Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/islands/vestmannaeyjar Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) A volcanic archipelago of 15 islands off Iceland's south coast, known for its huge puffin colonies and its eruption history. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Location South Iceland Ferry from Landeyjahöfn or flights from Reykjavík. ## Quick Answer Vestmannaeyjar is a volcanic archipelago of 15 islands off south Iceland, with huge puffin colonies and the 1973 eruption history on Heimaey. The ferry takes 35. Rising from the North Atlantic about 7 km off Iceland's south coast, the Westman Islands are a young volcanic archipelago. Only Heimaey is inhabited, but the surrounding islands and skerries host one of Europe's largest Atlantic puffin colonies. The 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey and the birth of Surtsey in 1963 are two of the best-known eruptions in Iceland's recent history. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [SafeTravel]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Islands 15 Fifteen islands and roughly 30 rock stacks and skerries form this volcanic archipelago. Access Ferry + Flights Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjahöfn (35 min) with current sailings checked before travel. Best For Puffins + Volcanoes Home to millions of puffins in summer and two of Iceland's most famous eruptions. ## What to Expect ### Puffin Watching Millions of Atlantic puffins nest on the cliffs from mid-April to mid-August, among the largest colonies in the world. ### Eldfell Volcano Hike the 1973 eruption cone on Heimaey. The ground is still warm in places, and panoramic views span the entire archipelago. ### Eldheimar Museum An excavated house buried by the 1973 eruption, now a museum documenting the night the volcano awoke and the town's evacuation. ### Boat Tours Zodiac and rib-boat tours circle the archipelago, passing sea caves, elephant-shaped rock formations, and nesting bird cliffs. ### Þjóðhátíð Festival Iceland's largest outdoor festival takes place the first weekend of August in a natural amphitheatre, with music, bonfires, and fireworks. ### Stafkirkjan Stave Church A replica Norse stave church, a gift from Norway in 2000 to mark the millennium of Christianity in Iceland. ## Getting There The Herjólfur ferry sails from Landeyjahöfn harbour on the south coast to Heimaey in about 35 minutes. Landeyjahöfn is approximately 130 km (1.5 hours) east of Reykjavík along Route 1. In winter or when seas are rough, the ferry operates from Þorlákshöfn instead, with a crossing time of about 3 hours. Domestic flights from Reykjavík airport take roughly 25 minutes and give good aerial views of the archipelago. ## Best Time to Visit Summer (June to August) is the prime season. Puffins are present from mid-April to mid-August, ferry service is most frequent, and the Þjóðhátíð festival falls on the first weekend of August. Spring and autumn bring fewer visitors and moody skies, while winter crossings can be disrupted by weather. The islands are visitable year-round, but many tours and services only run in summer. ## What a ferry cancellation means for your plans [Herjólfur’s FAQ]() says passengers from a cancelled journey are not automatically guaranteed space on the next departure. Contact the operator for arrangements; passenger and vehicle capacity may already be booked. The mainland port can also change to Þorlákshöfn. Confirm the actual port and sailing time before setting off, and keep any island tour operator informed. This matters more than a generic promise of a 35-minute crossing. Planning help ## Vestmannaeyjar FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **How do I get to Vestmannaeyjar?** The most common way is the Herjólfur ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the south coast, which takes about 35 minutes. You can also fly from Reykjavík domestic airport with a flight time of roughly 25 minutes. In winter or rough weather, the ferry departs from Þorlákshöfn instead, taking about 3 hours. **How many islands make up Vestmannaeyjar?** The archipelago consists of 15 islands and about 30 rock stacks and skerries. Only one island, Heimaey, is permanently inhabited. The others range from Surtsey (a UNESCO site) to small bird-nesting rocks like Bjarnarey and Álsey. **When is the best time to visit the Westman Islands?** Summer (June to August) is the best time. Puffins are present from mid-April to mid-August, the weather is mildest, and all boat tours and services operate at full capacity. The annual Þjóðhátíð festival takes place on the first weekend of August. **Are there volcanic risks in the Westman Islands?** The islands are volcanically active. The most recent eruption was Eldfell on Heimaey in 1973, and Surtsey emerged from eruptions in 1963–67. The area is monitored by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, and SafeTravel provides current alerts. [Back to Islands]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().