Things to Do in the Westman Islands: Eldheimar, Eldfell, the Stave Church and Ribsafari Boat Trips

The Westman Islands lie off the south coast of Iceland and show up on the horizon from the mainland on a clear day. The archipelago has 15 islands plus about 30 cliffs and skerries, and Heimaey is the largest island and the only inhabited one, so that’s where you land. Start with the Eldheimar museum, climb Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973, and book a boat trip around the cliffs if you come between May and September.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: Eldheimar museum, Eldfell, the Stave Church, Ribsafari boat trips
• Main access: Herjólfur ferry, 30 to 40 minutes
• Ferry sailings: six a day in summer, five a day in winter
• Ribsafari season: May 1 to September 30
• Puffins at Stórhöfði: May to August

What are the best things to do in the Westman Islands?

Eldheimar museum

Eldheimar is an award-winning museum built around the remains of one of the homes buried in 1973. The eruption began in the early hours of January 23, 1973, and more than 5,000 residents were evacuated within a few hours. Around 400 houses were buried.

The exhibition focuses on that eruption, and it’s a good visit before hiking the volcano. You see what the lava did to the town, then climb the mountain it came from.

Eldfell volcano

Eldfell was created in the 1973 eruption, which lasted about six months. It stands about 430 feet (131 m) high, east of Helgafell. Hiking to the top is one of the most popular trails on Heimaey.

The trail is easy to place on a map, since Eldfell’s coordinates are N63° 26′ 4.421″ W20° 15′ 2.440″. Do the museum first, then the climb, so the view from the top has its story. Bring shoes with grip, because this is a young volcano.

The Stave Church at Skansinn

The Stave Church stands in the area of Skansinn.

The Stave Church sits in the Skansinn area, so it fits into a visit to that part of town. Check opening times locally before you go.

Ribsafari boat trips

Ribsafari runs one or two hour RIB boat trips around the islands. From the water you see sea caves, rock stacks, seabird cliffs and Elephant Rock.

The office is at Tangagata 7, and the season runs May 1 to September 30. Ribsafari offers trips of one or two hours, so pick the shorter outing for a quick look or the longer one for more time along the cliffs.

Stórhöfði puffins

Puffins can be seen at Stórhöfði between May and August.

Plan the visit for those months. Outside them, put the time into Eldheimar and the Eldfell trail.

When is the best time to visit the Westman Islands for sightseeing?

Summer is the season for boats and birds. Ribsafari runs from May through September, puffins show up at Stórhöfði from May to August, and the ferry sails six times a day. Þjóðhátíð falls in August, so ferry and lodging plans for that weekend need to be made early.

Beaches and outdoor things to do in the Westman Islands

Heimaey’s outdoor time centers on the volcano and the water. Eldfell is the main hike, and it pairs well with a stop at Eldheimar. Wear sturdy shoes and layers.

Prestvik beach is a stop on the Volcano ATV tour, so it suits people who want to ride to it. For the sea, Ribsafari boat trips of one or two hours go around the islands, past sea caves, rock stacks and seabird cliffs. They run from May 1 to September 30.

What to eat in the Westman Islands

Several places to eat are named on 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, so three of them are on the same street. Tanginn is at Básaskersbryggja 8, and Pizza 67 is at Heiðarvegur 5.

Walking Bárustígur lets you compare menus before choosing.

Things to do in the Westman Islands at night

Hljómey, a music festival, is on April 23, 2027. Goslokahátíð Vestmannaeyja runs July 1 to 4, 2027.

Þjóðhátíð is the big one. It’s held every year around the verslunarmannahelgi weekend in August, spans four days, and its main events take place in Herjólfsdalur. Book the ferry well ahead for that weekend.

Things to do in the Westman Islands with kids

Kids can spend a day on the water with a one or two hour Ribsafari trip, which looks into sea caves and along seabird cliffs. It runs from May 1 to September 30, and the shorter trip is the easier fit for younger children. The Volcano ATV tour visits Prestvik beach.

Even the arrival is part of the outing, since the Herjólfur ferry crossing takes only 30 to 40 minutes.