Getting here & making the most of your time
Ferry information, cruise-stop ideas and practical inspiration for building your Vestmannaeyjar itinerary.
The island we call home
Discover
Vestmannaeyjar
An extraordinary archipelago shaped by volcanoes, the North Atlantic and centuries of remarkable stories.
Welcome to Vestmannaeyjar
One island.
Countless stories.
Just off Iceland's south coast lies a place where volcanic landscapes, towering sea cliffs, puffins and remarkable human stories come together.
Vestmannaeyjar — also known internationally as the Westman Islands — is an archipelago unlike anywhere else in Iceland. Heimaey is its only permanently inhabited island and the place we call home.
We've created this guide to help you discover more of it. Explore the stories, plan your visit and find the places that make Vestmannaeyjar unforgettable.
Three stories that define the islands
Fire. Wildlife. History.
01 / Volcanoes
An island shaped by fire
Discover Eldfell, the extraordinary 1973 eruption and an archipelago still being shaped by volcanic forces.
Explore volcano stories →
02 / Puffins
The islands' iconic residents
Learn where to see puffins, how they live and why puffling season is such a special part of island life.
Explore puffin stories →
03 / History
Centuries of island stories
From the first settlers and life at sea to the events of 1627 and the dramatic changes of the modern era.
Explore island history →The Volcano ATV guide
Explore Vestmannaeyjar
Our collection of guides brings the island together in one place. Start with what interests you, then go deeper.
Landscapes created by fire and sea
Meet Vestmannaeyjar's wild side
The stories behind the landscape
Make more of your island visit
Ideas for an unforgettable day
Plan your island adventure
Closer than you think.
Different from anywhere else.
Heimaey is reached by ferry from Iceland's south coast. Whether you have a few hours or several days, Vestmannaeyjar rewards the detour.
See the island differently
Explore with Volcano ATV
Our tours combine the landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar with the stories behind them — volcanoes, puffins, maritime history and the people who call the islands home.
Explore our tours →