Vestmannaeyjar: Volcano ATV Tour & Eldfell Lava Trails

Summary

ATV adventure over Eldfell lava fields with sea views and island stories

You’ll ride an ATV across Vestmannaeyjar’s wild lava fields with a local guide, stop at historic shipwreck sites like Prestvik beach, and circle Eldfell volcano’s surreal slopes. Feel the wind, taste salt in the air, and hear stories you won’t forget — all gear included for a proper adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You really want me to drive this thing?” I asked, half-laughing as our guide handed me the helmet and gloves. The air in Vestmannaeyjar was salty and sharp that morning, almost cold enough to bite my ears through the overalls they gave us. My partner grinned — he’d already claimed the back seat of our ATV. We set off with the group, engines humming over old black lava, and I could smell seaweed somewhere in the breeze. Our guide, Björn, kept shouting little facts over his shoulder — something about how Eldfell wasn’t even here before 1973. That blew my mind a bit.

I didn’t expect how different everything would look from an ATV. When we stopped at Prestvik beach, Björn pointed out where the Pelagus fishing ship had stranded years ago. The sand was dark and gritty under my boots; you could hear gulls fighting for scraps by the waterline. He told us about Guðlaugur Friðþórsson — how he swam for hours in freezing waves after his boat sank just offshore. I tried to imagine that kind of cold but couldn’t really. There was this quiet moment when nobody spoke, just listening to the wind and thinking about it.

We wound up around Eldfell’s red slopes — honestly, it looked like Mars with patches of moss trying their luck on the rocks. The view along the coast kept changing every time a cloud moved; sometimes you’d get this flash of sunlight on wet stones that made everything look almost silver. The ATVs were easy enough to handle (even for me), and Björn checked in often to make sure no one got left behind or lost in the fog that rolled in now and then. At one point I tried saying ‘Vestmannaeyjar’ properly — he laughed so hard I nearly stalled out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour around Eldfell volcano

• Drive ATV around Prestvik beach
• View Pelagus shipwreck site
• Visit Guðlaugur Friðþórsson landing scene
• Drive around lava fields
• Enter middle of Eldfell volcano
• Drive along the coast

Top questions

How long is the Volcano ATV tour in Vestmannaeyjar?

The tour lasts about 1 hour around Eldfell volcano and nearby sites.

Is previous ATV experience needed for this tour?

No experience is needed; ATVs are automatic and easy to drive.

What age do passengers need to be?

Passengers must be at least 6 years old.

Do I need a driving license to drive an ATV?

Yes, drivers must have a valid driving license.

What sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Prestvik beach (Pelagus shipwreck), Eldfell volcano area, coastal viewpoints, and historic locations tied to local stories.

Are helmets and gear provided?

Yes, helmets, gloves, and overalls are included for all participants.

If my cruise ship can’t dock due to weather, what happens?

You’ll receive a 70% refund if your cruise ship cannot enter Vestmannaeyjar due to weather or other issues.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an automatic two-person ATV (with local guide), plus helmet, gloves, and warm overalls for comfort on Vestmannaeyjar’s windy trails — just bring your driver’s license if you want to take the wheel yourself.