Cruising out from the Icelandic mainland, you’ll be brought to an archipelago of islands whose dramatic cliffs and rolling hinterlands have been shaped by volcanic eruptions over thousands of years. Indeed, you might just know the Westman Islands for the 1973 eruption of Eldfell Volcano, which saw the archipelago evacuated and its entire town covered in ash. The lava flow was only stopped by 6.8 billion litres of seawater.
You’ll be picked up at your hotel for the journey, through the south-coast lowlands to the remote port of Landeyjahöfn, where you’ll board the ferry to the Westman Islands. They’re a world of volcanic craters and wild meadows, with walks bringing you among giant volcanoes, cragged rock formations and bright-red lava fields, used to heat the islanders’ houses. Don’t also forget to take a wander around its pretty harbour town, beautified by colourful houses and a humbly whitewashed Lutheran church. The Eldheimar Volcano Museum is a particular highlight, with exhibitions on that infamous 1973 eruption, while Gott – one of Iceland’s finest restaurants – showcases local ingredients across fine-dining courses. Lastly, there’s the options of letting a bus tour take the strain, or heading out on a sightseeing cruise to sweep between impossibly spectacular islets and thriving bird cliffs. Given the right season, there’s even the chance to spot doleful puffins before a ferry and transfer see you back to your hotel.
