The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, are a dramatic volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s south coast, where extreme geology meets vibrant wildlife. Heimaey, the only inhabited island, is famous for the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, which buried a third of the town and created a new mountain. Today, you can hike up the still-warm volcanic crater for panoramic views, walk across the raw lava flow, and visit the Eldheimar Museum, which preserves a house excavated from the ash. Beyond its fiery history, Heimaey is the puffin capital of the world. Every summer, millions of Atlantic puffins nest in its sheer sea cliffs. For adventure, take a rib boat tour to weave through the archipelago’s sea caves and stacks, spotting orcas and fin whales in the surrounding deep blue waters.
