Westman Islands by Rental Car + Ferry: Day Trip from the South Coast

Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, where fire and ice coexist to shape landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. While the classic Ring Road and the Golden Circle garner much of the international attention, just off the south coast lies a hidden gem that encapsulates the raw, volcanic beauty of our country: the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar).

For travelers exploring South Iceland, a visit to the largest island, Heimaey, offers an unforgettable detour. Known as the "Pompeii of the North" due to its dramatic volcanic history, this archipelago is teeming with wildlife, history, and rugged scenery. But for many independent travelers, the logistics can raise questions. How do you get there? Should you bring your vehicle? Is exploring the Westman Islands by car necessary?

At Holdur Car Rental, we believe that the freedom of a self-drive vacation is the best way to experience Iceland. This guide provides a comprehensive, door-to-door plan for your Heimaey day trip. We will cover everything from the drive to the harbor and the Herjólfur ferry logistics to the debate on taking your rental car across the water.

Why the Westman Islands Must Be on Your Radar

Before we dive into the logistics, it is worth understanding why this detour is essential for your south coast itinerary. The Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and about 30 rock stacks, formed by submarine volcanic eruptions. Heimaey is the only inhabited island, home to around 4,500 people.

In 1973, Heimaey made global headlines when the Eldfell volcano erupted without warning, forcing the evacuation of the entire population and burying 400 homes under lava and ash. Today, the island stands as a testament to resilience. Visitors can walk on the still-warm lava fields, visit a world-class museum built around an excavated house, and witness one of the largest puffin colonies in the world during the summer months.

The experience of approaching the islands by sea, watching the sheer cliffs rise from the Atlantic, is one of the most majestic sights in Iceland. It is a place where nature rules, and for the prepared traveler, it offers a profound connection to the elemental forces of our country.

Getting There: The Drive to Landeyjahöfn

Your journey likely begins in Reykjavík or from a location along the South Coast. The gateway to the islands is Landeyjahöfn, the ferry harbor built specifically to shorten the trip to Vestmannaeyjar.

From Reykjavík

If you are driving from the capital, you will head east on Route 1 (the Ring Road). The drive is approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) and takes roughly two hours in good conditions, without stops. However, the route is lined with attractions that are difficult to ignore. You will pass through the town of Hveragerði, famous for its geothermal greenhouses, and drive beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

From Vík or the East

If you are traveling westward from Vík, the drive to Landeyjahöfn is shorter, taking about one hour (75 km / 46 miles). This makes the Westman Islands an excellent mid-point stop if you are traversing the south coast over several days.

The Turnoff

The turnoff for Landeyjahöfn is clearly marked on Route 1. You will turn onto Route 254 (Landeyjahöfn road). This is a paved road, easily accessible for all types of vehicles in our fleet, from compact cars to larger SUVs. The drive from the Ring Road to the harbor takes about 15 minutes.

Important Note on Winter Travel:
While the road is paved, winter conditions in Iceland can change rapidly. If you are traveling between November and April, always check road conditions on the IRCA (road.is) website before setting out.

The Herjólfur Ferry: Logistics and Planning

The lifeline connecting the mainland to the islands is the Herjólfur ferry. This electric-hybrid ferry is a modern vessel designed to navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of the North Atlantic.

Booking is Essential

The ferry is popular, especially in the summer. We cannot stress enough the importance of booking your tickets in advance. This is particularly true if you intend to bring your rental car with you. Car slots on the ferry are limited and sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance during peak season (June–August). You can book directly on the Herjólfur website.

Timetables and Crossing Duration

From Landeyjahöfn, the sailing time is a swift 35 to 40 minutes. In the summer, there are up to seven departures a day, making a day trip very feasible. The first ferry usually leaves early in the morning, and the last returns late in the evening, maximizing your time on the island.

The Winter Harbor Contingency (Þorlákshöfn)

Travelers must be aware of the "Winter Harbor" scenario. Landeyjahöfn has a shallow entrance that can become sandy and difficult to navigate during periods of high swell or bad weather. When this happens, the ferry diverts to Þorlákshöfn, which is much closer to Reykjavík but significantly farther from the islands by sea.

The crossing from Þorlákshöfn takes almost 3 hours. If you are planning a Heimaey day trip and the ferry diverts to Þorlákshöfn, it will significantly impact your schedule. Always check the ferry status the morning of your trip.

The Big Decision: Should You Take Your Rental Car?

This is the most common question we receive regarding a Vestmannaeyjar ferry car trip. The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and time constraints.

Option A: Leaving the Car at Landeyjahöfn

There is ample free parking available at Landeyjahöfn. You can park your Holdur rental car securely and walk onto the ferry as a foot passenger.

• Pros: Cheaper ferry ticket; no risk of the car deck being fully booked; less stress about arrival times for vehicle check-in.
• Cons: You are limited to walking or booking taxis/tours once on Heimaey. The island is small, but walking from the harbor to the puffin lookout at Stórhöfði is a long trek (approx. 6km one way) and covers steep terrain.

Option B: Taking the Car Across (Westman Islands by Car)

We generally recommend taking the car if you want to maximize a single day.

• Pros: Total freedom. You can drive straight to Stórhöfði for the puffins, visit the Herjólfsdalur valley, and see the Sprangan cliff swing without waiting for buses or paying for tours. It provides shelter if the weather turns rainy or windy.
• Cons: Higher ferry cost; requires advance booking; strict check-in times (you must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure).

Our Verdict: If you are visiting for a full day and want to see the outlying parts of the island efficiently, bringing your rental car is the superior choice. It transforms the experience from a walking tour of the town to a comprehensive exploration of the island.

Exploring Heimaey: A Self-Drive Itinerary

Once you disembark the Herjólfur ferry, you are in the heart of the town. Having your car allows you to execute this efficient loop:

1. Eldfell Volcano

Drive toward the red peaks looming over the town. You can drive partway up the volcano to a parking area. From there, it is a relatively easy hike to the summit of Eldfell ("Fire Mountain"). Standing on top, the ground is still warm to the touch in places, over 50 years after the eruption. The view over the town, showing the distinct line where the lava flow stopped, is sobering and magnificent.

2. Eldheimar Museum

After descending, drive a short distance to the Eldheimar Museum. This is an absolute must-visit. The museum is built around a house that was excavated from the tephra (volcanic ash). It offers an audio-guided tour that is deeply moving, explaining the evacuation and the miraculous fact that no lives were lost during the eruption.

3. Stórhöfði (The Puffin Lookout)

This is where the westman islands by car advantage truly shines. Drive to the southernmost point of the island, Stórhöfði. This peninsula is known as one of the windiest places in Europe, but in summer, it is the best place to see Atlantic Puffins.

• Puffin Season: The puffins arrive in mid-to-late April and depart by early September. The best viewing time is typically usually in the evenings when they return from fishing, though they can be seen throughout the day.
• From the parking lot, you can walk to the bird-watching shelter. You will likely see thousands of these colorful birds nesting in the cliffs.

4. Herjólfsdalur Valley

Drive to the western side of the island to Herjólfsdalur. This is a natural amphitheater formed by a collapsed volcano. It is home to a replica Viking longhouse and the famous Elephant Rock is best viewed from the sea, but you can see the rock formations clearly from the golf course area nearby.

5. Skansinn and the Stave Church

Before heading back to the ferry, drive to the harbor entrance to see Skansinn. Here you will see a beautiful black timber stave church, a gift from Norway to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Christianity in Iceland.

Practical Tips for a Safe Journey

At Holdur Car Rental, your safety is our priority. Please keep these tips in mind for your island adventure.

Weather Awareness:
The South Coast and the islands are exposed to the full force of the Atlantic. Wind speeds can be high. When opening your car doors, always hold the handle firmly with both hands. Wind gusts can catch a car door and bend the hinges backward—a common insurance claim in Iceland that is easily preventable.

Seasickness:
The ferry ride is short, but the channel can be choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in the center of the ship where movement is minimized, or step out onto the deck for fresh air.

** EV Charging:**
If you have rented an electric vehicle from us, there are charging stations available on Heimaey, so you can top up while you explore the museum or hike the volcano.

Accommodation:
While this guide focuses on a day trip, staying overnight on the island is magical. If you plan to stay, ensure your hotel offers parking, though street parking is generally easy to find and free in Vestmannaeyjar.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the Elephant Rock in Westman Islands?

You cannot drive directly onto Elephant Rock, but you can drive to the Herjólfsdalur valley or the golf course area, which offers excellent vantage points of the rock formation from land. To see the "elephant" shape clearly, a boat tour is often recommended, but the view from the cliffs by car is still impressive.

Can I take my rental car on the ferry to Westman Islands?

Yes, you can take your rental car on the Herjólfur ferry. Most standard rental agreements, including those from Holdur Car Rental, allow for travel to Vestmannaeyjar as it is connected by public ferry and paved roads. However, you must book a vehicle slot on the ferry well in advance as space is limited.

Is it worth taking a car to Vestmannaeyjar for just one day?

Absolutely. Taking a car allows you to maximize your time. With a car, you can quickly travel between the harbor, the puffin colony at Stórhöfði (which is far from town), and the volcano. Without a car, you would rely on expensive taxis or long walks, which significantly limits what you can see in a single day.

How long is the ferry ride from Landeyjahöfn to Westman Islands?

The ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes under normal conditions. If weather forces the ferry to divert to Þorlákshöfn, the crossing takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

When is the best time to see puffins in the Westman Islands?

The puffin season in Vestmannaeyjar generally runs from late April to early September. The peak viewing time is usually July and early August. The best place to see them is at the Stórhöfði peninsula, accessible by car.

Do I need a 4x4 to drive in the Westman Islands?

No, a 4x4 is not required for the Westman Islands. The main roads on Heimaey are paved and well-maintained, and the drive to Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal is also on paved roads. A standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient for summer travel, though a 4x4 offers better stability in winter conditions.

What happens if the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar is cancelled?

Ferry cancellations or diversions due to high waves are possible, particularly in winter. If the ferry is cancelled, you will receive a notification from the ferry operator. We recommend checking the Herjólfur website in the morning before you drive to the harbor. If you are stranded on the island, you may need to book emergency accommodation or wait for the weather to clear.

Is parking free at Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal?

Yes, there is a large long-term parking area at Landeyjahöfn which is free of charge for travelers. This is an excellent option if you decide not to bring your rental car across to the islands.

 

Conclusion

A trip to the Westman Islands offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes Iceland spectacular: volcanoes, wildlife, history, and resilient culture. By planning your South Coast itinerary to include a day here, you elevate your trip from a standard sightseeing tour to a true adventure.

Traversing the Westman Islands by car gives you the autonomy to explore at your own pace, ensuring you don't miss the puffins at the far cliffs or the breathtaking views from the volcano.

At Holdur Car Rental, we are dedicated to providing you with reliable, safe, and comfortable vehicles perfect for the drive to Landeyjahöfn and beyond. Whether you choose a compact car for efficiency or a 4x4 for extra comfort, we are here to support your journey. Book your vehicle today and get ready to set sail for the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.

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