Top Things to do in Westmann Islands
Countries
Top 7 Nature & Parks in Westmann Islands, South Region
Known as Vestmannaeyjar locally, the Westmann Isles are Iceland’s most important and newest island group, just 5,000 years old and still active volcanically. The latest addition, Surtsey, came courtesy of an undersea eruption in 1963. Because of their youth, the islands are especially rugged and are renowned for their sheer cliffs, which serve as home to huge bird populations (10 million puffins alone live here). As for people, Heimaey is the only island in the cluster that’s inhabited.
Restaurants in Westmann Islands
1. 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.
2. Lyngfellisdalur
3. Klauf
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. Heimaklettur (Home Rock)
6. Herjolf's Valley (Herjolfsdalur)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By WildernessCoffee - Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Herjólfsdalur is intimidatingly beautiful, whichever angle you look at it. It looks like a giant natural amphitheatre, with stupendous rocks rising up on all sides as you enter the valley. The walk along the top ridge is one not to be missed. You can see why in my description (including pictures of stunning views along the way!) if you search for 'The walking track to Herjólfsdalur - The Valley of Magic' on my blog Wilderness Coffee & Natural High. The track has some rocky and very steep sections, especially on the path up or down in Herjólfsdal itself. You can also start from Sprangan, behind the harbour and go up a slightly gentler slope. This walk takes about 1,5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace - but the distraction rate is very high. The path leads up to the eastern cliffs of Herjólfsdalur, where you can look straight down into its intimidating depths (not recommended if you are prone to vertigo ;-) Continue towards a plateau called HáHá, and you'll see a beautiful path winding down sharply along the sides of the valley. A small wooden step marks the start of the ridge section. From here, you can choose the high road along the top of the ridge, or the safer path along the hillside below. The upper path can be very crumbly in some places, and you have to be especially careful on sections with loose gravel. Both paths join together just before the gravelly part of the steep slope into Herjólfsdal. It continues along the top of the ridge towards Blátindur - that majestic peak rising up at the end of the valley. There are a couple of tricky bits where the path winds precariously around rocky outcrops and bizarrely shaped lava forms. Don't forget to look back every now & then - the views are absolutely stunning in all directions. At the end of the ridge you'll see a steep zigzag path down the slope and around some huge boulders to the bottom of the valley. Interesting detail: Herjólfsdalur is where the yearly Þjóðhátíð festival in August takes place. On the last evening, the mountainside is set alight with a row of flames along the entire length of the valley - a truly magnificent sight to see! :-)
7. Sea Life Trust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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