⚠️ Timetables, opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers. Entry requirements and local rules (reserves, quotas) are subject to the same caveat.
Heimaey is the only inhabited island of the Westman archipelago, off Iceland's south coast. Around 4,300 people live here, mostly from fishing, around a sheltered harbour. In 1973 the Eldfell eruption buried almost 400 homes. Today visitors come to climb this young volcano, watch one of the world's largest puffin colonies and discover an island that rebuilt itself.
Eldfell, Helgafell and the night of 1973
On 23 January 1973 a fissure opened in the middle of the night at the edge of town. Residents were evacuated to the mainland, mostly aboard the fishing fleet. The eruption lasted about five months and built Eldfell, a cone of about 200 m. Lava buried almost 400 homes and extended the island to the east.
The climb up Eldfell starts at the edge of town and takes less than an hour. The ground is still warm in places, and the view takes in the harbour, the lava flows and the nearby islets. Neighbouring Helgafell, an older volcano, is another short climb. Stay on marked paths: the scoria is fragile and the wind can be fierce.
Puffins, seabirds and belugas
Every summer the Westman cliffs host a very large colony of Atlantic puffins, present roughly from April to August. At Stórhöfði, the island's southern tip, an enclosed hide lets you watch them up close without disturbing them. In late summer, young birds lost in town are picked up by residents and released at sea.
Since 2019, Klettsvík bay has been home to two belugas, Little Grey and Little White, moved from a Shanghai aquarium. The Sea Life Trust visitor centre near the harbour explains this sanctuary project and also cares for injured puffins. Gannets, guillemots and seals can be seen on boat trips around the islets.
Ferry, seasons and island life
The Herjólfur ferry links Heimaey to Landeyjahöfn in about 35 minutes, two hours' drive from Reykjavík. When seas are rough or the harbour silts up, it sails from Þorlákshöfn instead, a crossing of nearly three hours. Cars are carried: book early in summer and check announcements on the day.
The town is easily explored on foot and the main sights are less than four kilometres away. On the first weekend of August, the Þjóðhátíð festival draws thousands to the Herjólfsdalur valley, and the ferry and accommodation are then fully booked. Out of season, several restaurants and services close or cut their hours.
Essentials & your questions
| Getting there | Fly to Keflavík (KEF), then drive about 2 hours to Landeyjahöfn for the 35-minute Herjólfur ferry. It sails from Þorlákshöfn when seas require. Winter flights from Reykjavík. |
|---|---|
| Best time to go | May to August for puffins, hiking and calmer seas. Avoid the first weekend of August without bookings. Winter is windy and crossings are less reliable. |
| Currency | Icelandic króna (ISK). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts. |
| Language | Icelandic. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and by activity providers. |
| Entry requirements | Iceland is not in the EU but belongs to the Schengen Area and the EEA. EU citizens need a valid ID card or passport. The European Health Insurance Card is accepted. |
Can I bring my car to Heimaey?
Yes, the Herjólfur ferry carries vehicles, rental cars included. Book a car space in advance, especially from June to August.
When can I see puffins on Heimaey?
Roughly from April to August, peaking in June and July. The Stórhöfði hide and boat trips give the best views of the colonies.
How long should I stay on Heimaey?
A day trip covers Eldfell and Eldheimar, but one or two nights leave time for puffins, a boat trip and a possible ferry change.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons