This day tour will take you on an exciting sightseeing trip to the Westman Islands. By joining, you’ll be able to explore the Vestmannaeyjar Islands and its numerous sights. Catch a glimpse of the famous Elephant Rock, watch some puffins in their natural habitat, and climb a volcano! Sounds too good to be true? Come and see it for yourself!
Vestmannaeyjar has been named a top travel destination for 2024 by The New York Times.
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This tour takes you on a day of adventure in the Westman Islands, from sailing across the sea to hiking a volcano. Along the way, you’ll see stunning rock formations, visit puffin nesting grounds, and explore the island’s dramatic history before returning to Reykjavik in the evening.
The day begins with a morning pick-up in Reykjavik before heading to Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal. Here, we board a ferry for a 30-minute ride across the sea to the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago. As we approach, you’ll see dramatic cliffs rising from the ocean—home to countless seabirds and shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years.
Our first stop is one of the island’s most famous landmarks, Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora). This massive basalt formation, naturally shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea, was formed by past volcanic eruptions. Standing here, you’ll get incredible views of the rugged coastline while learning about the island’s powerful geological history.
Next, we head to Stórhöfði, the windiest spot in Iceland and home to one of the world’s largest puffin colonies during the summer months. These quirky little birds nest in burrows along the cliffs, waddling around before taking off in clumsy yet charming flights.
At the Eldheimar Museum, we step into the past to witness the impact of the devastating 1973 volcanic eruption. Known as the ‘Pompeii of the North,’ this museum showcases homes that were buried in ash, frozen in time as a reminder of nature’s raw power. You’ll hear the incredible story of how the islanders were evacuated overnight and how they rebuilt their community from the ashes.
After the museum, we’ll head into town for a lunch break (not included in the tour price), where you can grab a bite at a local café or try some of the island’s famous fresh seafood.
After lunch, we explore Skansinn, a historic area by the harbor named after the fortress that once stood there. Here, you’ll find Stafkirkjan, a striking Viking-style wooden church gifted by Norway, a small lighthouse, and dramatic ocean views.
For the final adventure, we hike up Mt. Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973 and reshaped the island’s landscape. The trail winds through lava fields, and as you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town, coastline, and surrounding islands.
After exploring, you’ll have a little free time before meeting at the harbor for the afternoon ferry back to the mainland. We’ll arrive back in Reykjavik in the evening.
You’ll get picked up from Reykjavik around 8:45 am, based on your chosen pick-up location. Nevertheless, we ask everyone to be ready on time. We’ll drop you off back in Reykjavik around 8:00 pm at the same place we picked you up.
This is a combination of two separate tours. If one of the tours is cancelled, you will still be able to join the other part.
