Iceland · Geological Wonders

Your Vestmannaeyjar, Puffin and Volcano Tour

13 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day trip from Reykjavík to Heimaey in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago
  • 02 Ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn to the island
  • 03 See Elephant Rock, one of Heimaey’s most famous coastal formations
  • 04 Look for puffins at Stórhöfði, home to a large summer colony
  • 05 Visit Eldheimar Museum and learn about the island’s volcanic eruptions
  • 06 Hike Eldfell Volcano for panoramic views over Heimaey
  • 07 Explore Herjólfsdalur valley and hear local history and legends

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar on a full-day tour from Reykjavík, combining volcanic history, coastal scenery and wildlife. Travel by ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago, and explore a place shaped by eruptions, sea cliffs and local stories.

Along the way, visit Herjólfsdalur valley, stop for views of Elephant Rock, and head to Stórhöfði for a chance to see puffins in one of Iceland’s largest summer colonies. You’ll also visit Eldheimar Museum to learn about the 1963 and 1973 eruptions before finishing with a hike up Eldfell Volcano for sweeping views across the island.

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar on a full-day tour from Reykjavík, combining volcanic history, coastal scenery and wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Reykjavík

Landeyjahöfn

This is the place from where the ferry will take us to Heimaey Island. The only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago.

The ferry ride will take about 35 minutes.

On board you can choose to enjoy the fresh breeze outside on the deck, or spend time in the inner area, where it is possible to purchase drinks, snacks and hot meals in the cafeteria.

Restrooms available on the ferry.

Herjólfsdalur

This is our first stop on the island.

A beautiful valley that is surrounded by Mt. Dalfjall, creating a unique, natural amphitheater. It makes a great impression on anyone who gets here.

Every summer, residents from all over Iceland come here to Þjóhátið, the largest music festival of the country which was first held in 1874.

Here you can catch a glimpse of how the first settlers used to live. A reconstitution of a turf farm lies in the valley, inspired by the house of the first settler Herjólfur Bárðarson and named after him - Herjólfsbær.

Herjólfsdalur is rich in history and you gonna learn many interesting things about it. You will be surprised what was done to the horses on the island during the 16th century. There are many legends associated with this valley, one of them has it that a ghost lives in the mountains nearby. You will hear different stories and legends on an entertaining walk through the valley.

The walk will take about 30 minutes.

Elephant Rock

A short stop to capture the majesty of Elephant Rock, one of the most famous view on the island. This rock formation looks like a giant elephant with its trunk half submerged in the ocean.

This stop usually takes about 5 minutes.

Stórhöfði

Stórhöfði is the southern point of Heimaey and is known for being the windiest place in Europe. 

It's the best place to peek at the life of puffins. People from all over the world come here to watch them. 

Every summer puffins that live at sea for all other seasons come to the island, forming here the largest colony in Iceland. They dig small nests in the cliffs in which they lay their eggs. 

They can be easily seen on the walk, also there is a great lookout point from where we can watch those and others sea birds.

We are very proud that they have chosen our country as their home. And we are happy to share this great view with you.

This walk will take about 25 minutes.

Eldheimar

The Eldheimar Museum is definitely a place worth visiting. Here, you can learn everything about the eruptions in the Wetsman Islands.

The first was an underwater eruption that began in 1963 formed a new island – Surtsey, where only scientists who study its ecosystem have access to it. But you can get to know it in the museum.

Another eruptions was in 1973, which destroyed about 400 houses. People had to evacuate themselves in the middle of the night to escape the lava and ash, leaving behind all their possessions.

Inside you can find the excavated house around which this museum was built. That's why this place is called "Pompeii of the North"

You can use the restrooms here.

The visit usually takes about 35 minutes.

Eldfell

Our last stop is pleasant 15 minute hike to the top of Eldfell Volcano, whose last eruption was 50 years ago. You will be delighted with its red color and lava formation there. In some spots on the peak you can still feel the heat from the ground.

There is a great view of whole island from the top of volcano.

This little hike will takes us about 55 minuets.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Reykjavík. 1 city · 13 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • ENTRY OR ADMISSION FEE
  • GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
  • WIFI
  • BUS FARE

What's Not Included

  • FOOD AND DRINKS
  • TIP OR GRATUITY

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Reykjavík.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Reykjavík.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 13 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Reykjavík..

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