One Day Westman Islands – Things to do on Heimaey with Kids

Take your Iceland adventure to the next level with a visit to the incredible Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar).
If you’re wondering whether a trip to the Westman Islands is worth it, or how to make the most of your day on Heimaey Island with kids, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to explore Westman Islands in just one day, highlighting all the must-see spots and activities. Our practical tips will ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago.

Short on time?
Jump straight to our one-day itinerary to Westman Islands to discover how to spend an amazing day on Heimaey with your family.

Good to know: You can book a 1-2 hours PRIVATE TOUR on Westman Islands by car or even join a DAY TRIP from Reykjavik to Westman Islands 

Westman Islands in a Nutshell

You might have heard various names associated with these Icelandic islands, which can get a bit confusing. Let’s clear that up and give you a quick overview of where you’ll be heading.

The Westman Islands, known as Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic, are a group of 15 small islands off Iceland’s southern coast. These incredible islands were born from volcanic eruptions over 11,000 years ago, with the exception of Surtsey, which emerged in 1963.

Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the group, and it’s where you’ll spend your day. With a population of about 4,300 people, Heimaey offers everything you’d expect from a small village, including one of the best swimming pools in Iceland—at least according to my kids!

As you sail into Heimaey, you’ll spot other nearby islands like Álsey, Elliðaey, Bjarnarey, and Suðurey. Some of these islands have lonely houses used as shelters, storm-watching stations, and refuges for shepherds, as some even have sheep grazing on them.

So, when people talk about visiting the Westman Islands, they’re referring to Heimaey Island.

Map of Heimaey Island 

Click on the Map to get full access and the location of some of the activities on the island.

More Travel Guides from Iceland

• 10 day Iceland Itinerary with Kids
• Should you visit Iceland in October?
• Iceland – The best things to so on the South Coast
• Gold Circle Iceland – 2 Day Itinerary – The Extended Version
• Where to see Puffins in Iceland

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Discovering Heimaey Island

Heimaey, which translates to “Home Island,” is the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago.

Exploring Heimaey feels different from any other place in Iceland. With its picture-perfect views and a sense of remoteness, this is a place where time seems to slow down. Yet, the island is bursting with activities like golfing, biking, sailing, horseback riding, bird-watching, puffin-watching, and you might even see some whales. There’s truly something for everyone here!

And don’t forget to check out one of the coolest public swimming pools in Iceland, complete with slides, hot pools, and an indoor pool—perfect for a family fun day!

Keep reading to find out how much time you need on the Westman Islands, what there is to do, and practical tips for getting there and planning your itinerary on Heimaey.

How to Get to the Westman Islands

There are two main ways to reach the Westman Islands: by air or by ferry.
Daily flights are available from Reykjavik with Eagle Air to Vestmannaeyjar, but the most popular option is to take the ferry.

Vestmannaeyjar Ferry

The ferry, Herjólfur, runs seven times a day from the town of Landeyjahöfn on Iceland’s south coast to Heimaey Island. Landeyjahöfn is about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik and just 1 hour from Vik.

Important Tip: During rough winter weather, the ferry may depart from Þorlákshöfn instead. This port is closer to Reykjavik, but the journey takes about 3 hours to reach the Westman Islands.

The ferry crossing from Herjólfur itself only takes 40 minutes. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled—whale and dolphin sightings are not uncommon! We saw dolphins on the trip.

Reservations:
Make sure to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you plan to bring your car. The ferry can accommodate about 65 vehicles and 530 passengers. Reserve your spot here.

If you’re not bringing a car, you can park at the harbour in Landeyjahöfn for free—at least for now.

Good to Know:
Heimaey is a small island, and most attractions are within walking distance. However, if you’re visiting the Westman Islands for just one day, bringing your car can save time and allow you to explore more without feeling rushed. Alternatively, you can rent bikes on the island, which is a fun and eco-friendly option.

Car Rental in Iceland

The easiest way to visit Heimaey Island is by car. You can bring it on the ferry which leaves you freedoms to explore Heimaey at your own pace.

If you need to rent a car in Iceland,  we recommend doing this with Discovercars.com. A reward winning booking platform offering great car rental deals. If you do not want to drive then you can book a 1-2 hours PRIVAT TOUR on Westman Island with car or even join a DAY TRIP from Reykjavik to Westman Islands 

If time allows, consider staying overnight on the Westman Islands to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Westman Islands can easily be visited on a day trip from the South Coast of Iceland

Organised Tours to the Westman Islands from Reykjavik

For those who prefer not to drive or simply enjoy the convenience of group travel, private tours to the Westman Islands are available from Reykjavik. These tours typically last about 12 hours, making it a long day, but you can relax and even take a nap during the drive. For larger groups you may like to book a private tour just for your group and explore Heimaey with your friends.

If you don’t want to go on a tour but also don’t like to drive, book yourself a place on the bus from Reykjavik to the ferry harbour.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Westman Islands?

Heimaey is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit the Westman Islands is during the summer months.

Summer offers the most favorable weather, with long daylight hours and milder conditions that make exploring the island more enjoyable. Sunny days are ideal, as the island can be extremely windy, which might limit some activities and detract from the experience.

Another highlight of visiting from May to August is the chance to see puffins. The Westman Islands are home to more puffins than any other place in Iceland – yes, even more than the famous Puffin Rock in East Iceland! It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise.

With the extended daylight of the summer months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island at your own pace. An extra hour or two can make all the difference in completing your perfect day on the Westman Islands.

The Violent Eruption of Eldfell

Heimaey’s history was forever changed in the early morning hours of January 23, 1973, when the volcano Eldfell erupted violently. The eruption was a true force of nature, but there was a silver lining: due to stormy weather prior to the eruption, all the fishing boats were kept in Heimaey’s harbour. This stroke of luck allowed for the rapid evacuation of all 5,300 residents, and miraculously, no lives were lost.

Today, you can learn more about this dramatic event at the Eldheimar Museum. Visiting the museum and hiking up Eldfell are must-do activities on Heimaey.

Things to Do on Heimaey Island in the Westman Islands

Here are some of the top activities to enjoy on Heimaey. We’ve personally tried many of these and loved them, while others come highly recommended by locals and fellow travelers.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve also put together a one-day Westman Islands itinerary below.

1. Visit the Eldheimar Museum

Discover the story of Heimaey’s recovery after the Eldfell eruption. To truly understand the lasting impact of this event on the Westman Islands, a visit to Eldheimar Museum is essential.

2. Hike Up the Volcano Eldfell

Hiking up Eldfell is a must-do when visiting Heimaey. The short route to the top takes just 30 minutes, and the 360-degree view from the crater is nothing short of breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see far beyond the Icelandic highlands.

At the top, look for hot spots where heat still radiates from the volcano. You can dig away some surface volcanic rocks or find natural vents. We found one that was so warm it steamed up our glasses—an incredible experience when hiking a volcano.

Note: The longer path winds around the lower part of the volcano before reaching the crater and takes about 45 minutes. You can park your car at the Eldfell trailhead (Google Maps Eldfell parking for trail head).

3. Look for Puffins at Storhöfði (Great Cape)

The Westman Islands host Iceland’s largest puffin colony. From May to mid-August, these quirky birds return to the island with their lifelong partners to breed. After the chicks are born, the puffins part ways, heading back to the open ocean where they spend the rest of the year alone. Come April, they reunite at the same nest for another breeding season—an incredible cycle of life.

There’s even a hide for birdwatching, but it’s not really necessary since the puffins are plentiful.

Note: Storhöfði is considered the windiest place in Europe. We were lucky to visit on a stunning, calm day, but be prepared for strong winds just in case.

Find out where else to spot Puffins in Iceland

4. Spot Some Whales

From the shore at Storhöfði, near the iconic “Rhinoceros Rock” out at sea, you might spot humpback whales and orcas feeding together. While whale-watching tours are not yet a regular activity on the Westman Islands, you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures if you’re lucky.

If you join a RIB boat tour, the crew will point out any whales they see, but these tours don’t specifically target whale-watching. The whale research institute prefers to keep observations low-key to avoid disturbing the animals.

When we visited, a group of researchers pointed out three different orca pods and a humpback whale feeding together in the distance. Even our kids got a great view of the orcas and the whale through binoculars—it was an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Bring your binoculars!

Note: On the photo below, around the Rhinoceros shaped like rock are 3 groups each with over 6 Orcas feeding. And one Humpback-whale amongst them. Incredible sighting.

5. Go on a RIB Boat Tour

RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours are an exhilarating way to see the Westman Islands from a different perspective. These tours are very popular and have limited availability, so be sure to book in advance.

6. Play a Round of Golf

The Golfklúbbur Vestmannaeyja golf course is one of the most unique in the world, located right on the ocean’s edge with stunning views, including the famous Elephant Rock. You might even spot puffins while you swing your club!

I’m not sure how far in advance you need to book a tee time, but you can find out more here. When we visited during the beginning of July it was incredible busy on the golf course, which was quite a surprise to us. We figured that most of these people may have come from the luxury cruise ships that sat in the harbour spoiling the view for others.

7. See Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora) is Westman Islands’ most famous rock formation. The basalt rock looks just like an elephant’s wrinkly skin. The best view is from a boat or along the coastal path near the golf course. If you’re golfing, you’ll have an even closer view, but non-players won’t be able to access the course.

8. Visit the Black Church

Heimaey’s black church is unique—it’s a Norwegian stave church, gifted to Vestmannaeyjar by Norway in 2000 to commemorate the 1000-year anniversary of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

What’s even more interesting is the location: Skansinn, the fort, where you can clearly see the frozen lava flow from the 1973 Eldfell eruption. The US Army and NATO sprayed seawater onto the lava to save the harbor, successfully preserving Heimaey’s vital harbor and ensuring the island’s survival.

9. Visit the Sea Life Trust Whale Sanctuary

The Sea Life Trust Whale Sanctuary, formerly the Saeheimar Aquarium, is now home to two former captive beluga whales. The sanctuary also serves as a rescue center for injured puffins.

To see the belugas, book a boat trip to Klettsvík Bay, where you can observe them from a safe distance. This bay was also where Keiko, the orca from Free Willy, was held before his release into the wild.

Good to Know: The Sea Life Trust Whale Sanctuary and visitor centre is open from April to early October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sundays, it’s open only in the afternoon. You can choose from various ticket options: Visitors’ Centre only, Visitors’ Centre and Bay Trip, or Bay Trip only. All admission fees support the Sea Life Trust’s charity efforts.

Where to Stay on Vestmannaeyjar – Heimaey

If the weather is favourable and you can spare a couple of days in your Icelandic itinerary, why not stay the night on Heimaey? This unique island deserves to be fully explored, and once the day-trippers have left on the ferry back to the mainland, you’ll get a real sense of what life is like in the Westman Islands.

For a truly authentic experience, consider staying at Hotel Vestmannaeyjar—one of the best hotels on the island. It offers comfortable accommodation and a great location, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of the island after the crowds have gone.

Explore the map to find the perfect accommodation that suits your needs and enjoy a memorable stay on Heimaey.

One-Day Itinerary:  Westman Island – Heimaey Iceland

8:15 AM – Ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: Approximately 95 Euro for 4 people and a car

9:00 AM  – Hike up Eldfell Volcano

• Duration: 30-minute hike up from parking area
• Spend time at the top for stunning views

11:00 AM – Drive to Storhöfði (The Great Cape)

• Activity: Try to spot some whales.
• Walk: 15 minutes to reach the end of the island and the cape.

12:00 PM  – Spot Puffins at Storhöfði

• Activity: Puffin spotting
• Walk: 5 minutes from the parking area.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break

• Option 1: Picnic at Vikin Beach or near the Golf Club (great for spotting puffins and Elephant Rock).
• Option 2: Drive into town and choose from various restaurants and snack bars near the harbor.

2:00 PM  – Swim at one of Iceland’s Best Public Pools

• Relax and enjoy some downtime.

3:45 PM  – Ferry Back to Landeyjahöfn

• Departure: 3:45 PM
• Return to the mainland.

If you need to occupy the kids while waiting for your retourne ferry there is a cools playgournd and a restaurant next to it at the harbour.

Conclusion of Our One Day Westman Islands visit

This one-day adventure on Heimaey Island offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and relaxation. From hiking up the Eldfell Volcano and spotting puffins at Storhöfði to enjoying a picnic by the stunning coastline, Heimaey is a must-visit destination in Iceland. Cap off your day with a refreshing swim before heading back on the ferry, making unforgettable memories along the way.

We visited the Westman Islands spontaneously as we were on our last stretch of our summer island tour around route one, and it was the best way to finish this trip. We were so glad we went.

 More Travel Guides

• Visit Iceland in October
• Golden Circle Tour – Iceland Guide
• Summer Road trip through Switzerland

I hope that the information provided here proves useful when you plan your trip to Iceland and Visit the Westman Islands

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help others and they can join in the discussion.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

Thanks for sharing it!