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Heimaey

4.7
(145)
•
5.0
(3)
4.7
(145)
•
5.0
(3)
•#1 on "Top 46 things to do and attractions in Vestmannaeyjar"
Island
Outdoor Activities
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About

Heimaey, the main inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago of Iceland, offers striking scenery and unique activities. The 1973 lava flow created a Mars-like landscape known as Eldfellshraun, with otherworldly hiking tracks leading to Skansinn fort and the area where the lava meets the town's houses.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Explore stunning landscapes with unique photo opportunities
  2. 2
  3. Hike Eldfell volcano and witness remnants of past volcanic eruptions
  4. 3
  5. Visit museums like Eldheimar to learn about Heimaey's history
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Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
The ferry ride approaching this island was spectacular,and it was only a short 40 minute ride and you are able to take your car with you. Heimaey is the largest island in the Westman Islands, and the only one that is inhabited. We drove the entire island a few times with many stops with so many photo opportunity. Stunning and unique landscape. We hiked Eldfell volcano, and walked along the paths by elephant rock that is right next to a beautiful golf course, and we visited a lighthouse. We also enjoyed a few beers at the local brewery and ate at a local restaurant. Great experience that we will always remember.
Such a beautiful, quaint island. The puffins are incredible! It is a 9 minute ride from the ferry terminal to see them. Drive up to the top, and walk along the fence. Enjoy. Remember to go early in the morningZ
Amazing little island to visit!! Really worth the detour! There are amazing restaurants and breweries and the ferry ride to get there is really beautiful!!
The ferry ride approaching this island was spectacular,and it was only a short 40 minute ride and you are able to take your car with you. Heimaey is the largest island in the Westman Islands, and the only one that is inhabited. We drove the entire island a few times with many stops with so many photo opportunity. Stunning and unique landscape. We hiked Eldfell volcano, and walked along the paths by elephant rock that is right next to a beautiful golf course, and we visited a lighthouse. We also enjoyed a few beers at the local brewery and ate at a local restaurant. Great experience that we will always remember.
Such a beautiful, quaint island. The puffins are incredible! It is a 9 minute ride from the ferry terminal to see them. Drive up to the top, and walk along the fence. Enjoy. Remember to go early in the morningZ
Amazing little island to visit!! Really worth the detour! There are amazing restaurants and breweries and the ferry ride to get there is really beautiful!!
See all reviews
Map
Address
Iceland, USA
Iceland, USA

Know before you go

  • Plan your visit well to make most out of one day on Heimaey as it has much to offer
  • Consider taking a ferry ride over air travel for beautiful scenic views en route
  • Check out local breweries and restaurants but note that some places may open later in the day
  • For an immersive experience, try guided tours or interact with locals who can provide insider insights into Heimaey's culture and history

Reviews

Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago off Iceland's southwest coast, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and exciting activities. Visitors can explore the island by driving around to various photo spots, hike Eldfell volcano with views of elephant rock and a golf course nearby, visit a lighthouse, enjoy local breweries and restaurants. The museum Eldheimar showcases excavated houses covered in ash from the 1973 volcanic eruption with interactive displays telling the dramatic story. Heimaey is also known for its puffin colony and being home to the world's first Beluga Whale sanctuary. A boat trip around the island provides breathtaking views of untouched nature including highlights like elephant rock formation.
Review score
4.7
out of 5
Exceptional
145 reviews
From Google
Review score
5.0
out of 5
Few reviews
3 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
121
4 stars
13
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
7
5/5Maria P
•
Aug 26, 2024 from
Google
The ferry ride approaching this island was spectacular,and it was only a short 40 minute ride and you are able to take your car with you. Heimaey is the largest island in the Westman Islands, and the only one that is inhabited. We drove the entire island a few times with many stops with so many photo opportunity. Stunning and unique landscape. We hiked Eldfell volcano, and walked along the paths by elephant rock that is right next to a beautiful golf course, and we visited a lighthouse. We also enjoyed a few beers at the local brewery and ate at a local restaurant. Great experience that we will always remember.
5/5Trish S
•
Jul 22, 2025 from
Google
Such a beautiful, quaint island. The puffins are incredible! It is a 9 minute ride from the ferry terminal to see them. Drive up to the top, and walk along the fence. Enjoy. Remember to go early in the morningZ
5/5Alexandre M
•
Jul 23, 2024 from
Google
Amazing little island to visit!! Really worth the detour! There are amazing restaurants and breweries and the ferry ride to get there is really beautiful!!
5/5Amber D
•
Aug 20, 2025 from
Google
One of Icelands best kept secrets the Westman Islands. Not every visitor makes it here but the ones that do never forget it
5/5Don M
•
Sep 28, 2023 from
Google
Beautiful and stark island. Hiked the volcano, and rode ATVs on it, literally over part of the town that was covered in lava 50 years ago. Amazing to see lava that rises above a neighborhood where it stopped in the backyards of some homes.
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Map
Address
Iceland, USA
Iceland, USA
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Plan a trip
Trip planner mobile app
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Blog
Report security issue
Terms, Privacy policy & Copyright
Browser extension
Travel budgeting & cost tracking
How to embed a map on your travel blog
Jobs
Google data disclosure
Trip planners by destination
Explore cities and countries
Road trips by destination
Best places to visit by category
Popular search terms by destination
Weather around the world
Travel questions & answers
Travel itinerary guides
Maps of cities and national parks
Destinations at different times of the year
Places to visit by destination
Get the app
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
Made with ❤ in SF & more
© 2025 Travelchime Inc.