Puffins, Volcanoes & Music: Why Vestmannaeyjar Is Iceland’s Best-Kept Summer Secret
When most people think of Iceland, they picture glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Golden Circle. But there’s a magical little archipelago off the south coast that often gets missed Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands.
Puffin Paradise: Nature’s Cutest Summer Residents
Vestmannaeyjar is home to the largest puffin colony in the world. Each summer, millions of puffins return to the cliffs of Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the chain, to nest and raise their chicks.
One of the best places to see them is Stórhöfði, the southern tip of the island, known for being one of the windiest places in Europe. But on a calm summer day, you can sit on the cliffside and watch puffins take off, land, and poke around their burrows just feet away.
If you visit in August, you might even witness the charming local tradition where kids rescue pufflings that get lost in town by guiding them back to the sea.
Volcanoes and Survival: A Town That Rose from Ash
In 1973, the people of Heimaey woke up to a nightmare! The ground cracked open and Eldfell Volcano erupted just outside of town. Lava engulfed homes, expanded the island’s coastline, and nearly closed off the harbor. But the townspeople evacuated swiftly and eventually returned to rebuild.
Today, you can Hike up Eldfell for jaw-dropping views of the island, the ocean, and the lava fields that forever changed Heimaey. Don’t miss the Eldheimar Museum, a powerful tribute to the eruption, with excavated homes preserved under glass.
Þjóðhátíð: Iceland’s Ultimate Local Festival
Every August, Vestmannaeyjar throws a party unlike any other in Iceland. The Þjóðhátíð festival is a long weekend of music, bonfires, fireworks, and pure Icelandic energy. It takes place in a stunning natural amphitheater surrounded by cliffs and grass-covered hills.
Picture this: thousands of locals and travelers singing together under a midnight sun, fireworks lighting up the sky, and a vibe that feels equal parts music fest and family reunion.
Getting There: Easier Than You Think
In the summer, it’s a smooth and scenic 35-minute ferry ride from Landeyjahöfn. You can take your car or go on foot, and the schedule is reliable thanks to calmer seas.
Alternatively, hop on a short domestic flight from Reykjavík and land on Heimaey in under 30 minutes. Easy access makes it perfect for a day trip, though an overnight stay gives you more time to soak it all in.