By Atlantik DMC – Icelandic Destination Management Experts
Goslokahátíð – The Festival Celebrating the End of the Eruption
On January 23, 1973, a powerful volcanic eruption tore through Heimaey in the Westman Islands, forcing the sudden evacuation of 5,300 residents. A 1.6 km (1 mile) fissure opened just outside town, sending lava toward homes and the harbor, the island’s lifeline.
Thanks to quick action and sheer determination, locals managed to slow the lava flow using seawater and saved the harbor. When the eruption ended months later, the town was heavily damaged, but the spirit of the community was stronger than ever. Residents returned and rebuilt, refusing to give up on their island.
Today, Heimaey is home to about 4,400 people. Every July, the town celebrates the end of the eruption with Goslokahátíð, a vibrant festival filled with music, events, and community spirit. It’s a celebration of resilience and everything that makes Vestmannaeyjar so unique.
Things to Do in Vestmannaeyjar
you’re looking for something a little different in Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is a destination we often recommend especially for small incentive groups and FIT travelers looking to experience a side of Iceland that feels a bit more personal and less traveled. With its striking landscapes, fascinating history, and authentic local atmosphere, the island offers something truly special.
As a leading DMC in Iceland, we’ve found that Vestmannaeyjar consistently surprises and energizes our guests. It’s a place full of raw natural beauty, compelling stories, and unique activities that feel genuinely connected to the environment and the people who live there. Here are just a few reasons we love including it in our tailor-made itineraries:
RIB Safaris
For those seeking a thrilling adventure on the water, RIB safaris around Heimaey deliver excitement from the very first wave. Guests travel by high-speed boat along the island’s dramatic coastline, weaving through sea caves and beneath towering bird cliffs. The route includes close encounters with iconic landmarks like Elephant Rock and basalt columns, with seasonal chances to spot puffins, seabirds, and even whales.
ATV Adventures Across Lava Landscapes
Exploring Heimaey by ATV is a thrilling way to experience the island’s raw volcanic terrain. The route takes you across black lava fields, past craters, and through rugged backroads shaped by the 1973 eruption. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and perfect for programs that crave action and edge.
Puffin Paradise: The World’s Largest Colony
Nowhere on Earth offers a puffin encounter like Vestmannaeyjar. From May to mid-August, over a million puffins descend on the island, making it home to the largest puffin colony in the world! Around Stórhöfði, the cliffs come alive with these colorful seabirds diving, circling overhead, and nesting just meters away. It’s wild, immersive, and always a highlight for those looking to experience something truly unforgettable.
Golf on the Edge of the Atlantic
Heimaey is home to one of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful golf courses. Set between dramatic sea cliffs and black lava fields, it offers a truly unique playing experience with panoramic ocean views, seabirds overhead, and the occasional seal offshore. It’s a calm, scenic contrast to the island’s volcanic energy and a standout addition to any bespoke program.
Beluga Whale Sanctuary
The Beluga Whale Sanctuary is home to two rescued whales, Little White and Little Grey, now living in a specially designed sea bay off Heimaey, where they are being gradually prepared for release back into nature. It’s a unique stop that offers something a little different while exploring the island.
Eldheimar Museum – The Pompeii Of The North
Known as the Pompeii of the North, Heimaey earned its nickname after the 1973 eruption that buried part of the town under lava and ash. Eldheimar is built around one of the excavated homes and tells the story through personal accounts, multimedia exhibits, and preserved structures. Not only is this exhibition a must-see to understand what happened in 1973, but it also doubles
as a remarkable private venue perfect for a pre-drink or intimate dinner surrounded by one of Iceland’s most powerful stories. It’s one of the most impactful stops in Vestmannaeyjar.
Culinary Experience – Local Flavors with a Modern Touch
Vestmannaeyjar’s food scene is unexpectedly vibrant and plays a key role in creating a complete, high-quality program. For groups looking to add a memorable culinary element, the island delivers with character and style.
NÆS offers seasonal Icelandic dishes with a modern twist in a relaxed, design-forward setting. Einsi Kaldi, led by one of the island’s most respected chefs, brings local ingredients
to life through comforting, well-crafted menus. And Slippurinn, set in a repurposed shipyard, focuses on bold flavors and wild herbs, turning regional traditions into something truly special.
Each restaurant brings a different take on Icelandic cuisine together they showcase the island’s creativity, quality, and authenticity.
Whether it’s the history, the nature, or the atmosphere, Vestmannaeyjar leaves a lasting impression. It’s a place that was nearly lost and came back stronger. Whether speedingalong the coastline on a RIB safari or walking through the quiet halls of Eldheimar, the island’s story reveals itself: one of resilience, renewal, and connection to the land.
A great option for bespoke travel or small incentive groups, Vestmannaeyjar is perfect for 10 to 40 guests seeking something authentic, exclusive, and just a little off the beaten path.
