Westman Islands is still relatively unfamiliar to most visitors to Iceland but this is quickly changing. In this day tour from BSÍ Reykjavík you will experience one of Iceland’s most exciting locations in terms of history, landscape and nature. Free pick-up from Hotels and Guesthouses.
Named after Irish slaves who escaped Iceland’s most famous settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, and subsequently died by his hands in the Islands after being hunted down by their old master. The Irish were named Westmen by the Norwegians, though it might sound strange in Iceland as the country is not to the East of Ireland. It was also the scene of a very important and interesting part of Icelandic history when in 1627 Algerian pirates captured most of the population, killing some and selling others into slavery. This event is known as the Turkish Abductions. The Islands’ dark history was feared to continue when in 1973 the whole population was evacuated in a major volcanic eruption. However all went well and only a single life was lost.
Out of the ashes, quite literally, rose one of Iceland’s most interesting sites. The Westman Islands are full of history and they are themselves still in the making as the newest island formed in 1963 and the biggest one got even bigger ten years later. Historically interesting, geologically one of a kind. The Islands and the ocean around them are full of life. The Islands are the site of the largest puffin colony in the whole world.
Whales are also a native to the area and plentiful. One of the most interesting places in the world is what we like to think. Our day tour consists of a bus trip to the ferry harbour where the ferry Herjólfur will take you across to Heimaey. There you will be invited on a bus tour around the island. You will see the wonders of Heimaey, visit the puffins at Stórhöfði and walk up to the crater of the newly formed Eldfell volcano. Eldfell erupted in 1973 changing the face of the island. After that you will be invited on a boat trip around the Island. The boat circles the island of Heimaey stopping at places of interest where passengers can see the various caves, the varied bird life and observe whales. A guide will be on board to explain the sights in Icelandic and English. The trip ends by sailing into Klettshellir, (Cliff Cave), and a musical instrument is played on board.
The acoustics in the cave provide a sensational experience. From there we reenter the harbor. Then you will be taken to the harbour again where you take the ferry back to the mainland. You will leave the Westman Islands with a new sense of Icelandic history and nature and hopefully you will want to be back for next years Þjóðhátið.
click here for currency exchange rates )Free pick-up from hotels and guesthouses. Call 551 1166.
