Top Things to do in Heimaey Island
Top Hotels in Heimaey Island
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The 6 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Heimaey Island, South Region
The largest and only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westmann Isles) group off Iceland’s southwest coast, Heimaey is home to just under 5,000 people. It came to international attention in 1973, when the lava flow from a nearby volcanic eruption nearly destroyed the town. Swimming, hiking, golfing, sailing, horseback riding and bird and whale watching are just some of the popular activities at Heimaey. Passage from the mainland takes about three hours by ferry or about half an hour by air.
Restaurants in Heimaey Island
1. Ribsafari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 332 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.
2. EyjaTours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 468 reviews
Eyjatours offer the most famous tour PUFFIN AND VOLCANO TOUR in Westman Islands. Meet the Puffin Whisperer and get to meet and greet a live puffin up close and personal.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 through the eye of a local. Our tours are guided by local guide with expert knowledge, personal attention and many years of experience.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
