Heading to Iceland and looking for a hidden gem? Look no further than the Westman Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland, famous for their natural beauty, local culture, and wildlife. Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, the islands boast breathtaking landscapes with green hills, mountains, lava rocks, rugged cliffs, and open valleys.
The Westman Islands are perfect for a day trip, offering attractions like the Eldheimar Museum, puffin watching tours, and the stunning Stórhöfði viewpoint. The Herjólfur is your key to getting to these magical islands from mainland Iceland. Whether you’re solo, a family looking for adventure, or a couple seeking a romantic escape, this guide will give you everything you need to know about traveling with Herjólfur and making the most of your Westman Islands trip.
One of the first things to do when planning your Westman Islands trip is to book your ferry tickets. It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Summer in Iceland is packed with tourists and events and the islands are a hot spot.
Booking in advance is also important if you’re bringing your car. The ferry often fills up with vehicles so booking early will save you from any last minute stress. You can book your tickets online through the Herjólfur ferry website or through various travel agencies.
Travel Time: The ferry ride from Landeyjahöfn to the Westman Islands takes around 35-40 minutes. In bad weather the ferry might depart from Þorlákshöfn instead which takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. These longer trips are less common now since the new ferry started operating in 2019.
Eagle Air offers a flight option from Reykjavik to the Westman Islands, with a flight duration of about 20 minutes.
Comfort on Board: The Herjólfur ferry is designed for passenger comfort. It has both indoor and outdoor seating so you can choose your preference. The indoor seating area is cozy and perfect for relaxing during the trip and the outdoor seating is for enjoying the fresh air and the views.
There is also a cafeteria on board where you can buy snacks and drinks. For families traveling with children there is a TV corner to keep the little ones entertained. The trip itself is also beautiful, especially as you approach the Westman Islands harbour. The cliffs and rugged coastline along the Atlantic Ocean make the journey part of the fun.
When driving to Landeyjahöfn to catch the ferry you’ll be happy to hear that parking is free and there’s plenty of space. Not all parking spots are marked but you can park around the harbour. If you’re unsure where to park just ask the reception staff for help. Always take your valuables with you when you leave your car.
If you’re bringing your car on the ferry most rental cars including station wagons and small SUVs are under 5 meters in length. When booking your ferry tickets make sure to select a car length of under 5 meters for standard rentals. If you’re bringing a camper or mobile home make sure to specify the length and height of it so we can make sure there’s space for your vehicle on the ferry.
Having a car allows you to explore the entire island of Heimaey, including specific attractions such as the active volcano Eldfell, the puffin colony, and the tiny airport in the south. Many attractions on the Westman Islands are also within walking distance from the harbor, making it convenient for those not bringing a car.
Pets are allowed on the Herjólfur ferry. If you’re not bringing a car pets need to be in a cage on the car deck. This is for their safety and comfort during the trip. If you’re bringing a car pets need to stay in the vehicle during the ferry ride. This is for their security and comfort during the trip.
Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and sometimes it affects the ferry operations. If departures from Landeyjahöfn are canceled due to weather the ferry might sail later or depart from Þorlákshöfn instead. Tickets for Landeyjahöfn will still be valid for Þorlákshöfn. The ferry company will notify passengers of any changes via SMS or email. If your plans change due to weather you can also ask for a refund.
The Herjólfur ferry has various facilities to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Inside the ferry the seating area is designed for comfort so you can relax. The outdoor seating area is where you can enjoy the fresh air and the views.
The cafeteria on board offers snacks and drinks so you can stay refreshed during the trip. For families traveling with children there’s a TV corner to keep the little ones entertained.
Local guides are available for various tours and activities, providing unique and insightful experiences such as puffin-watching tours, private tours around Vestmannaeyjar, ATV tours, and sailing tours around the smaller islands.
The trip on the Herjólfur ferry is not just a trip but an experience in itself. As you approach the Westman Islands make sure to have your camera ready. The approach to the islands is beautiful, the cliffs and rugged coastline with unique natural rock formations make for a great backdrop. The ferry ride offers views of unique natural rock formations along the coastline, including the famous Elephant Rock. The ferry ride offers a unique view of Iceland’s nature so it’s a must see part of your trip.
A Puffin and Volcano tour is one of the best experiences for visitors, combining wildlife viewing with the island’s volcanic history.
When you arrive in the Westman Islands you’ll find plenty of things to see and do. The islands are great for walking, most attractions are within 5-25 minutes walk from the harbour. Here are some of the highlights:
Additionally, you can join popular tours such as sailing, ATV tours, and guided trips with local experts to explore the islands further.
If you prefer not to drive, you can take the bus to Landeyjahöfn. The bus service from "Mjódd" in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík, stops at Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella, and Hvolsvöllur before reaching Landeyjahöfn. You can find more information about the bus schedule and routes on the Strætó website.
If you don’t want to drive you can take the bus to Landeyjahöfn. The bus from “Mjódd” in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík, stops in Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur before reaching Landeyjahöfn. You can find more information about the bus schedule and routes on the Strætó website.
For more information or help you can contact the Herjólfur ferry company directly. The staff is nice and helpful and can answer any questions you may have about your trip or the islands.
In short the Herjólfur ferry is the way to go from mainland Iceland to the Westman Islands. Here’s a quick rundown:
The Westman Islands is a one of a kind experience. With the Herjólfur ferry your trip to these beautiful islands will be comfortable and nice. Enjoy the views, explore the town, get to know the culture and the landscapes of the Westman Islands. Whether you’re here for a day or longer the Herjólfur ferry makes your trip to the Westman Islands easy and enjoyable and unforgettable.
There are various popular tours available on the Westman Islands, including sailing, ATV tours on a volcano, and visits to unique attractions like a beluga whale sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre.
Traveling to the Westman Islands with the Herjólfur ferry is more than just transportation; it’s an adventure. The ferry ride gives you a chance to see some of Iceland’s most beautiful coastline and the islands are a treasure trove of nature and culture.
Book in advance and you’ll have a stress free trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or with friends the Herjólfur ferry has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
The Westman Islands is a destination like no other, a mix of beautiful landscapes, wildlife and local culture. As you step on the Herjólfur ferry and head towards the islands you’ll be setting the scene for an adventure of a lifetime. Pack your bags, book your tickets and get ready to visit one of Iceland’s most charming destinations. A boat tour around the Westman Islands is a must-do experience during the summer months. The Westman Islands is waiting for you!
