Hellisey

Island Small volcanic islet south of Iceland

A small island south of Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar, Hellisey holds seabird colonies and rough coastal terrain; visitors arrive by private boat for wildlife watching.

Hellisey is a small, uninhabited rocky islet off Iceland’s south coast, administratively within the Southern Region. It is one of several minor islands associated with the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago.

Hellisey has no recorded continuous habitation and has historically been used only transiently by fishermen and for limited bird hunting or egg gathering. Its role has been primarily ecological rather than as a human settlement.

The islet lies off the southern coast of Iceland among the Westman Islands, visible from the larger inhabited island of Heimaey and accessed only by sea.

Location note: Part of the Vestmannaeyjar/Westman Islands group off south Iceland and visible from the larger island of Heimaey on clear days.

How to Get to Hellisey #

Hellisey is a small island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago off Iceland’s south coast and is reached only by boat. To get to the Westman Islands: travel from Reykjavík to the ferry terminal (Landeyjahöfn or Þorlákshöfn) and take the car/passenger ferry to Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), or fly from Reykjavík domestic airport to Vestmannaeyjar. From Heimaey you must hire a private boat or join a local boat operator to visit Hellisey.

Tips for Visiting Hellisey #

View Hellisey from organized boat trips based in Vestmannaeyjar (Heimaey) rather than attempting an independent landing-the island is small, often rough sea surrounds it, and most visitors see it from the water.
Plan trips in summer (late May-August) for calmer seas and peak seabird activity; many local guides combine views of Hellisey with puffin and seal watching in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
If you want the best light and calmer water, book morning departures when wind tends to be lighter around the archipelago; always follow local crew instructions for safe viewing distances.