The Westman Islands Travel Guide: Herjólfur Ferry, Ribsafari Boat Trips and the Þjóðhátíð Festival

The Westman Islands lie off the south coast of Iceland and show on the horizon from the mainland on a clear day. They suit travelers who want a short hop from Reykjavík: the flight takes 20 minutes, and the ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn takes about half an hour.

Heimaey is the only inhabited island, so nearly every plan runs through one town. The last leg of the trip is always by boat or by air, so check the ferry or flight times before you book a bed.

At a glance

• Where: off the south coast of Iceland
• Ferry: Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar, about half an hour
• Flight: 20 minutes from Reykjavík
• Islands: 15 islands plus around 30 cliffs and skerries, with Heimaey the only inhabited one
• Boat trips: Ribsafari, May 1 to September 30
• July has a high of 55°F (13°C).

Where is the Westman Islands and what is it like?

The Westman Islands, called Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic, sit off Iceland’s south coast. The archipelago has 15 islands and around 30 sea stacks and skerries.

Heimaey is the largest island and the main hub for services and tourism. That’s where you’ll find the hotel, the restaurants and the harbor. Hotel Vestmannaeyjar is at Vestmannabraut 28, and the town administration is at Kirkjuvegi 50.

The Stave Church stands in the Skansinn area.

What is there to do in the Westman Islands?

Ribsafari and boat tours around the islands

Ribsafari runs one or two hour RIB boat trips around the islands from Tangagata 7 in Heimaey. Seen from the water, the coast shows sea caves, rock stacks, seabird cliffs and Elephant Rock.

The season runs from May 1 to September 30. In November, plan on something else, and book a trip in summer if boats are the reason you’re coming.

Skansinn and the Stave Church

The Stave Church is in the Skansinn area.

Volcano ATV tour and Prestvik beach

The Volcano ATV tour visits Prestvik beach.

Eating in Heimaey

Slippurinn has been in the Magna house since 2012. GOTT is at Bárustígur 11, Kráin at Bárustígur 1 and Penninn Café at Bárustígur 2. Tanginn is at Básaskersbryggja 8, and Pizza 67 at Heiðarvegur 5.

Festivals

Hljómey music festival is set for April 23, 2027.

If you want boats, summer is the time. For festivals, pick the date first and plan the rest around it.

Where to stay in the Westman Islands

Hotel Vestmannaeyjar is at Vestmannabraut 28, in the town of Heimaey. Campers have two spots: Herjólfsdalur and the area by Þórsheimili.

The campsite accepts no bookings, and it has plenty of pitches. No one has had to turn away for lack of space. Electricity may sell out at the biggest events of the summer. Þjóðhátíð draws thousands of guests from all over the country and abroad, so arrange a bed early if you’re coming for it.

How do you get to the Westman Islands and get around?

The ferry Herjólfur sails between Landeyjahöfn and Vestmannaeyjar all year. It carries up to 540 passengers and about 75 vehicles.

To reach Landeyjahöfn without a car, take bus 51 or 53 from Reykjavík (Mjódd) via Selfoss. You can pay on board by credit card, debit card or cash, and there are no seat reservations.

By air, Eagle Air Iceland flies to Vestmannaeyjar twice a day, a 20-minute flight from Reykjavík. Atlantsflug also flies from Bakki.

When should you go to the Westman Islands?

Summer is the best window. July and August have highs of 55°F (13°C) and 54°F (12°C).

June gets 3 inches of rain, compared with 6 inches in September. From November to February, highs hover around 39 to 41°F (4 to 5°C) and rainfall runs close to 6 inches a month.

Winter suits visitors who prefer a quiet island and don’t mind a coat. Boat-trip fans should come between May and September.

What to know before visiting the Westman Islands

According to travel.state.gov, U.S. citizens need no visa for up to 90 days in Iceland for tourism or business.

• Passports must have 3 months’ validity beyond the date of departure from the Iceland/Schengen Area, and 6 months is recommended.
• Iceland does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa-free entry unless it has 3 months beyond the planned departure date.
• No vaccinations are required.

Booking the Westman Islands for November: what to know

The campsite accepts no bookings, so there’s nothing to reserve there. Check the sailing times before you travel.