Top Things to do in Westmann Islands
7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Westmann Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Known as Vestmannaeyjar locally, the Westmann Isles are Iceland’s most important and newest island group, just 5,000 years old and still active volcanically. The latest addition, Surtsey, came courtesy of an undersea eruption in 1963. Because of their youth, the islands are especially rugged and are renowned for their sheer cliffs, which serve as home to huge bird populations (10 million puffins alone live here). As for people, Heimaey is the only island in the cluster that’s inhabited.
Restaurants in Westmann Islands
1. Eldfell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By pogachels - Millburn, United States
We got off the ferry and started on the hike up to visit this volcano. We initially had some difficulty finding the trail, once we got to the base of the mountain the trail was easy to follow. It was moderately challenging for our 8 year old who was a little nauseous from the rough ferry trip over but our 12 and 14 year olds were fine. The views were fabulous throughout the hike and incredible at the top. A must if you visit the island.
2. The Brothers Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Olstofa The Brothers Brewery is both brewery and bar where you can buy drinks and get a beer brewery tour. The Brothers Brewery offers a brewery and beer tour where both groups and individuals are offered a fun lecture about brewing process followed by a beer taste.
Reviewed By sdakota2016 - Sioux Falls, United States
We enjoyed our visit to the Brothers Brewery. The bartenders were informative and helpful...thanks for the popcorn!!! A great place to relax after touring!
3. SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Experience Little Grey and Little White’s journey to Iceland and get up close to live puffins and local sea creatures! The Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary is the world's first whale sanctuary, home to two beluga whales; Little White and Little Grey. In spring 2020, the two belugas will move to their sea sanctuary home in nearby Klettsvik Bay. The Sea Life Trust Visitor Centre located in Vestmannaeyjar Harbour opened in April 2019, relocating the former Saeheimar Aquarium and Puffin rescue centre. The centre includes information and displays relating to Little White and Little Grey's epic journey from China to Iceland, as well as a local species aquarium and resident rescued puffins. As a non-profit centre, all ticket sales support the best possible care for Little White and Little Grey and the other animals in our care.
Reviewed By MikeyMikeymoto - Prague, Czech Republic
We were lucky enough to see the 2 Beluga whales in their new home in a sea cove about 5 min by boat from the harbour. Our guide was great and told us everything about the whales and the sanctuary. Our ticket included entry to the sea life trust centre which is by the harbour. There you can find nice exhibits about the whales and can see aquariums and rescued puffins
4. Eldheimar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
The exhibition focuses on the 1973 volcanic eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, without a doubt one of Iceland's biggest natural disaster. Visitors get a glimpse into peoples lives on Heimaey before the eruption that would change their lives forever. The people of Heimaey had to leave their homes in the middle of the night and evacuate the island, many of them never saw their homes or any of their belongings ever again.
Reviewed By easybicycletouring - Toronto, Canada
We took the ferry to the Westman Island (and Vestmannaeyjar) and parked a few blocks from the terminal. A set of stairs on the east side led us up passing some displays which explained it last erupted in the 1990's and how thermal energy has helped the town. The path up is gradual as you take a semi-circular walk over the red ash to the top. From there you can see other islands and the mainland of Iceland in the distance. Easy walk with amazing view.
5. Sagnheimar Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Sagnheimar is the Folk Museum of Vestmannaeyjar, a new museum built on old traditions. In addition to the many artifacts housed there, today's technology gives the history and culture a new dimension. While the adults are learning about the stories of fishing, cliff hunting, the Eldfell eruption of 1973, and the Algerian pirate raid of 1627, the children can dress themselves in pirate costumes and search for hidden treasure in the pirate cave. Displays and exhibits showing the deep connection with the Mormons, the colorful sports history of the island, an old radio where you can listen to stories of life at sea and unbelievable tales of heroism and rescues, a "Festival" tent where the islanders entertain during the annual "Festival" can also be investigated.
6. Storhofdi (Great Cape)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By nickkelly2018 - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
The view from the top of the hill by the lighthouse on a clear day is simply spectacular. You can see the most of the island, all the volcanoes, the small islands dotted around to the coast and over to the mainland and the glaciers. I just sat and took in the view for a while it was so beautiful. I visited the puffin hideout and saw plenty of puffins flying around the inlet and got some nice photos, you will need a long lens though. I visited again in the evening and an inquisitive puffin flew and landed quite close to me, I had to drag myself away as I could have spent hours more there enjoying the view and all the sea birds flying about. I hope to return someday.
7. Herjolfur
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 91 reviews
Hop on board on the ferry Herjólf and see the amazing Vestmannaeyjar (Westman islands). Sail around the magnificent caves, jump around the rocks, play golf, bird watch for puffins and sightseeing what the Westman islands have to offer. The harbor for Herjólfur is located at Landeyjarhöfn which is about two hours from Reykjavík. If you bring your own car there are plenty of parking spaces at the harbor and you may choose to take your car with you to the islands aboard the ferry. Several bus companies offer guided round trips to the islands during the summers. The Ferry ride only takes about 40 minutes and you must be at the harbor 30 minutes prior to departure. Enjoy the scenery and fresh ocean breeze outdoors where there are plenty of benches or use our facilities indoors. On board there is a cafeteria with sandwiches, sweets and drinks for sale, lounge which has seating for 130 persons and an entertainment room with seating for 80 persons. Of course there is a separate facility for the little ones with toys.
Reviewed By Rachelle_Elliott - Bolungarvik, Iceland
The ferry is at the mercy of the weather. However the ferry company provides excellent communication by SMS, email and phone so we knew when ferries where changed. The ferry itself is well appointed and clean. Fortunately the trip was short as the waves and wind were high.
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