The Westman Islands is a little cluster of islands off the south coast of Iceland. The largest and only island you can visit is Heimaey (or “home island”). It is reachable by ferry from the South Coast or a short flight from the Reykjavik domestic airport downtown. A visit here is doable as a day trip if you can get the early ferry over and one of the evening ferries back. M’s TIP – Recommend booking a spot on the ferry, especially if you plan to take your car onboard. A reservation is also especially recommended in summertime and during early August when there is a very popular concert festival on the island. The official site to book tickets is Official ferry tickets here.
I’ve been to the island twice and some fun things I would recommend are:
- Norwegian Stave Church – This was gifted to Iceland by Norway and it has been kept in pristine condition. There is also an interesting local medicine museum on the grounds. The church is just adorable! More detailed info here: Heimaey stave church – Wikipedia
- The Elephant Rock – If you don’t do a boat tour around the island, this unique rock formation is best viewed from just across at the nearby golf course.
- The Eldheimar Volcano Museum – The museum commemorates the massive Eldfell eruption that happened in 1973. It has a very high-tech recreation of the volcano that struck the island and its impact on the local population. There is also a cafe here and restrooms. You don’t need a ticket to the museum to visit the cafe. Official museum site: Eldheimar Museum
- Eldfell Volcano Crater – The crater is well preserved and there is a short hike up along its caldera to the tip top of the island and amazing views out over the island and the sea (on a clear day)!
- Puffins – If it is the right time of the year, Atlantic puffins can be seen up on the cliffs at the far end of the island. Requires a car to get out there and some (careful!) walking along the cliffs edges to find them sometimes.
- Brothers Brewery – Great local spot for a drink and some popcorn between your adventures or before dinner. The Brothers Brewery (Website in Icelandic.)
- Slippurinn – This is a really special restaurant using local ingredients. If you eat fish, try the catch of the day! They also serve up yummy craft cocktails incorporating Icelandic herbs and flavors. Website: ENGLISH — SLIPPURINN
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