The notebook of Îles Vestmann
Stroll the shoreline without hurrying.
Volcanic archipel of cliffs, macareux and houses close around the port of Heimaey.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 4 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
Island · Coast · Volcano · Nature
Variable accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Îles Vestmann
Volcanic archipel of cliffs, macareux and houses close around the port of Heimaey.
Eldfell, Eldheimar and Stórhöfði give the most telling landmarks of the Vestmann Islands. Together, they form a destination where island landscapes, coastline, volcanic landscapes and natural spaces meet, with atmospheres that change over the course of the stages rather than just one uniform decor.
See all
For a stay of 2 to 4 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: conditions to be checked according to the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. Accessibility varies from site to site and deserves to be verified step by step.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Eldfell
- Eldheimar
- Stórhöfði
Before you choose
- Car often useful
- Conditions to be checked by season
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
World Heritage
Surtsey
Surtsey is a volcanic island born off the Vestmann, which has become a natural laboratory for observing colonization by plants, birds and marine organisms. Access is very limited to preserve research, but its history is understood from the neighbouring islands, museums and views of the archipelago.
Place indismissible
Eldfell
Eldfell is the red cone born from the eruption of 1973 over the city of Heimaey. The short but steep climb crosses slags and washes before opening a striking view of the port and the entire archipelago.
Place indismissible
Eldheimar
Eldheimar was built around a house buried by the eruption of 1973. The scenography mixes testimonies, images and remains to tell the evacuation and reconstruction with a very concrete force.
Place indismissible
Stórhöfði
Stórhöfði It occupies the southern tip of Heimaey, facing cliffs frequented by seabirds. The wind can be violent there, but the views of the islands and the colonies of macareux are among the strongest on the island.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
Similar destinations
Same landscapes and the same pace of travel, elsewhere in the world.
