Private Jeep Tour from Reykjavík

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Reykjavik and drive along the beautiful Icelandic South Coast to Landeyjahöfn, a small harbor not far from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

From here, the boat ride to the Westman Islands, Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic, is only 45 minutes long.
Make sure you have your cameras ready because during this short journey you will have some of the most spectacular views of the Westman Islands as you get closer to their unique cliffs and hills.

Heimaey

As we sail towards Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island of the archipelago, we will be able to admire some romantic looking isolated houses on the smallest islands, which were used for puffin hunting, a tradition which is not very popular anymore, but which helped the people from the Westman Islands survive through the centuries.

The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago was formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, the youngest of the islands, Surtsey, being formed in 1967.
You will learn all about the volcanic history of the islands by visiting the interesting Eldheimar Museum, an interactive museum built around the ruins of a house covered by lava during the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973.

Eldheimar Museum tells the story of the Westman Islands and Surtsey, but it is mostly a museum to remember the huge Eldfell eruption that forced the inhabitants to flee, destroyed many buildings and changed the shape of the island. It is a story which shows the strength and determination of Icelandic people, a story that it is important to know if you are visiting these unique islands.

You will then have the opportunity to hike on Eldfell volcano, feel the rocks that are still warm from the eruption and see the new lava fields that were formed during the last eruption.

Stórhöfði

We will drive to Stórhöfði, Europe’s windiest place. From here you will have a spectacular view of the Westman Islands, you will meet some local sheep and, with some luck, you will see a lot of puffins flying around.

We will explore Herjólfsdalur, a magical valley surrounded by cliffs and green hills where you will admire the beautiful Elephant Rock and the ruins of a farmhouse of the first settlers of the Westman Islands.

Our tour of the Westman Islands will finish with a visit to the Sæheimar Museum and Aquarium, where you will learn about the islands’ unique geology and topography, you will see the different species of fish and birds which live in the area and you might even get the chance to see a live puffin walking around the museum. The museum is also a rescue center for birds, some of which sometimes need more help than others, so they end up staying here.

After a full day exploring the islands, return to Reykjavik, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.