The Westman Islands rise sharply from the North Atlantic, 10 km off Iceland’s south coast — a volcanic archipelago unlike anywhere else in the country. The island of Heimaey is the only inhabited island, and it carries one of the most dramatic stories in modern Icelandic history: in 1973, a volcanic eruption tore through the town overnight. Residents evacuated by fishing boat in hours. Weeks later, lava threatened to close the harbour — and was stopped by locals pumping seawater onto the flow. The town was saved. The lava stopped metres from the harbour entrance.
That eruption shaped Heimaey in every sense. The Eldheimar museum, built over an excavated house buried under lava, tells the story in extraordinary detail. Above town, the new volcano Eldfell still radiates heat from the ground if you dig just a few centimetres down.
This is Iceland at its most elemental.
On 23 January 1973, a volcanic fissure opened without warning on the eastern edge of Heimaey. In a matter of hours, 5,000 residents were evacuated — nearly the entire population — using the fishing fleet that happened to be in harbour that night. Over the following five months, lava advanced towards the town and the vital harbour channel. Locals fought back with seawater, cooling the lava flow and redirecting it. The harbour was saved.
The Eldheimar museum was built directly over one of the excavated homes. Walking through it is one of the most quietly powerful experiences available anywhere in Iceland.
PUFFIN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!
Heimaey hosts the world’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins — an estimated 8–10 million birds nest here each summer. From May to mid-August, you’ll see them on the cliffs, in the grass, and flying overhead. No other port call in Iceland offers access to puffins on this scale.
The Westman Islands are compact and easy to navigate — which works in your favour. Every tour is timed to your ship’s schedule, with buffer time built in.
The island is small enough that even a half-day here feels complete. Questions before you arrive? Our service team is available 7 days a week. Reach out—we’re here to help you make the most of your time on shore!
