Private Tour to the Westman Islands: light hiking, sightseeing, and museum.
The hidden gem of Iceland: Volcanoes, Ocean, and History
A private Tour to the Westman Islands to walk, discover and learn about this special place
Duration: 13 hours
Difficulty: Light Hike
Age limit: None
Season: March-October
Minivan Option
(Up to 6 people)
250 000 ISK
(The price is for the whole group)
Discovery of the Westman Islands: Vestmannaeyjar
Iceland is home of 30 active volcanic systems. One of them is actually located right under the Westman Islands. In fact, we can consider those islands as actually being active volcanoes themselves.
And still, a town of about 4 000 people stands there, just on the slopes of the Eldfell volcano, which destroyed an important part of the town when it erupted in 1973 in the middle of the night.
Another remarkable eruption on the Westman Islands took place 10 years before, in 1963. This one did not destroy anything. On the contrary, it created a new island: Surtsey.
During this tour, we will learn a lot about those two eruptions, but Westman Islands are also famous for hosting one of the biggest colonies of Puffins in the world. During nesting season (May to August), we will get to see them.
We offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours and hiking tours, please have a look!
Description of the private tour to the Westman Islands
Below, you can find an outline of the tour’s program, there is plenty to do in one single day. As usual in Iceland, but even more on the Westman islands, the program can vary depending on weather conditions. The tour also is dependent on the ferry’s availability.
- Your driver and guide will pick you up at 8am in ReykjavÃk.
- We will take the 10:40 ferry.
- The first half of the day will be spent in the southern part of Heimaey, taking a short walk, checking an observation deck, and doing some sightseeing.
- The second half of the day will be focused on volcanoes and the eruption of 1973. We will first hike to the top of the volcano that erupted then, after that, we will visit the museum dedicated to the eruption.
- We take the ferry back a 5 pm, and we should arrive in ReykjavÃk by 8 pm.
Highlights of your tour to the Westman Islands:
Stórhöfði
Located at the southern end of the main island, Stóhöfði is a magical place in many aspects. You will first take a short walk on the top of the hill to admire the surrounding panoramas, on Heimaey and the other islands. Then you will go to the observation desk to discover the local bird life, including the lovely puffins in the summertime.
Surtsey viewpoint
A quick stop to have a look at the newly formed island of Surtsey. This tiny island has been created in 1963, following a sub-oceanic volcanic eruption.
Elephant Rock
This rock has been sculpted over the years by the forces of erosion and now looks like an elephant.
Eldfell
We will hike to the top of the volcano that erupted in the year 1973. A short hike, providing a 360 degrees view over all of the islands.
Eldheimar
A museum dedicated to the eruption of Eldfell in 1973. The museum traces back to that historical day and has been built around a house that was excavated after the eruption.
Here is a picture of a part of the lava field that the volcano created.
Included in the tour:
- Professional guide and driver
- Comfortable vehicle
- Parking fees
- Ferry tickets
- Admission to the museum
Not included in the tour:
- Food, snacks, drinks
- Personal equipment
What to know before you go and bring with you
About the weather in Iceland
The weather conditions in Iceland can change quickly and get very windy and rainy in some occurrences. This statement is true everywhere in Iceland, but even more on the Westman Islands.
Therefore, we recommend that you take with you proper footwear and weatherproof clothes.
Difficulties on the tour:
We will do a short hike at the end of the day, it is an in-and-out hike, so we come back the exact same way. The hike is 1,7 km one way, uphill but not steep, the terrain is slightly rocky.
It is therefore not a strenuous nor a very difficult hike.
Personalize the tour
There are ways to customize this tour, for example, it is possible to visit the Puffin Rescue Center instead of the volcano museum. RIB Boat rides are also an option. Please write to: julien@lilja-tours.com for any personalization.
If you want to know more about Lilja Tours, check our TripAdvisor page!