Vestmannaeyjar: Volcanic Trails and Culture on Heimaey

In the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, Heimaey is the only settlement inhabited year-round. Here, volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, birdwatching and museums come together. The place names represent different interests for travelers: Eldfell and Helgafell shape the landscape, while Skansinn and several museums offer insights into history and culture.

Volcanoes and Trails on Heimaey

The marked Hamarinn hiking trail runs along the entire west coast of Heimaey. Another hike starts at the car park at Sæfell and can lead directly up the mountain. The summit of Eldfell is also the destination of a designated and popular hiking route on Heimaey. The volcano formed during the 1973 eruption. Helgafell lies in the southeast of the island and is 227 metres high. The two volcanoes can therefore be distinguished by different features: Eldfell is associated with the 1973 eruption, while Helgafell is defined by its height and location.

Another option is the trail to Stórhöfði: The hike is considered suitable for families and is also appropriate for people with little mountain-hiking experience. Stórhöfði is the southernmost point of Heimaey and is notable for its diverse birdlife. There are many puffins at Sæfell and on the surrounding slopes; their presence may vary seasonally. A birdwatching hut at Stórhöfði is close to the puffin colony, allowing visitors to observe the birds without disturbing them.

Trail routes also vary considerably. The trail to Stafsnes leads from Herjólfsdalur up over Dalfell and then steeply down to Stafsnes. The route up Heimaklettur begins with vertical ladders and continues over stair-like sections and clearly marked paths. Trail conditions can change; take the route and current conditions into account when planning. By contrast, the trail to Skansinn is easy and family-friendly, with an elevation gain of just 20 metres each way.

Culture and History

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

In the centre of Heimaey, the Sagnheimar Folk Museum presents local heritage through interactive exhibits. These include a pirate cave where children can dress up and go on a treasure hunt, as well as a hands-on collection for children and adults. An authentic Þjóðhátíð tent is also on display. The festival was first held in 1874 and has been celebrated annually since the early 1900s.

Eldheimar is dedicated to the 1973 volcanic eruption and was built around a house that had been buried by ash and lava. The museum also features an exhibition about Surtsey, a volcanic island that formed off Iceland’s south coast in the 1960s. If you are interested in natural history, a visit here connects the eruption on Heimaey with another chapter in the formation of volcanic islands.

Birdlife, the Sea and Getting There

As of 2026, the SEA LIFE Beluga Whale Sanctuary visitor centre is on one level and fully wheelchair accessible; check accessibility again before your trip. The visitor centre includes Iceland’s only puffin rescue centre and an aquarium featuring local species. As information may change, it is also a good idea to check these details before visiting. 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.

The ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar takes about 45 minutes. Actual journey times may vary depending on the harbour, weather and operating conditions; check the timetable when planning your trip. Whether you focus on hiking trails, birdwatching or cultural sites, the places described offer different starting points for planning your trip to Heimaey.

Discover more destinations: Úlfljótsvatn, Laugarás, Þykkvibær, Flúdir, Laugarvatn, Skeiðflötur, Villingaholt, Háfur.

For the main travel overview: Sudurland.