Westman Islands

Visiting the Westman Islands is up there with the most memorable experiences you can have in Iceland. This small group of islands is home to fiercely proud locals, who saved it from destruction after an eruption in January 1973.

The only inhabited island in the group is Heimaey (literally ‘Home Island’), which also happens to be the largest. You can see signs of the volcanic forces that shaped the island as you sail past giant basalt cliffs on your way into the harbor.

The Westman Islands are called Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic, and are located just off the south coast of Iceland. Around the largest island, you’ll find a cluster of small islands, including one with a famous hunting lodge perched on a steep hillside.

Altogether, the group contains 15 islands. The newest is Surtsey, which was formed in 1963 during a volcanic eruption. Today this island is off limits to everyone except scientists, who study how plants are colonizing the area.