Activities to do in the Westman islands

There’s a lot to do in the Westman Islands, so although you can come on the ferry for a day trip, we’d definitely recommend staying in Heimaey at least one night so that you can fit as much in as possible. Here’s our roundup of some of the best activities you can do while you’re in the Westman Islands.

Take an ATV tour

Get your adrenaline racing on an ATV ride around Heimaey Island. This thrilling adventure unlocks some of the best views in Vestmannaeyjar as well as exploring some cultural and historic themes to give you an overview of the events that shaped human settlement on this scenic volcanic archipelago. Children can ride as passengers, making this a fun activity to do as a family. In summer, we can also take you to some of the spots where puffins nest and so you’ll have a good chance of seeing these delightfully comic creatures at close quarters.   

Get out on the water

Boat trips are always entertaining, no matter what form they take. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, then ramp up the adrenaline factor on the water as well with a thrilling RIB safari. When the throttle of these high speed boats opens up, you’re in for a real treat; the guide will cut the engines if you spot whales or approach seabird colonies in the rugged cliffs. Some of the rocky coastline has been eroded into quirky shapes – as at Elephant Rock – or into caves large enough to enter. 

Hike up a volcanic cone

Helgafell was dormant for 5900 years when it burst into life in January 1973. In an eruption that lasted for about six months, the lava created a new cone called Eldfell. Today, the volcano has fallen silent again and it’s now possible to hike over the lava field and up to Eldfell’s summit. The views from up here are splendid, not least in summer when purple lupines come into flower. You can also visit a house that was engulfed in lava; it has been left as a poignant reminder of this recent episode in the archipelago’s geological history.

Find out what the spranga is

The spranga is a Westman Islands version of abseiling, used in the past so that islanders could reach the nests of seabirds and gather their eggs to use as a source of food. For nature conservation reasons, this practice is now strictly prohibited; there’s no need to gather wild eggs when commercially produced ones are available at the supermarket. However, you might occasionally still see islanders swinging and twisting on ropes. Kids are taught how to do it on a cliff face at close to the western  harbour, gradually progressing higher up the rock face as they master the art and their skills improve.

Play a round of golf overlooking the ocean

More than 10% of Westman Islanders are members of this club, but, located within the Herjólfsdalur valley, this incredible 18-hole golf course also welcomes visiting players. Overlooked by mountains and close to the shore, be warned, overflying puffins and other seabirds might put you off your game. With scenery this remarkable, a game of golf here is an unforgettable experience. There’s no need to bring your own gear: rent clubs and a cart at the clubhouse if you require. 

Watch puffins from a bird hide

One of the island’s most popular hikes is up to Stórhöfði where there’s a bird hide. In summer, especially in the early morning or evening, you can watch the comical antics of some of the Westman Island’s migratory population of puffins. Here, they come back to the cliff face so that they can feed their young; clumsy landings are the norm. If you don’t have transport, you can walk from downtown or the harbour; you may prefer to rent a mountain bike to save yourself some effort.

Visit a whale sanctuary 

The Beluga Whale Sanctuary took in two magnificent beluga whales and is gradually working on the process of returning them to the wild. Little White and Little Grey arrived from a Shanghai water park in 2019. The whales are being cared for with a view to relocating them into Klettsvik Bay in 2025; this is later than originally planned but the decision has been taken with the animals’ welfare at heart. In the meantime, tourists are still able to visit them at the landside facility beside the harbour in Heimaey.