Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheltered by an extinct volcano, green and grassy Herjólfsdalur was the home of Vestman-
naeyjar's first settler, Herjólfur Barðursson. Excavations have revealed remains of a Norse
house where a replica now stands. The island's campsite is also here.
On the cliffs west of the golf course, there's a little
monument
to the 200 people who
converted to Mormonism and departed for Utah in the 19th century.
Westman Islands Golf Course
GOLF
( 481 2363;
www.gvgolf.is
)
Golfers can hire clubs at the wild, wonderful 18-hole seaside golf course in Herjólfsdalur.
Green fees are Ikr7000.
West Coast
HIKING, BIRD WATCHING
Several perilous tracks climb the steep slopes around Herjólfsdalur, running along the top
of Norðklettur to
Stafnsnes
, one of the prime puffin-breeding areas. The ascent is exhilar-
ating, but there are some sheer drops. A gentler walk runs south along the western coast of
the island, passing above numerous lava caves where local people hid from the pirates in
1627. At
Ofanleitishamar
, hundreds of puffins nest in the cliffs.
Stórhöfði
HIKING, BIRD WATCHING
A windy
meteorological station
has been built on Stórhöfði (122m), the rocky peninsula
at Heimaey's southern end. It's linked to the main island by a narrow isthmus (created by
lava from Helgafell's eruption 5000 years ago), and there are good views from the summit.
There's also a small
bird-watching hut
for puffin viewing about halfway up the hill; go
from the first turnout on the right to the end of a trail across sheep pasture, marked with a
hiking sign.
It's possible to scramble down to the isthmus' boulder beach at
Brimurð
and continue
north along the cliffs on the east coast, returning by a road just before the airport. From
June to August
Kervíkurfjall
and
Stakkabót
are good places for puffin viewing.
