What to Do in the Westman Islands in Iceland

The Westman Islands are located near Vík off the south part of Iceland and are a MUST add to your travel itinerary. This archipelago is breathtaking with towering vibrant green hills and steep cliffs surrounded by strikingly blue water. In June when we went, there was abundant wildlife with hundreds of nesting birds and sheep roaming the hills. While the island is tiny, it also has plenty to fill your time on a day excursion from the mainland. Here are some of my top suggestions for what to do in the Westman Islands!

Heimaklettur

1. Hike to the Top of the Cliffs 

In the summer, the Westman Islands are covered in endless lupine fields and other wildflowers. With the clash of volcanic terrain and rolling green hills, there are many different hikes that can be taken just around this little island! In the one day we spent on the island, we squeezed in two hikes before our ferry went back to the mainland. The first hike was a complete unplanned surprise after we saw humans at the top of a very, VERY tall cliff. After finding Heimaklettur on AllTrails, we walked to the trailhead and very quickly found out this hike was one of the most psychologically demanding (+ dangerous?) trails we had seen. With countless ladders and chains to navigate the steep hike up, two people decided not to continue while a friend and I pushed our way to the top of the cliffs. This hike would NEVER pass OSHA regulations in the states, but we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the island from the top. There was even a guest ledger at the top to sign your names in if you made it! Check out my vlog on my YouTube Channel for a better overview of this hike.

Heimaklettur Trail

2. Explore a Volcano + Lupine Fields 

The second hike we did was the Eldfell Volcano Loop, which was much less anxiety-enducing while still being strenuous and incredibly rewarding. You can hike all the way to the top of the volcano from the city center which brings you through rolling fields of lupines. The lupine fields on this hike absolutely took my breath away – it was something out of a fever dream. The terrrain on this hike was challenging in a different way, there were a lot of loose pebbles and volcanice rocks that would have easily twisted my ankles had I not been wearing hiking boots. From the top of the Eldfell volcano, you can see beautiful landscapes of the whole island and the city. This hike is around three miles but was easier to navigate than the Heimaklettur hike. Enjoy the stark contrast of volcanic rock and flower fields on this hike!

Eldfell Volcano Loop

3. Visit the Beluga Whale Sanctuary

My last recommendation for your visit to the Westman Islands is a trip to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary! Admission was only $30 per person, and you get to see rescued puffins and beluga whales. This sanctuary is operated through the SEA LIFE TRUST, a registered charity organization that is dedicated to protecting marine life. They share that the aims of their sanctuary are: “1) To provide a more natural life for the belugas in our care; 2) To advance knowledge through research and education, and 3) To support protection of belugas in the wild.” It is always a great thing to support charitable causes while abroad, and this sanctuary was well worth the time (only about 30 minutes to walk through) for our trip to the Westman Islands!

Beluga Whale Sanctuary

The Westman Islands will be a WONDEFUL addition to your Iceland itinerary. Make sure you pack plenty of water and your hiking gear to get the full experience of this archipelago! Safe travels!