Our ninth day in Iceland kicked off with an adventure to the remote and remarkable Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). This small archipelago off the south coast is formed by volcanic activity – fitting for our visit today! We caught an early morning ferry from the mainland for the 30-minute journey out to the main island of Heimaey. In this post I share my 9th day (Westman Islands & Blue Lagoon).
As the ferry pulled into Heimaey’s harbour, we were immediately struck by the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Heimaey is the largest of the Westmans and home to around 4,000 residents who coexist amongst the craters, lava fields and ash remains from volcanic eruptions. Houses and businesses are built right up against rust-coloured natural monuments shaped by the island’s geothermal forces. It made for a striking scene as we walked along the charming harbour lined with shops and restaurants.
Our first proper stop was at the Eldheimar Museum, built around a home that was buried under thick ash and lava during the 1973 Eldfell Volcano eruption on Heimaey. Walking through the excavated home preserved under layers of solid ash was like stepping back in time – household items, furniture and wall colourings perfectly intact despite the weight of ash and lava that submerged it. Educational displays brought to life the harrowing stories of that fateful night in 1973 when residents fled for their lives as lava flowed through the streets.
Next up was a scenic coastal hike around the ash formations and craters of Eldfell itself, the volcano that violently erupted back in 1973, forcing the entire island to be evacuated. Our guide expertly led us along marked trails pointing out various geological elements. Seeing up close the solidified lava flows, ash layers and newer grass growth creeping over the blackened craters helped visualise the eruption’s impacts. The contrasts between lush green moss, burnt amber slopes and smooth jet black lava made for surreal scenery.
Reaching an elevation point with panoramic views across Heimaey island was a real highlight of the hike. Looking out at the puffin colonies nesting atop sea cliffs, rustic red-roofed cottages punctuating lava fields stretching to the sea, and looming Eldfell crater in the distance truly brought home the Westmans’ otherworldly, volcanic beauty. We were even treated to spotting colonies of puffins waddling amidst the rock crevices!
After our vigorous hike, we had worked up an appetite for lunch back in town. We refuelled over steaming bowls of traditional Icelandic meat soup served with thick slabs of fresh-baked bread. Stuffed with warming food and feeling completely enchanted by the Westmans’ natural scenery and resilient community spirit, it was time to head back to the Icelandic mainland.
Our second adventure of the day was a visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon geothermal spa just outside Reykjavik. Having spent the morning amidst volcanic landscapes in the Westmans, slipping into the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon surrounded by the very black lava fields that created it felt like the perfect choice.
The Blue Lagoon’s sprawling man-made geothermal pools are truly a wonder to behold. Plumes of steam billow up from the bright blue waters striking against the dark volcanic rockscapes that encircle the pools. The warm, mineral-rich waters are pumped up from volcanic earth and then decant into the pools, which are renewed every two days with fresh geothermal seawater. It’s both an extraordinary feat of nature and engineering all in one.
We splurged on the premium package which included spa access, silica mud masks, access to the sauna and steam room plus robes, slippers and a complimentary drink from the swim-up bar. After checking our bags and showering, we eagerly rushed outside to immerse ourselves in the warm lagoon’s 37-39°C healing waters. Instantly a sense of Zen-like tranquillity washed over us as we bobbed around amidst the rising mist with a drink in hand.
We spent the next couple of blissful hours rotating through the varying pools, lathering on the nutrient-rich silica mud masks, and retreating to the volcanic steam rooms to warm up further. With the spectacular volcanic terrain in view from every angle, it truly felt like we were bathing in the natural beauty of Iceland itself. Even the swim-up bar serving Icelandic Viking beers and snacks to us felt luxurious.
As darkness eventually fell, we reluctantly exited the healing waters, rosy-cheeked from the warmth and therapeutic minerals. Following a shower to wash off any lingering mud, we wrapped up in our robes and sat warming ourselves by the outdoor fire pits, taking in the night sky and reflecting on our adventures on both the Westman Islands and the Blue Lagoon. What an amazing day experiencing Iceland’s incredible volcanic forces up close!
We capped off our memorable day with an incredible Viking-themed dinner at the Blue Lagoon’s famous on-site Lava Restaurant. Over delicious plates of Icelandic seafood, lamb and crowberry desserts, we recounted our highlights wandering Heimaey’s volcanic vistas and relaxing in the mineral-rich geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. It was a tough combination to beat in terms of quintessential Icelandic experiences! Tomorrow we have one final adventure before our trip comes to an end. I hope you like reading Day 9 (Westman Islands & Blue Lagoon) Post.