![\"\"](\"https:\/\/volcanoatv.is\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/volcanoes_Heimaey.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA magical valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Herj\u00f3lfsdalur takes on the form of a natural amphitheatre, lined by rocks on all sides \u2013 it\u2019s actually an ancient collapsed volcanic crater. Heavily faulted, they contrast with the grassy slopes as you approach. Very occasionally, you might also experience a very unusual phenomenon, a fog waterfall; in Icelandic it\u2019s called the dalal\u00e6\u00f0a. As you hike along the ridge, it\u2019s not hard to see why this place makes such an ideal spot for the annual \u00dej\u00f3\u00f0h\u00e1t\u00ed\u00f0 festival, a Westman Islands gathering that has been held since 1874. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remote beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There aren\u2019t many beaches in the Westman Islands, whose shoreline is characterised mostly by steep, rocky cliffs. But in places you\u2019ll find bays in which sand can become trapped, and these isolated beaches are a real treat to visit. Some are exquisite, like Stafsnes tucked away in a secluded spot in the north west of the island. Meanwhile others have a story to tell, such as Prestvik beach, where a stricken fishing ship called Pelagus came to grief, as you\u2019ll find out on one of our ATV tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St\u00f3rh\u00f6f\u00f0i couldn\u2019t be more of a contrast to these sheltered spots. Wild and windy, this exposed peninsula is home to an enormous colony of puffins, which arrive in spring each year to mate and rear their chicks. If you\u2019re here before the pufflings fledge and the birds depart back to the ocean, our ATV tours are the ideal means to get there. Park up and as our guide explains a bit about these funny birds, nicknamed the clowns of the sea, you can watch their antics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The name Heimaklettur means \u201chome rock\u201d and this is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Westman Islands. Rising 283 metres above sea level it is the islands\u2019 highest mountain, formed during the last Ice Age. Sheep graze on the grass here year-round. It\u2019s a difficult hike requiring ladders and chains \u2013 as well as a head for heights \u2013 but impressive if you\u2019re capable. From the top on a clear day, the views not only of Heimaey but also across to the mainland are breathtaking. But even admiring Heimaklettur itself from the harbour is a must for visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wave action has sculpted the volcanic rock of the Westman Islands, creating steep cliffs and sea caves. On a boat trip you can access a cave called Klettshellir, as your guide will demonstrate its splendid acoustics. One of the most famous landmarks is Elephant Rock, which you can admire during our Volcanic Vistas and Puffin Paradise ATV tour. It looks like a pachyderm with its trunk down, drinking from the water. Seals, dolphins and whales, as well as a plethora of seabirds, are frequently sighted close to the Westman Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Created by volcanic activity and shaped by the ocean, the striking natural landscapes of the Westman Islands are a must for visitors. Whether you\u2019re off-roading over lava trails, gazing out over the sea or chuckling at the antics of those cute puffins, taking an ATV tour with us in this wonderful place is likely to be a standout highlight of your Icelandic holiday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Iceland\u2019s natural landscapes are a reason why so many tourists visit. The Westman Islands are no exception, promising a variety…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1276,"parent":1081,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1274","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/volcanoatv.is\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20230520_125508.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe St\u00f3rh\u00f6f\u00f0i peninsula<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heimaklettur<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Coastal scenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/volcanoatv.is\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240215_172258.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n