Westman Islands

Get up close to puffins and learn about the fiery history of this volcanic island group.

South Iceland
A puffin on a cliff in the Westman Islands
The town of Vestmannaeyjabær on Heimaey, Westman Islands
Elephant Rock cliff in the Westman Islands
The ferry to the Westman Islands sailing past a small island
A puffin on a cliff in the Westman Islands
The town of Vestmannaeyjabær on Heimaey, Westman Islands
Elephant Rock cliff in the Westman Islands
The ferry to the Westman Islands sailing past a small island
Best time to visit
Summer
Parking
Free on mainland
Charging station
No

Known locally as Vestmannaeyjar, these islands will charm and delight

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.

Other attractions in the area

The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

Walk behind a powerful plume of fresh glacier water at this wonderful waterfall.

30 km (19 mi)

View
A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Marvel at the beauty of one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

57 km (35 mi)

View
Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Discover Iceland’s wild south coast from this charming village.

88 km (55 mi)

View
The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, and heritage at the beating heart of the Icelandic capital.

151 km (94 mi)

View
The Seljalandsfoss waterfall covered in icicles

Seljalandsfoss

Walk behind a powerful plume of fresh glacier water at this wonderful waterfall.

30 km (19 mi)

View
A rainbow over the Skógafoss waterfall on a sunny day

Skógafoss

Marvel at the beauty of one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

57 km (35 mi)

View
Vik Church with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance

Vík í Mýrdal

Discover Iceland’s wild south coast from this charming village.

88 km (55 mi)

View
The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, and heritage at the beating heart of the Icelandic capital.

151 km (94 mi)

View

FAQs about the Westman Islands