How do I get to Vestmannaeyjar?

The most common way is the Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the south coast, which takes about 35 minutes. You can also fly from Reykjavík domestic airport with a flight time of roughly 25 minutes. In winter or rough weather, the ferry departs from Þorlákshöfn instead, taking about 3 hours.

How many islands make up Vestmannaeyjar?

The archipelago consists of 15 islands and about 30 rock stacks and skerries. Only one island, Heimaey, is permanently inhabited. The others range from Surtsey (a UNESCO site) to small bird-nesting rocks like Bjarnarey and Álsey.

When is the best time to visit the Westman Islands?

Summer (June to August) is ideal. Puffins are present from mid-April to mid-August, the weather is mildest, and all boat tours and services operate at full capacity. The annual Þjóðhátíð festival takes place on the first weekend of August.

Are there volcanic risks in the Westman Islands?

The islands are volcanically active. The most recent eruption was Eldfell on Heimaey in 1973, and Surtsey emerged from eruptions in 1963–67. The area is monitored by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, and SafeTravel provides current alerts.

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide

A volcanic archipelago of 15 islands off Iceland's south coast, renowned for massive puffin colonies, dramatic eruption history, and raw coastal beauty.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

South Iceland

Ferry from Landeyjahöfn or flights from Reykjavík.

Rising from the North Atlantic about 7 km off Iceland's south coast, the Westman Islands are a young volcanic archipelago shaped by fire and sea. Only Heimaey is inhabited, but the surrounding islands and skerries host one of Europe's largest Atlantic puffin colonies. The 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey and the birth of Surtsey in 1963 make this one of the most geologically dramatic places on Earth.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

SafeTravel

Islands

Fifteen islands and roughly 30 rock stacks and skerries form this volcanic archipelago.

Access

Ferry + Flights

Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjahöfn (35 min) or domestic flights from Reykjavík (25 min).

Best For

Puffins + Volcanoes

Home to millions of puffins in summer and two of Iceland's most famous eruptions.

What to Expect

Puffin Watching

Millions of Atlantic puffins nest on the cliffs from mid-April to mid-August, making this one of the best puffin viewing sites in the world.

Eldfell Volcano

Hike the 1973 eruption cone on Heimaey. The ground is still warm in places, and panoramic views span the entire archipelago.

Eldheimar Museum

An excavated house buried by the 1973 eruption, now a museum documenting the night the volcano awoke and the town's evacuation.

Boat Tours

Zodiac and rib-boat tours circle the archipelago, passing sea caves, elephant-shaped rock formations, and nesting bird cliffs.

Þjóðhátíð Festival

Iceland's largest outdoor festival takes place the first weekend of August in a natural amphitheatre, with music, bonfires, and fireworks.

Stafkirkjan Stave Church

A replica Norse stave church gifted by Norway in 2000, marking the millennium of Christianity in Iceland, set on a dramatic hillside.

Getting There

The Herjólfur ferry sails from Landeyjahöfn harbour on the south coast to Heimaey in about 35 minutes. Landeyjahöfn is approximately 130 km (1.5 hours) east of Reykjavík along Route 1. In winter or when seas are rough, the ferry operates from Þorlákshöfn instead, with a crossing time of about 3 hours. Domestic flights from Reykjavík airport take roughly 25 minutes and offer spectacular aerial views of the archipelago.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) is the prime season. Puffins are present from mid-April to mid-August, ferry service is most frequent, and the Þjóðhátíð festival falls on the first weekend of August. Spring and autumn bring fewer visitors and moody skies, while winter crossings can be disrupted by weather. The islands are visitable year-round, but many tours and services only run in summer.

Planning help

Vestmannaeyjar FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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