The Most Instagrammable Spots in the Westman Islands

Who doesn’t love a great view? Instagram could have been invented for Iceland – there are so many photogenic spots. That’s especially true of the Westman Islands, which will have you reaching for your camera time and time again. In this piece we’ll take a look at some of the most remarkable places and scenic views Heimaey has to offer and give you all the information glow need to Instagram the Westman Islands.

Elliðaey

This iconic island is home to a lone, white structure that is best viewed from a distance so that you can photograph the island in its entirety. While commonly misconstrued as a house, the building is in fact a hunting lodge and isn’t generally open to the public. That doesn’t mean you can’t let your imagination wander as you think about what it might be like if you did live there. The vertiginous cliffs, steeply sloping grassy plateau and of course the contrast of the wild setting with the white building makes this a top choice among Instagrammers.

Elephant Rock

Equally captivating is another rocky outcrop, the darling of boat trippers to the Westman Islands. As its nickname suggests, the cliff bears a strong resemblance to an elephant, whose trunk points down into the water. Across the world, there are numerous examples of landforms that look similar to animals of various kinds. Yet often the reality can be disappointing. Not so in this case, where you’ll be surprised at just how much this cliff really does look like an elephant.

Herjólfsdalur

This wonderful valley is the setting in summer for the biggest festival of the year. In August, people descend on this natural amphitheatre to socialise and listen to music. It’s the ideal time to visit if you are hoping to get some candid shots for your Instagram and showcase Iceland’s culture. But outside that weekend it’s still a must for those incredible views. Hiking over Dalfjall from the port to Herjólfsdalur is sure to bring a smile to your face and have you clicking that shutter multiple times as you make your way along the route.

Eldfell

Volcanoes and lava fields have a stark beauty and it’s this that makes them an Instagram regular. If you’re serious about this kind of photography, Iceland is a must and in the Westman Islands this means seeking out Eldfell. It’s a popular stop on our ATV tours and you’ll definitely be reaching for your phone to record what you see. The charcoal and red tones of the lava create a striking scene, no matter whether you experience the place surrounded by summer’s purple lupines or under a moody and dramatic sky.

Other natural wonders 

When it comes to scenic views, Heimaey is blessed with them in abundance and whether you tour the island on one of our ATV tours or loop it on a boat trip there’s sure to be plenty of extraordinary views begging to be uploaded to your social media channels. After rains, you might see water cascading over the island’s rocky cliffs, or in the summer season seabirds such as puffins coming and going as they feed their hungry chicks. 

Best of all, everything’s wrapped up into one easily accessible package, meaning you don’t have to travel far to get the shots you need to make your Instagram page run hot. Let us take care of getting you around the island in the most fun way you can imagine as you sign up for a Volcano ATV tour in one of Iceland’s most extraordinary locales – and don’t forget to tag us.