Westman Islands

Our most recommended things to do in Westman Islands

South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

On this full-day tour, you’ll follow the coastline from Reykjavík into the volcanic and glaciated wonderland that is Iceland's south coast. Walk behind the thundering veil of spray at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take in the incredible views from the top of the Skógafoss waterfall. Your tour begins with a drive through lava fields, passing by the active Hengill volcano, and then down to rich coastal farmlands. On clear days you’ll be able to see the Hekla volcano, and in the distance the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull volcano rises majestically above the coastal mountains. Just a few kilometers off the coastline and easily visible are the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of around 15 small islands, only one of which is inhabited. Stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is every photographer’s dream. Next on the itinerary is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. See the powerful Atlantic waves crashing on the black sands, the jagged basalt sea stacks and the huge basalt-column cave. Next you’ll head to the coastal village of Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the island’s main ring road. Despite its small size (291 inhabitants), it is the largest settlement for 70 kilometers. On your way back to Reykjavík, you’ll stop by the powerful Skógafoss waterfall for a short walk up a flight of steps to admire one of Iceland´s most scenic views. The view takes in glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. The last stop is at the 60-meter-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, best known for the hidden pathway behind and around it.

Vik: Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Vik: Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Feel like you are on top of the world with this day hike that will get the adrenaline pumping. This glacier hiking tour begins when you arrive at the base camp at the foot of Solheimajokull. Solheimajokull is an outlet of Myrdalsjokull, one of the country’s largest ice caps, and is perfect for adventurers due to its accessible slopes, incredible formations, and striking views. Please be sure to arrive with hiking boots- athletic sneakers may not fit the glacier crampons. Your friendly, expert guide will be waiting to dress you in a harness, helmet, and pair of crampons and equip you with an ice ax. They will then brief you on the equipment and route before leading you around the murky glacier lagoon to Solheimajokull’s snowy surface. Worry not about the dangers of glacier hiking in Iceland, as your guide knows how to navigate this otherworldly terrain safely and is trained to deal with all potential circumstances. All aspects of Iceland’s ice caps are breathtaking. The colors are striking, with untouched white snow veined with black ash from past eruptions and brightened by dazzling blues. Formations such as glistening icicles, towering ice walls, deep crevasses, and sometimes even winding ice caves are around each corner. As you hike, you can refill your water bottle in pure freshwater streams as it melts. The higher you ascend, the more spectacular the views will become. In clear weather, you’ll be able to look over dramatic mountains, the Westman Islands, the black sands of the South Coast, and stunning lava landscapes. Your guide will tell you how glaciers form and why Iceland is so renowned for them. They will also talk about the dangers they face and how you can help protect them for future generations. You are also welcome to ask them any questions about the ice caps or life in Iceland, and they can take photos of you and your group at the most picturesque spots. The Team at David the Guide is a small family of adventurers, with a passion for sharing our love of Iceland's natural beauty. We appreciate you booking with us, and look forward to meeting you and having an adventure.

Iceland: South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

Iceland: South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

Climb aboard a modern bus equipped with computer tablets in each seat and a GPS-sensitive in-bus audio guide in 10 languages. Learn interesting facts about Iceland and the places you will visit as you depart Reykjavik and head south. You will also find a USB charger and free Wi-Fi on board the bus so that you can keep connected and share your experience along the way. Ask your host any questions you may have and they will be glad to help. Start with a drive through the lava fields by the active volcano of Hengill mountain. Then, head down to the rich coast and farmland. On clear days you will see Hekla volcano and the glacier-capped Eyjafjalljökull volcano rising majestically above the coastal mountains at its base. Just a few kilometers off the coastline you might also see the volcanic Westman Islands.  Stop at the 60-meter high Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, famous for the hidden pathway behind it. Continue to the powerful cascades of Skógafoss Waterfall and take a short walk up a flight of steps to discover one of Iceland´s most scenic views. Next, go to Sólheimajökull Glacier on your way to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Watch the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash on the black sands and see the jagged basalt sea stacks and huge basalt-column cave off the coast. Continue to the southernmost village on Iceland with a trip to Vík, located on the main ring road around the island. Despite its small size and tiny population (only 291 inhabitants) it is still the largest settlement for 70 kilometers! Return to Reykjavík for a rest before part 2 of your adventure. Reconvene in the evening to search for the legendary Northern Lights in the night sky. For many, this is the reason to come to Iceland in the winter, and while sightings are weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed, the Northern Lights (also known as the "Aurora Borealis") are mysterious and magical when they appear. The result of powerful solar storms, the lights need clear winter skies to be visible. Rest assured, your expert operational team has decades of experience analyzing weather patterns and the operator carefully reviews the conditions on a daily basis. You will not set off unless they think there is a good chance of spotting the lights, resulting in a high success rate. Be guided by one of the specially trained Northern Lights guides, and get tips on how to take photos of the natural phenomenon. Dress warmly as you will be out in the cold, or take advantage of the ultra-warm "Aurora Jackets” available for rent.

Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull

Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull

This tour is the perfect length of time for 'first-time riders' and individuals looking for a scenic, fun ride, exploring and experiencing the wilderness, the glacier, and the breathtaking views over south Iceland. In perfect conditions, the jaw-dropping view includes Westman Islands, the whole south coast to Ingólfsfjall, and even a big part of the highlands! The tour starts from Brú base camp, Road 249, five minutes down Seljalandsfoss. After a short briefing where your guide takes you through safety procedures, you dress up in a snowsuit and helmet and hop into a modified Super Jeep. You then drive towards Eyjafjallajökull and up its slopes, onto the glacier base where the snowmobiles are kept.  The duration of the tour varies from season to season since you drive up to the ever-changing snowline to reach the snowmobile but the snowmobiling itself is about 1 hour.  In winter time it is easier to reach snow so the tour is about 2 hours, but in the summer time you need to drive higher to reach the snowline, then the tour can take up to 4 hours. Please note that for bookings with odd numbers, the third person is automatically a single ride, so you will need to book the single supplement, or you will be contacted for that. We do not share rides with strangers, and we can only fit two per sled, so the price is per person, not a sled.

From Reykjavik: South Coast Guided Group Adventure

From Reykjavik: South Coast Guided Group Adventure

Ride from Reykjavik and journey to the south of Iceland. Stop to see the majestic Skógafoss waterfall. Walk along the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and reach Vik I Myrdal, the southernmost tip of the country. Visit hidden waterfalls on the way back, one underneath the Volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Pass the Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant that supplies the capital's energy and travel through the mountain pass. Capture the ocean view and see the ice cap of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, with a chance to spot the Westman Islands. Arrive at the stunning Skógafoss waterfall, known for it's appearance in Game of Thrones. Become speechless as it falls 60 meters and try to find the legendary hidden treasure behind it. Visit one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, the Reynisfjara black sand beach. View the basalt columns and hear the intriguing stories and sagas that are connected to this amazing place. Reach the southern tip of the country, Vik I Myrdal. Find the charming fishing village, visit the local church, and view the entire settlement. Stop on the way back and see the Sólheimajökull glacier. Finish the day at the exquisite Seljalandsfoss waterfall, tucked underneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Take a chance to walk behind it and visit its hidden cousin, Gljúfrabúi, before heading back to Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik: Puffin and Volcano Tour in Westman Islands

From Reykjavik: Puffin and Volcano Tour in Westman Islands

Join a day of discovery and wonder as we visit the Westman Islands, also known as Vestmannaeyjar, in Icelandic. Start the day with a pick-up from Reykjavik and head to the Landeyjahöfn Ferry terminal. Board the Herjólfur ferry for a scenic 30-minute ride to Vestmannaeyjar. Reach the islands and begin sightseeing with the stunning Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora), a basalt formation sculpted by volcanic forces, resembling an elephant's head. Venture to Stórhöfði Cape for a captivating puffin-watching experience. Admire the black-and-white birds, known for their orange beaks and adorable looks. Continue to the Eldheimar Museum, the 'Pompeii of the North.' Learn about the dramatic history of the 1973 volcanic eruption and its impact on the island. Stop for a lunch break in town before continuing the tour. Move on to explore Skansinn (“The Fort”) after lunch near the harbor. Admire the historic site with its Viking Wood Church, a lighthouse, and breathtaking cliffside views. Hike up the famous Mt. Eldfell Volcano that erupted in 1973. Learn more about the site, where the name of this mountain translates to the “Mountain on Fire.” Prepare for epic views of lava fields, the town, and the island. Enjoy free time to stroll around the town or observe the lava fields as the day winds down. Regroup at the harbor for our return ferry trip, concluding your journey with an evening drop-off in Reykjavik.

South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

Your tour will start with a morning Reykjavik pick-up at authorized pick-up locations. You are then driven from the capital to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you will get the opportunity to follow a pathway that leads you behind the fall. Traveling through sensational scenery, you will arrive at Sólheimajökull glacier for a glacier walk. Your certified glacier guide will issue you with glacier equipment. Learn about the glacier, its movements, crevasses, and its formation. You will even hear the ancient ice cracking when it moves. Next up is the famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara to see the basalt columns and cave, the stunning Reynisdrangar cliffs and the impressive basalt rock stacks that rise above the Atlantic waves. Lastly, you will come to the smashing Skógafoss waterfall, a pathway with 527 steps leads up the side of the waterfall, where you will get a view of the falls and the rainbows that appear on clear days.Iceland is a volcano country and on a clear day, you will get views of Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla and even the volcanoes around the Westman Islands, just off the coast.  You will be dropped off at your original pick-up location in Reykjavík around 7:00 PM. You will have time to get some dinner and then be picked up again from your original point for the northern lights tour.  From the capital, you will hunt for the jewel-bright colors of the Northern Lights in the countryside — Green, yellow, white, and sometimes purple northern lights are usually seen. Northern Lights can never be promised but your guide will do their very best.

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn)

Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn)

Enjoy a convenient transfer from Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn, the harbor on the south coast of Iceland. From there, take a ferry to the Westman Islands. Spend as much time as you want on the islands before returning to Reykjavik. After being picked up in Reykjavik, embark on a 2-hour journey to the harbor in Landeyjahöfn. From there, take the ferry to the Westman Islands. Please note that you need to book your ferry ticket yourself. Enjoy the freedom to spend as much time as you want on the islands before returning to Reykjavik. If you decide to come back to Reykjavik the same day or any other day, take advantage of the direct transportation from Landeyjahöfn to Reykjavik. On the island you can use Hop ON OFF bus service. It can help you when traveling between the highlights of the Heimaey Island.

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and Glacier Jeep Tour

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and Glacier Jeep Tour

Eyjafjallajökull is the famous volcano that erupted in 2010 causing massive flight problems all over Europe.  Drive up the slopes of the glacier in a highly equipped 4x4 Super Jeep and on your way take in the astonishing view over the whole South Coast of Iceland, including the Westman Islands. This tour gives you the perfect glacier experience; an exciting Super Jeep drive in the snow, a walk on the glacier, and a magnificent view over the south.  Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, hidden canyons, and more on this amazing volcano safari super jeep tour! Our expert guides will take you through exclusive scenery that is only accessible by 4×4 vehicles. On this tour we have an amazing time exploring the glacier in all its glory, leaving you with the perfect glacier experience.

Hvolsvöllur: Iceland Guided Buggy Adventure Tour

Hvolsvöllur: Iceland Guided Buggy Adventure Tour

Experience our two-hour buggy adventure tour. The tour starts from our base, Brú Base by Road 249. After a short briefing where your guide takes you through safety procedures, we dress up in a waterproof snow/whole suit and helmet and hop into our buggy ride. Drive around the area between Fljótshlíð and Eyjafjallajökull. Visit waterfalls, driving on the Markaðsfljótaurar- tundra sand fields around Dímon, cross small streams, stop at a viewpoint looking over Seljalandsfoss, and Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). This two-hour buggy tour is a unique way to enjoy Icelandic nature and covers some waterfalls and gravel road driving. A stunning natural playground for the next few hours, as your test out your buggy surrounded by amazing scenery that only Iceland can offer. These two-seaters, 4×4 ATVs are fully automatic, fully inspected and road legal. They are also bursting with excellent safety and design features, such as the roll cage, safety belts, and double A-arm front suspension. All of which makes for a buggy ride that’s as safe as it is comfortable.

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What people are saying about Westman Islands

Overall rating

4.7
(1,191 reviews)

I joined the full-day South Coast tour, and it was an incredible experience! From the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls to the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, every stop was breathtaking. This is a big group tour, so expect a more social and structured experience rather than something intimate. However, it’s well-organized, and the timing at each stop felt just right. Our guide, Michael, was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and full of fascinating stories about Iceland’s history and geology. He kept the group engaged and made the long day enjoyable. The bus was comfortable, with plenty of restroom and snack breaks. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see Iceland’s South Coast, this tour is an excellent choice—especially with Michael leading the way!

Pick-up was prompt. Comfy bus (although there was no USB charger on this one) great guide and spectacular places. It is a long tour with 6 stops (maybe a bit more time at the sights would be nice). The sights are just amazing, well worth the time and the price. Dress very warm if you take this tour in the winter. Weather is harsh out there. Iceland is magic on ice!

Everything was wonderful! Very experienced guide, with useful information. Driver ok, no incidents. It was a pleasant trip, we saw many wonderful places! I recommend!

Our guide was incredible, sharing life story’s and local tales along the way. Driver did an amazing job and the tour was perfect for a group with mixed ability

very nice excursion with a great guide, magnificent landscapes to see and great weather