On Heimaey, hiking destinations around volcanoes and along the west coast sit alongside museums and birdwatching spots. Heimaey is the only year-round inhabited settlement in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. This distinction helps place the excursions and attractions mentioned here in their geographic context.

Hikes along the coast and volcanoes

The marked Hamarinn hiking trail runs along the entire west coast of Heimaey. Helgafell, a 227-metre-high volcano, lies in the southeast. Eldfell formed during the 1973 eruption on Heimaey; a designated and popular hiking route leads to its summit.

The hike to Sæfell starts at the Sæfell car park and can head directly uphill from there. There are numerous puffins at Sæfell and on the surrounding slopes; their presence may vary seasonally. Further south, Stórhöfði is the southernmost point of Heimaey. The area is known for its diverse birdlife and a nearby birdwatching hut. The hike to Stórhöfði is suitable for families and people with little mountain-hiking experience. At the hut, visitors can get close to the puffin colony without disturbing it. Stórhöfðaviti lighthouse has been in operation since 1906.

The route to Skansinn is an easy, family-friendly walk with an elevation gain of 20 metres each way. The hike on Heimaklettur starts with vertical ladders and then continues along stepped, clearly marked paths. The route to Stafsnes goes from Herjólfsdalur up over Dalfell and then steeply down to Stafsnes. Trail conditions on Heimaklettur and the route to Stafsnes can change; check them before setting out.

Volcanic history and cultural heritage

The Skansinn fortress, or defensive wall, was built in 1586 to protect royal trade from English attackers and rebuilt after the 1627 Turkish raid. Landlyst is also located at Skansinn on Heimaey. Originally built in 1848, the house is one of the oldest in Vestmannaeyjar and houses a medical museum. Stafkirkjan was consecrated on 30 July 2000 and stands on land formed during the 1973 eruption on Heimaey.

On Heimaey, the Eldheimar Museum focuses on the 1973 volcanic eruption. It was built around a house buried by ash and lava. Eldheimar also features an exhibition about Surtsey, a volcanic island that formed off Iceland’s south coast in the 1960s.

Museums, puffins and getting there

The Sagnheimar Folk Museum is in the centre of Heimaey and presents local heritage through interactive exhibitions. In a pirate cave, children can dress up and go on a treasure hunt; a hands-on collection is for children and adults. The museum also displays an authentic Þjóðhátíð tent. The festival has been held every year since the early 1900s and was first held in 1874.

The visitor centre at the SEA LIFE Beluga Whale Sanctuary on Heimaey is step-free and fully wheelchair accessible. Recheck this accessibility information before your trip. The centre houses Iceland’s only puffin rescue centre and an aquarium featuring local species; its exhibits may change. During the summer months, the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary offers guided boat tours to the marine sanctuary in nearby Klettsvik Bay. Availability may change, so it is advisable to check before making plans.

The ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar takes approximately 45 minutes. Port, weather and operational conditions may affect the crossing time. Check the schedule before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Hvolsvöllur, Laugarás, Villingaholt, Laugarvatn, Ólafsvellir, Eyrarbakki, Keldur, Grimsnes

For the broader travel guide: Sudurland.