Port information & tips for Heimaey (West-Men Islands)
Heimaey is the largest inhabited island of the Westman Islands and welcomes travelers with a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs and deep black lava fields. The charming port town of Vestmannaeyjabær impresses with its maritime atmosphere and impressive history as the "Pompeii of the North." Highlights include the fascinating Eldheimar Museum, which documents the 1973 volcanic eruption, as well as the imposing Eldfell volcanic cone with its spectacular panoramic views. Furthermore, the island delights with the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary and extensive puffin colonies. Cruise ships dock directly at Skansabakki Pier, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the town center and, thanks to its central location, allows for a convenient walk of just a few minutes to all sights and shops.
Heimaey on the Vestmannaeyjar is a unique island destination that can be reached by flying to Iceland and then taking a ferry. The cruise port is located directly in the town of Heimaey, allowing you to easily explore the center on foot after disembarking.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling to Iceland via Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the first step. KEF Airport is located approximately 175 to 182 kilometers from Landeyjahöfn, the ferry port to the mainland. The journey there takes around 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transfer. Numerous private transfer providers are available for the route. Traveling by rental car directly from KEF also offers flexibility.
Ferry
The Vestmannaeyjar, and thus Heimaey, are easily accessible by the Herjólfur ferry from the mainland port of Landeyjahöfn. The crossing to the island takes only 35 to 45 minutes and offers picturesque views. It is strongly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially if you wish to bring a vehicle, as capacities can fill up quickly during the high season. Ample free parking is available directly at the Landeyjahöfn ferry port if you prefer to leave your car on the mainland. In the event of very rough seas, the ferry may alternatively depart from Þorlákshöfn, which increases the crossing time to around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the international travel to Iceland and the subsequent transfer to the Landeyjahöfn ferry port, booking a pre-cruise hotel on the Icelandic mainland is highly recommended. An overnight stay near Keflavík, Reykjavík, or the ferry port allows for a relaxed journey without time pressure before your cruise. This way, you can begin your trip rested and stress-free, also benefiting from the option to park your rental vehicle safely at the ferry port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
Heimaey on the Vestmannaeyjar is a unique island destination that can be reached by flying to Iceland and then taking a ferry. The cruise port is located directly in the town of Heimaey, allowing you to easily explore the center on foot after disembarking.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling to Iceland via Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the first step. KEF Airport is located approximately 175 to 182 kilometers from Landeyjahöfn, the ferry port to the mainland. The journey there takes around 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the mode of transfer. Numerous private transfer providers are available for the route. Traveling by rental car directly from KEF also offers flexibility.
Ferry
The Vestmannaeyjar, and thus Heimaey, are easily accessible by the Herjólfur ferry from the mainland port of Landeyjahöfn. The crossing to the island takes only 35 to 45 minutes and offers picturesque views. It is strongly recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially if you wish to bring a vehicle, as capacities can fill up quickly during the high season. Ample free parking is available directly at the Landeyjahöfn ferry port if you prefer to leave your car on the mainland. In the event of very rough seas, the ferry may alternatively depart from Þorlákshöfn, which increases the crossing time to around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the international travel to Iceland and the subsequent transfer to the Landeyjahöfn ferry port, booking a pre-cruise hotel on the Icelandic mainland is highly recommended. An overnight stay near Keflavík, Reykjavík, or the ferry port allows for a relaxed journey without time pressure before your cruise. This way, you can begin your trip rested and stress-free, also benefiting from the option to park your rental vehicle safely at the ferry port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
The port of Heimaey is located right in the heart of the charming town of Vestmannaeyjabær and, thanks to its central location, allows for a particularly straightforward shore excursion.
On Foot
The town center and many attractions, such as the Eldheimar Museum, can be reached easily in just 5 to 15 minutes. Thanks to the compact layout of the island, the surrounding area can be explored directly from the ship during a relaxed walk.
Taxi (Eyjataxi)
Official taxis from local providers like Eyjataxi are often available directly at the pier or at the nearby information center. They offer a convenient option for trips to Cape Stórhöfði and also provide a quick way to reach the more remote puffin colonies.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Minibuses
Special excursion buses and minibus tours start in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and connect the most important volcanic highlights. These offers are ideally tailored to the needs of cruise guests and also lead directly to the island's most spectacular viewpoints.
To make the most of your stay on Heimaey, we recommend exploring the natural wonders and historical sites within walking distance directly around the picturesque harbor basin.
Eldheimar Museum
This award-winning museum was built around a house buried during the 1973 eruption and offers a captivating insight into the history and impressive resilience of the islanders through multimedia presentations.
Eldfell Volcanic Cone
The ascent of this prominent volcano is possible directly from the edge of town and rewards hikers with an unforgettable panorama over the entire Westman Islands archipelago, thanks to the wide views over the solidified lava fields.
Harbor District & Skansinn
The charming harbor area with its colorful houses and cozy eateries directly adjoins the historical Skansinn area, where visitors can admire a traditional stave church while enjoying the dramatic backdrop of the steep coastal cliffs.
Eldheimar Museum & Eldfell Volcano
The fascinating Eldheimar Museum is easily accessible from the harbor in about fifteen minutes on foot and offers impressive insights into the history of the volcanic eruption of 1973. This modern exhibition is ideal for a cultural shore excursion and also features a cozy museum cafe as well as a first-class view of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Thanks to its proximity to the Eldfell crater, the visit can be perfectly combined with a short hike, which provides a wide panoramic view over the entire island. It is best to start your tour directly in the morning to explore the site extensively and return to the harbor in a relaxed manner well before departure.
Returning to the port of Heimaey is very comfortable and safe thanks to the central location of the pier in the main town of Vestmannaeyjabær.
On foot
From the Eldheimar Museum or the stave church, you can walk back to the pier comfortably in about 10 to 15 minutes. The path leads through the charming streets of the town and is easy to find thanks to good signage and the constant visibility of your ship in the harbor basin.
Taxi
For guests who have visited the southern viewpoint of Stórhöfði or the golf courses, taxis are available at the central square near Hotel Vestmannaeyjar. Additionally, you can easily have a vehicle from the local Eyjataxi called for you in the cafés or at the information center to get directly and punctually to the terminal.
Local excursion buses
Most organized island tours end directly at the harbor promenade, allowing you a short walk back on board. Furthermore, many providers of boat excursions offer their return points in the immediate vicinity of the cruise pier, so you can enjoy your stay relaxed until shortly before departure.
