Description
Summary
Description
Experience Iceland and its many natural wonders like never before in this thrilling day tour to the Westman Islands. From landscapes to volcanoes to cute little puffins, this 9-hour guided tour takes sightseeing to the next level.
The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, is an archipelago featuring 15 islands and 30 rock stacks. They have an area of approximately eight square miles (21 square kilometers).
This exciting journey begins when a friendly driver-guide picks you up from a meeting point near your Reykjavik hotel. After traveling along the beautiful South Coast, you’ll take a ferry ride and short drive to the first stop, Storhofdi, the Great Cape.
In high summer at Storhofdi, you’ll see their famous puffins, beautiful birds with colorful triangular beaks. Also called “sea parrots,” puffins dive into the water to catch food but nest in lifelong couples in the cliffs.
The Westman Islands is home to the world’s largest population of nesting puffins, reaching about 1.1 million birds.
The next stop will be the Eldheimar Museum. This award-winning museum comes with a unique history. In 1973, the Icelandic eruption in Heimaey buried about four hundred houses.
As the years went by, the houses were slowly unearthed by archaeologists. The island was eventually called the “Pompeii of the North.” As for Eldheimar, it was built around the remains of the buried houses.
After exploring the museum, a quick lunch follows before heading to Skansinn or “The Fort.” Skansinn’s rich history dates back to 1586, when it was built to protect the Danish royal store from merchants and sailors from England.
By 1780, the Fort was expanded, and multiple revisions came many years after. Interestingly, the Fort also served as a military base for the British army during World War II.
Today, the original fort is no longer there. However, the location has become a significant landmark in Vestmannaeyjar.
Here, you’ll see majestic views of the Heimaklettur cliffs. Skansinn is also the location of the Landlyst Museum and a Viking church.
The final stop is a trip to Eldfell Volcano. Note that the vehicle can only get that far, as you’ll have to hike up the volcano to get the best views possible. Located in the middle of Heimaey, Eldfell Volcano became infamous for its eruption in 1973.
The eruption lasted 157 days, from January 23 to June 28, 1973. Today, you’ll see the remnants of the lava field brought by the dramatic event, the island’s main town, and the surrounding archipelago.
At the end of the day tour, you’ll take the ferry back and then ride the minibus for the drop-off near your hotel in Reykjavik.
So don’t let this chance to experience Westman Islands and its wonders slip away! Check availability now by choosing a date.
