Travel Guide of Westmann Islands in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers
Heimaey, literally Home Island, is an Icelandic island. At 13.4 square kilometres, it is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, and the largest and most populated island off the Icelandic coast.
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Pictures and Stories of Westmann Islands from Influencers
Picture from Gissur Steinarsson who have traveled to Westmann Islands
- Partially snow covered cliff with a cloudy sky and sun shining from the left. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Gissur Steinarsson | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Westmann Islands ?
Why traveling there?
Westmann Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, is a group of 15 islands located off the south coast of Iceland. Known for their stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich history, the islands offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Travelers visit Westmann Islands to experience the breathtaking natural beauty, birdwatching, hiking, and to learn about the fascinating volcanic history.
How to get there?
To reach the Westmann Islands, you have a few options. The most common way to get there is by taking a ferry from Landeyjahöfn harbor on the mainland to Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the archipelago. The ferry ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute domestic flight from Reykjavik to Heimaey.
What to book in advance?
It's a good idea to book your ferry tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak travel season (June to August). If you're interested in guided tours, such as puffin watching, volcano tours, or boat tours around the islands, it's recommended to book these in advance as well.
What are the costs?
Costs in the Westmann Islands are similar to the rest of Iceland. The ferry tickets cost around 15-30 USD per person each way, depending on the season and age. Accommodation prices vary depending on the type of lodging, but expect to pay around 100-200 USD per night for a mid-range hotel or guesthouse. Meals at local restaurants can range from 20-50 USD per person. Tours and activities also vary depending on the type and duration, but expect to pay around 50-100 USD per person for most tours.
What are the best things to do?
Some of the top activities in the Westmann Islands include hiking to the volcanic craters of Eldfell and Helgafell, visiting the Eldheimar museum to learn about the 1973 volcanic eruption, exploring the beautiful coastline and sea caves by boat, and birdwatching at Stórhöfði, home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland.
Where to eat?
1. Slippurinn: A popular restaurant in Heimaey, Slippurinn offers delicious Icelandic cuisine made from local ingredients.
2. Gott: Another great option for dining, Gott serves a variety of dishes ranging from seafood to vegetarian options.
3. Einsi Kaldi: This cozy café and bar is perfect for a casual meal, offering sandwiches, soups, and a selection of local beers.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Vestmannaeyjar: A comfortable and modern hotel in Heimaey, offering a range of amenities and beautiful views of the islands.
2. Guesthouse Hreiðrið: A charming guesthouse with a homey atmosphere, perfect for budget travelers.
3. Eyjar Lodge: For a more luxurious stay, Eyjar Lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and stunning views.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience in the Westmann Islands, explore the island of Surtsey. Created by a volcanic eruption in 1963, Surtsey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique example of the Earth's ongoing geological processes. Access to Surtsey is restricted to scientific research, but you can take a boat tour around the island to witness this remarkable natural phenomenon from afar.
The Best Things to Do and Visit around Westmann Islands
Disover the best Instagram Spots around Westmann Islands here
1 - Heimaey
Heimaey, literally Home Island, is an Icelandic island. At 13.4 square kilometres, it is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, and the largest and most populated island off the Icelandic coast.
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2 - Eldfell
Eldfell is a volcanic cone just over 200 metres high on the Icelandic island of Heimaey. It formed in a volcanic eruption, which began without warning on the eastern side of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, on 23 January 1973.
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3 - Jet Boating in Vestmannaeyjar
The most popular trip offered by Ribsafari, this 60-minute tour will take you to to the surrounding islands of Vestmannaeyjar. There you can see the elephant rock, puffins and other wildlife, sea caves and the rock structures that dot the area. Your ...
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4 - Seljalandsfoss
24 km away
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249.
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5 - Reykjavík
24 km away
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. Its latitude is 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state.
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6 - Þjóðvegur
24 km away
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7 - Skógafoss
25 km away
Skógafoss is a waterfall situated on the Skógá River in the south of Iceland at the cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline had receded seaward, the former sea cliffs remained, parallel to the coast over hundreds of kilometres, creating together with some mountains a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the Highlands of Iceland.
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8 - Hvolsvöllur
36 km away
Hvolsvöllur is a small town in the south of Iceland about 106 km to the east of Reykjavík. Hvolsvöllur, situated in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra, is an excellent location from which to base for exploration of South Iceland.
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Where to Stay near Westmann Islands
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More Travel spots to explore around Westmann Islands
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⛰️ Summit spotsTravel map of Westmann Islands
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