Heimaey Island: Top 5 Day Trips for Your Icelandic Getaway

So, you’re thinking of checking out Heimaey Island? What an amazing choice, you know! Heimaey, too it’s almost the biggest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off Iceland’s south coast, that just offers a totally unique blend of volcanic history, great views, plus really abundant wildlife. Now, planning that adventure could seem tricky, yet fear not! Here are five awesome day trips that showcase pretty much all Heimaey’s magic, to help get you started. We think these tours offer just an unforgettable taste of island life. It’s all about those experiences, alright!

1. Puffins and Volcanic Wonders: A Boat Tour Adventure

Okay, what screams “Heimaey” very like your island is that its famous puffin colony? That would be it, of course. A boat trip around the island is more or less the best way ever to see these little birds in their element. These trips usually take you around the coast, passing crazy sea caves and cool rock formations, but still the real highlight is getting up close to those adorable puffins! So, do these tours give a little geology lesson? Often. But getting those stunning shots and witnessing that Icelandic wildlife takes the cake, honestly. Don’t forget your camera!

2. Hiking Eldfell Volcano: Conquer the Fire Mountain

The Eldfell volcano, a little landmark that very shaped Heimaey’s history with its 1973 eruption, provides this challenging, yet remarkably rewarding hike. The climb to the summit is very, very steep in a way, that said those panoramic views from the top are truly spectacular. Imagine looking across the island, seeing lava fields meeting the sea. Oh, plus a little bragging moment, I suppose? Walking around the still-warm crater just reminds you what it all looks like underneath. That this isn’t something you experience everyday goes without saying, of course, actually. Put on some hiking boots!

3. Exploring Herjólfsdalur Valley: Viking History and Natural Beauty

Herjólfsdalur Valley, often is that also called the “Pommie Camp,” holds both interesting historical meaning, and gorgeous natural landscapes, but still? Tucked within tall cliffs, the area served that as a base camp through WWII for British soldiers. The place offers very different opportunities, that run the gamut, very from wandering easy walking paths, or challenging climbs for better perspectives. Every summer, anyway, a famous local festival changes up the mood entirely! That offers this intimate glance straight at Icelandic traditions too, which makes every single trip something very, very distinct. It does add to that atmosphere there for you alright. Pack some layers!

4. Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visit: See the Gentle Giants

Close to Heimaey is a world’s-first open water sanctuary made that specifically for beluga whales. Watching those super friendly marine creatures roam around in the bay presents rather a super interesting, more or less super moving scene. Educated teams can answer any queries. Also the visits typically stress that importance for aquatic habitats and their welfare needs, too. I guess it’s like observing a rescue journey. Plus there’s real charm as a bonus there too! Take in an actual whale breath.

5. Westman Islands Golf Club: Play a Round with a View

Okay so that is that really crazy golfing against crazy stunning backdrops? On Heimaey you actually have this really amazing possibility at one of those super scenic courses known all through Westman Islands Golf Club. It doesn’t actually just include these truly challenging plays, that offer such these exceptional vistas, overlooking seascapes all over. To be able enjoy sport amidst wild, pristine location brings with all these unforgettable feels too! Check that winds because you can use the weather too here and it may come handy at one of golf’s amazing escapes!