Heimaey: Puffin & Volcano Tour with Ebbi, Viking Town Entry

Summary

Heimaey puffins volcano crater walk viking town taste

You’ll follow Ebbi through Heimaey’s wildest corners: watch puffins bicker above black cliffs, step inside a Viking turf house for a taste of smoked lamb, and walk straight into Eldfell’s volcanic heart. With local stories (and maybe sheep traffic), this day trip leaves you feeling part of island life—at least for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen, you can hear them arguing,” Ebbi said, pointing up at a cluster of puffins balanced like little clowns on the cliff edge. I tried to listen — really listen — and yeah, there was this weird chatter above the wind. The air smelled sharp, salty, and sort of grassy? I’d never heard birds sound so much like old friends bickering over lunch. Ebbi grinned at my face (probably looked ridiculous) and started telling us how these birds always come back to the same hole each year. It’s oddly comforting, that kind of loyalty.

The day trip around Heimaey is not what I expected from an “island tour.” For one thing, our local guide Ebbi knew everyone — he waved at a fisherman fixing nets near the harbor before we even left the bus. We stopped in Herjólfsdalur valley where the grass was so green it almost hurt my eyes (I know that sounds dramatic but honestly). There’s this half-built Viking Town tucked into the hillside; apparently they use it for films sometimes. We ducked inside a turf house and someone handed me a chunk of smoked lamb — tasted earthy, almost sweet. I tried to say thank you in Icelandic and Li laughed when I butchered it.

Stórhöfði is supposed to be the windiest place in Europe — not sure if that’s true but my cheeks were numb after five minutes. The puffin colony is huge here; we saw hundreds swirling over black cliffs. And then there’s Elephant Rock just sitting there looking like some ancient beast frozen mid-roar. The main keyword for me though was Eldfell: walking right into the volcano crater where everything started in 1973. Still warm underfoot in places, which is wild when you think about it. Ebbi told us stories about people digging their houses out of ash for weeks after.

I keep thinking about that moment standing inside Eldfell’s crater — red stones under my boots, wind tugging at my jacket, everyone quiet except for Ebbi’s voice drifting over us. There’s something about seeing all those layers of earth up close that makes your own worries feel smaller. Anyway, if you’re in Vestmannaeyjar and want a day trip with real stories (and maybe some sheep blocking the road), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Puffins, Viking Town, and Volcano Visit

• Watch local islanders' sport
• Visit Herjólfsdalur and puffin colony
• Explore Viking Town
• See Elephant rock
• Visit Stórhöfði puffin colony
• Enter Eldfell volcano crater

Top questions

How long does the Puffin & Volcano Tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours exploring key sites on Heimaey island with stops at each location.

Is pickup included for this Heimaey tour?

No, pickup or transfer service isn’t included; meet at Vestmannaeyjar harbor 15 minutes before departure.

Are puffins guaranteed to be seen on this tour?

No guarantee—sightings depend on weather and season but visits are planned to known colonies.

Is this day trip suitable for young children?

The tour isn’t recommended for kids under 3 years old or travelers who have difficulty walking.

What attractions are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Herjólfsdalur valley, Kaplagjóta puffin colony, Viking Town set, Elephant Rock, Stórhöfði headland, and Eldfell volcano crater.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes—public transport options are available near the departure point at Vestmannaeyjar harbor.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No full lunch is included but you’ll sample Icelandic delicacies like smoked lamb during your stop at Viking Town.

What should I bring or wear for this volcano & puffin tour?

Dress warmly with sturdy shoes; expect wind and uneven ground especially near Stórhöfði and Eldfell crater.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Viking Town with a taste of traditional Icelandic delicacies inside a turf house; all site admissions; travel in an air-conditioned vehicle; plus guiding throughout by Ebbi or another knowledgeable local—just meet at Vestmannaeyjar harbor before departure time.