Heimaey (Home Island) is the largest and the only inhabited island of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. It is located about 8 kilometers south of the Icelandic coast and is relatively easy to reach by ferry, which usually runs up to 5 times a day from the port of Landeyjahöfn (in the summer time).
Most people live in the town of Vestmannaeyjabær.
For such a small island, there is an unusually large amount to see here. For the more adventurous, there is a hike up Heimaklettur, where you will have beautiful views of the famous uninhabited island of Elliðaey. On Stórhöfði, the largest puffin colony in the world nests, and you can walk around the craters of Eldfell and Helgafell, or visit the interesting Eldheimar Museum, which is dedicated to the eruption of the local volcano in 1974 and also to the island of Surtsey.
Heimaey is characterized by the volcanic eruption of Eldfell in 1973. The entire island was evacuated, part of the town was buried under lava, and all the survivors divide their lives into the time before and after the eruption. The lava created new land, increasing the area of Heimaey from the original 11.2 km² to 13.4 km².
Since Heimaey is an island, you have two options to get there. The first option is the ferry, which departs from the port of Landeyjahöfn. The journey with the company Eimskip is relatively inexpensive by Icelandic standards. You can bring your car with you, though it’s not absolutely necessary, but it can be useful if you want to thoroughly explore the island.
The second option is by plane, either from Reykjavik or from Bakki Airport.
