Heimaey

Heimaey is the largest island in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) archipelago off Iceland’s south coast and contains the main town of Vestmannaeyjar. The island is notable for its volcanic landscape, birdlife and the dramatic 1973 Eldfell eruption that led to a full-town evacuation.

Key visitor attractions include hiking the newly formed Eldfell cone for panoramic views, the Eldheimar museum which interprets the 1973 eruption and recovery, and boat or cliff visits to seabird colonies-puffins breed on the island in summer. The harbour and town are the primary access points, with regular ferry and small-aircraft connections to the mainland.

The 1973 eruption and subsequent engineering works, including efforts to protect and reopen the harbour, are central to the island’s modern identity and infrastructure. Traditional fishing and processing remain important alongside tourism on Heimaey.

The island lies off Iceland’s south coast within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago and is reached by ferry or short domestic flights from the mainland; the town’s harbour is the main arrival point.

• 1973 eruption: The Eldfell eruption of January 1973 led to the island’s temporary evacuation and major lava flows; the event reshaped the harbour and town and is well documented in local museums.
• Puffin season: Heimaey hosts large seabird colonies; puffins are abundant in summer and are a major wildlife draw from late spring to early autumn.

What to See#

• Vestmannaeyjar town: Town and harbour of Vestmannaeyjar, the largest settlement on the island and the main ferry and air link to the Icelandic mainland.
• Eldfell volcano: The 1973 volcanic cone formed in the town’s vicinity during the Eldfell eruption; hiking the cone gives views over much of the island and harbour.
• Eldheimar Museum: A museum dedicated to the 1973 eruption that displays personal stories, scientific material and artefacts from the evacuation and recovery.
• Bird cliffs (puffin colonies): Steep coastal cliffs and promontories such as Stórhöfði that host large seabird colonies, including one of Iceland’s major puffin areas.

Heimaey (the main island of the Westman Islands/Vestmannaeyjar) is reached either by the car ferry Herjólfur from Landeyjahöfn (around a 30-40 minute crossing when Landeyjahöfn is in use) or by a short domestic flight from Reykjavík (about 20-30 minutes). When Landeyjahöfn is inaccessible due to weather, ferries operate from Þorlákshöfn with a longer crossing.

Both the ferry terminal and the airport put you within a few minutes’ walk of Heimaey town; check seasonal ferry schedules and book flights/ferry in advance during summer.

• Prefer the Landeyjahöfn-Heimaey ferry when it is operating (the crossing is short) and book early morning sailings for calmer seas and more reliable schedules; when that crossing is cancelled the alternative from Þorlákshöfn is a longer but dependable option.
• Hike up Eldfell crater for sweeping views over the town and the lava field - go early or late in the day to avoid the main midday crowds that gather at the summit trailhead.
• Don't miss Eldheimar museum and the town's post‑eruption exhibits; many visitors focus on the natural scenery and skip the detailed displays that tell the story of the 1973 eruption and evacuation.