Location: Vestmannaeyjar
Top Things to do in Vestmannaeyjar
Top Restaurants in Vestmannaeyjar
The 10 Best Things to Do in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈvɛstmanːaˌeiːjar], sometimes anglicized as Westman Islands) is a town and archipelago off the south coast of Iceland.
Restaurants in Vestmannaeyjar
1. Ribsafari
Overall Ratings
5 based on 218 reviews
Ribsafari offers fun and exciting entertainment in Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). Sailing around the Islands in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is an experience you won't forget. You can choose from various types of trips - all depending on your interest. We also offer custom made trips all according to your wishes.
Reviewed By lava415 - Detroit, Michigan
The ride was a lot of fun, loved the music and zip around the Islands. The weather turned on us towards the end of the trip, but the captain was an awesome driver and kept us safe the entire ride. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
2. EyjaTours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 169 reviews
Experience Westman Islands in more PERSONAL and PRIVATE way with Eyjatours. Make your time in Westman Islands unforgettable with our unique tours. Custom made experiences for your family, group of friends or just for you. Full day or just part of the day with our expert guidance, you will discover the wonders of Heimaey. Our goal is to make your trip magical and memorable so you will never forget this amazing Island. Eyjatours is fully licensed, local family tour operator here in Westman Islands. We are committed to provide excellent and personal service for travellers who want to enjoy and discover Westman Islands in more personal and private way. Our tours are guided by local guide with expert knowledge, personal attention and many years of experience.
Reviewed By cprofct - Fairfield, Connecticut
My college aged son and I booked the island Puffins and Volcanos tour and could not have been more charmed by the experience. We were fortunate to have sunny weather and saw many puffins, my son's long time favorite bird. The small size and family...MoreHi :) Thank you so much for your lovely review. We really appreciate it. We are so happy that you liked our tour. We will hopefully see you again in Westman Islands and thank you once again for your review :)
3. Eldheimar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 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 karenpammy2016 - San Francisco, California
Our Natural History Bus tour of Heimaey ended with a self-guided visit with headsets at the Eldheimar Museum in town. A definite nice place to end a day trip on the island as it culminates the visit with visuals of the eruption that happened.
Eldheimar Museum is dedicated to the volcanic eruption on January 23, 1973 in Heimaey. There are 2 floors in this museum-- the 1st floor has an actual house that was discovered to be covered entirely full of ash. You can see all the rooms and items in the rooms of the house as it is still intact. It is hard to imagine how scared the residents were , especially returning back to the scene after the eruption.
There are wonderful photos and video clippings of the historic volcanic eruption and events that took place for the duration of 5 months on the 1st floor.
Continuing upstairs on photos and history of how Surtsey- the newest of the 15 or so Westman Islands were formed-- great images to show how the island is developing with different birds nesting and plant life evolving-- also an indication by scientists that Surtsey will shrink down one day.
Very interesting exhibits and well worth at least an hour to see everything.
4. Saeheimar Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
The “Aquarium and Natural History Museum of Vestmannaeyjar” was opened in 1964 and is the oldest museum of its kind in the country. The museum was run by the town of Vestmannaeyjar until January 2010 when the Research Center of Vestmannaeyjar took over the management. It is now simply called “The Aquarium
Reviewed By DongHyuk Y
We visited Storhofdi first to see wild puffins before we visited this aquarium. In this aquarium, you can see rescued puffins. They brings puffins to the table and leave there for 20-30 minutes. You can take a picture (not touch). It was great experience. However, aquarium itself is really small. Without puffins, there are not many attractive things in its Exhibitions. If there is kind of explain or some guide, it will be much better.
5. The Brothers Brewery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 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 iTravel11 - Washington, Pennsylvania
Our tour guide recommended stopping here after lunch. The interior is brand new, and the drafts are excellent. We especially liked the Red Ale which includes a hint of seaweed I believe. The owner was the bartender and he was exceptionally helpful and friendly - he talked at length with us about the island, its history, how he started brewing, etc. The popcorn is very good too with many different spices to try on it. All-in-all, I would consider this a must-stop with visiting Vestmannaeyjar for good beers, good times, and a welcoming atmosphere.
6. Viking Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Viking Tours is a fully licensed travel operator with many years of experiences in Westman Islands. We can offer you a wide range of magnificent experiences in Westman Islands like boat tours, bus tours and hiking tours. Enjoy with us the beautiful Islands in the south of Iceland, the unique volcanic nature, one of the largest varieties of see birds in Iceland, and more. We assist groups and individuals in a way that we try to fulfill all their wishes and needs. See you this summer in Westman Islands!!!
Reviewed By Elizabeth W
I wouldn't do this tour again. When we arrived at the dock (which was hard to find) - there were no signs telling us we needed to go to the building across the street to check in for our tour Reservations so that was confusing....MoreDear guest. Thank you for your report about your experiences with Viking Tours. It is very important for us to receive feedback from our customers and we try our best to meet the demands of our passengers. Best wishes. Viking Tours
7. Lyngfell Stables
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By kasia-ffm - Stuttgart, Germany
We visited Vestmannaeyjar for one day only, came with the morning ferry and left in the evening. The horse ride along the coast was the highlight of the day! Amazing views, lovely horses, even for us, riding for the second time in life. Asa was very acommodating, she collected us from the exhibition and afterwards drove back to town. Great memories!
8. Herjolfur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 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 Paula S
Easy to book tickets on- line for passengers and cars. The ferry was prompt in both directions. There is a great lot in Landyjahofn to leave your car if you prefer to explore the island on foot.
9. Sagnheimar Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 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.
Reviewed By sgitlin - Huntington Beach, California
If you're interested in learning about the history and culture of Heimaey Island, you really need to visit this Folk Museum. It has exhibits on the 1973 eruption of Eldfell Volcano, the 'Turks' pirate invasion of the island, the Mormon migration to the U.S., and many more. The museum was not busy when we were there, and we got a personal tour of several of the exhibits by one of the staff members. Very worthwhile place to visit.
10. Storhofdi (Great Cape)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Erin_leigh79 - Erin_leigh79
I'll give a very honest and unbiased review here with all things considered. Please see my many TripAdvisor reviews for good reads on my travel experiences! https://www.tripadvisor.com/members/Erin_leigh79
Loved our views of this side of the island! Would recommend a walk or ride around the island to see all it has to offer. The puffin sightings were excellent!
