Heimaey Island tour: Volcano Viking Town island secrets

Walk a volcano crater, step inside a turf house, and learn what only locals know about this island

A two-hour guided tour of Heimaey Island led by a local guide, covering the 1973 volcano Eldfell, the old crater at Herjólfsdalur where a traditional islander sport is played, and the Viking Town with entry to a turf house and Icelandic food. The tour departs from Vestmannaeyjar harbour and includes an air-conditioned vehicle. Check in 15 minutes early.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Heimaey Island with Ebbi

• Meet your local guide Ebbi
• See local islander sport
• Visit old volcano crater and Kaplagjóta
• Explore the Viking Town
• Step inside traditional turf house
• Taste authentic Icelandic delicacies
• See the elephant rock
• Visit the windiest place in Europe
• See the 1973 erupted volcano
• Visit Stave church, Landlyst museum, and cannon

The experience

Your guide meets you at the harbour in Vestmannaeyjar and takes you through Heimaey's defining landmarks in two hours. The route passes Eldfell, the volcano that erupted in 1973 and reshaped the island, then moves to Herjólfsdalur, where you'll see the old crater and the site of a traditional local sport called Kaplagjóta. You also visit the windiest place in Europe and stop at Elephant Rock before heading to the Viking Town nestled in the valley.

At the Viking Town, you step inside a traditional turf house, the kind Icelanders built centuries ago, and taste authentic Icelandic food. The tour also includes the Stave church, Landlyst museum, and a cannon on the grounds. Everything happens from an air-conditioned vehicle except the Viking Town visit, where you walk and explore on foot.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• admission to the Viking Town and turf house.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
• traditional Icelandic food tasting inside the turf house.

Before you book

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 26

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eyjatours

Is this one for you?The tour runs two hours from start to finish, so it fits easily into a day exploring other parts of South Iceland or Heimaey. Most of the route is by vehicle, making it manageable for anyone. The main walking happens at the Viking Town itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Eldfell and why does the tour stop there?

Eldfell is the volcano that erupted in 1973, fundamentally changing Heimaey's landscape. The tour visits it so you can see the crater and understand how this eruption shaped the island you're standing on.

What happens inside the Viking Town?

You enter a traditional turf house, the style of dwelling Icelanders used historically, and eat authentic Icelandic food. The site also has the Stave church, Landlyst museum, and a cannon to explore.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the harbour, or is pickup included?

The tour departs from Vestmannaeyjar harbour, and the operator does not offer pickup or transfer service. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

Most of the tour happens from the air-conditioned vehicle as you travel between sites. You'll walk at the Viking Town to enter the turf house and explore the grounds, but the tour suits all physical fitness levels.