varied and interesting place.        

Ride an ATV

From myriad lofty viewpoints you’ll see just how beautiful the landscape of the Westman Islands is and be keen to explore it further. One of the most fun ways to do so is on our Volcano ATV tour. The chunky tyres and all-terrain capability of these vehicles means you can access places that a regular car would be unable to reach. You’ll soon understand why so many people enjoy this activity. Suited up and wearing your gloves and helmet, you’ll feel the wind on your face as you ride as a group around some of Heimaey’s most iconic sites. Throw in some expert commentary and you’ll be rapt with attention as you listen to the stories of events that took place along the way. From an extraordinary journey made by the survivor of a shipwreck to that infamous eruption, you’ll be able to appreciate what makes this part of Iceland really special.  

Do some puffin-watching at Stórhöfði

Summer visitors to Iceland are often enchanted by the bird that has become its mascot. The Atlantic puffins arrive in huge numbers – we’re talking hundreds of thousands – in spring. They make their nests in burrows in the cliffs and raise their young before departing for the ocean before the summer’s over. It can be hard to find easily accessible places where lots of birds can be seen close up, but at Stórhöfði on Heimaey, you can park your rental car right beside a spacious bird hide and watch them for hours. If you’ve chosen to arrive on the island as a foot passenger, why not consider adding the puffin paradise option to your ATV tour and let us take care of the rest?