Plan a CruiseHeimaey Cruise Port Guide
Heimaey, the sole inhabited island of the Westman Islands archipelago, is a unique and dramatic cruise destination off Iceland's south coast. Ships up to 160 meters in length can dock directly in the large fishing harbor; larger vessels will anchor and use tenders to bring passengers ashore. The island is famous for the powerful 1973 volcanic eruption that forced its entire population to evacuate. The eruption lasted five months, increasing the island's size by 20% and creating the new Eldfell mountain. A significant portion of the town, including nearly 400 homes, was buried under lava and ash. Today, the "Pompeii of the North" project is actively excavating some of these buried houses, offering a unique modern archaeological insight. The Eldheimar Museum further details this pivotal event, featuring an excavated house as its main exhibit.
Getting Around from the Port
Downtown Vestmannaeyjar is conveniently located approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) from the cruise terminal, making it an easy walk for most passengers. For those preferring not to walk, short shuttle services or taxis are typically available. To explore the island's key sights, hop-on buses are usually present at the port, offering English commentary for €27 per person. These buses provide an efficient way to reach attractions like the Eldheimar Museum and the ongoing "Pompeii of the North" excavation, both located within or very close to the downtown area.
Attractions and Activities
- Eldheimar Museum: Delve into the dramatic 1973 volcanic eruption that reshaped Heimaey. This insightful museum features an actual house that was buried by lava and ash, offering a powerful glimpse into the island's history.
- Pompeii of the North Excavation: Witness a unique modern archaeological dig focused on uncovering houses buried during the 1973 eruption. This ambitious project, which began in 2005, allows visitors to see the ongoing efforts to reveal the past.
- Eldfell Volcano: Hike or view the 'Fire Mountain' that rose from the earth during the 1973 eruption. The relatively new volcano offers panoramic views of the island.
- Puffin Watching: During the summer months, Heimaey is home to approximately 8 million puffins. Look for organized tours or coastal viewpoints to observe these charming birds in their natural habitat.
- Surtsey Island (View from afar): Consider a boat trip to view Surtsey, one of the world's youngest islands, formed by a sub-oceanic eruption in 1963. As a protected area, landing on Surtsey is generally not permitted, but boat tours often provide excellent views of this geological marvel.
Dining & Shopping
Heimaey's shops offer a range of international standard goods, alongside distinctive local specialties. Look for traditional Icelandic woollen knitwear, such as sweaters, cardigans, hats, and mittens. Handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry are also popular souvenir options. Given the island's strong fishing heritage, you can expect to find a wide variety of high-quality fresh seafood. General shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00, and Saturdays from 10:00 with variable closing times (between 13:00 and 16:00). Some supermarkets may remain open until 23:00 daily.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are noted for Heimaey. Standard precautions for travel apply.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur, while banknotes come in 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 krónur. Major credit cards, including EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA, are widely accepted across the island, and cash can be obtained from ATMs or at bank branches. Banks are typically open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00 for foreign exchange services. While Icelandic is the official language, English is commonly understood in tourist areas, as evidenced by the English commentary on local hop-on buses.