Westman Islands tour: Volcanoes, puffins, Eldheimar
Elephant Rock, puffins, a 1973 volcano, and the museum built inside the ash
This day tour from Reykjavik crosses by ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) off Iceland's south coast, with a guide in English, museum entry and all ferry tickets included. You'll stand at Elephant Rock, watch puffins at Stórhöfði cape, walk through the Eldheimar Museum (built partly inside a house buried by the 1973 eruption), then hike Mt. Eldfell to views of the lava fields and harbor below.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Westman Islands highlights
- Depart Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn
- Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar island
- View Elephant Rock
- Puffin watching at Stórhöfði cape
- Visit Eldheimar Museum
- Lunch break downtown
- Explore Skansinn and Stafkirkjan church
- Hike Mt. Eldfell volcano
- Wander town or lava fields
- Ferry back to mainland
What’s included
- Walking tour with an English-speaking guide.
- admission to Eldheimar Museum.
- ferry tickets to and from Vestmannaeyjar.
- hotel pickup from Reykjavik.
Times
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
12 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by Arctic Adventures
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The day starts in Reykjavik with a two-hour drive to Landeyjahöfn Ferry terminal, then a 30-minute crossing to Heimaey, the main island. Your guide meets you on arrival and takes you first to Elephant Rock, a basalt formation shaped like an elephant's head with its trunk reaching into the water: the result of a volcanic outburst from Eldfell. From there you move to Stórhöfði cape for puffin-watching, with time to photograph the birds before heading inland.
The Eldheimar Museum is the centerpiece of the afternoon. Built partly inside a house that was buried and preserved by ash from the 1973 eruption, it documents the volcanic event and its impact on the island's residents. The museum sits downtown, where you'll have a lunch break on your own (lunch is not included). After eating, the tour takes you to Skansinn, a harbor-side area with Stafkirkjan, a striking wooden Viking church, and a lighthouse overlooking the cliffs.
The hike up Mt. Eldfell follows. The volcano last erupted in 1973, and the climb brings you to views across the lava fields, the town below, and the entire island. Afterward, you can wander the town or explore the lava fields at your own pace before reconvening at the harbor in the late afternoon. The ferry returns you to the mainland and Reykjavik by evening.
Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Reykjavik and want to see Heimaey's puffins and volcanic landscape in one day without renting a car: pickup and ferry are included.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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 Elephant Rock and why does it look that way?
Elephant Rock is a basalt formation shaped like an elephant's head with its trunk dipping into the water. It was molded during a volcanic outburst from Eldfell, the volcano you'll hike later in the day.
Can I see puffins on this tour?
Yes. Stórhöfði cape is your puffin-watching stop, with plenty of time to photograph the birds and watch them in their natural habitat.
What is the Eldheimar Museum and why is it called the Pompeii of the North?
Eldheimar documents the 1973 volcanic eruption and its impact on Vestmannaeyjar. Part of the museum is built inside a house that was buried and preserved by ash from the eruption, which is why it's compared to Pompeii: a city preserved by volcanic material.
How difficult is the hike up Mt. Eldfell?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The hike up Mt. Eldfell takes you to the summit for panoramic views of the lava fields, town, and island, and the climb is manageable for most visitors.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included. You'll have a break downtown after the museum visit to eat on your own before the hike and the rest of the afternoon.
Westman Islands tour: Volcanoes, puffins, Eldheimar
12h 30m · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 261 per person
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