A Windy Welcome to Vestmannaeyjar

The day began with a brisk wind sweeping across the island, a reminder of the raw and untamed beauty of Vestmannaeyjar. Originally, I had planned to embark on a RIB safari tour, but the weather had other plans. Instead, I found myself on the Eyjatour minibus tour, a decision that would lead to an unforgettable adventure. Our guide, Ebbi, was a local treasure, his passion for the island’s history and wildlife evident in every word he spoke.

As we set off, Ebbi shared the fascinating tale of the puffins, those charming seabirds that have become synonymous with Iceland. Contrary to popular belief, the puffins on Heimaey Island linger longer than elsewhere in Iceland. It was fledgling departure time, and the baby puffins were making their first flights under the cover of moonlight—or streetlight, for those nesting near the town. The locals, in a heartwarming tradition, gather these young birds from the streets, feed them shrimp, and release them the next day. Ebbi even brought one along for us to see, a tiny bundle of feathers ready to embark on its journey.

Viking Lore and Puffin Flights

Our tour continued with a visit to the Viking Town, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains. Here, Ebbi regaled us with stories of the early Viking settlers, their adventures, and their enduring legacy. We explored the Viking museum, a treasure trove of artifacts and lore that transported us back in time. The highlight, however, was witnessing the traditional sport of Sprangan, where islanders swing from ropes to collect bird eggs from the cliffs. Ebbi demonstrated this with the agility of someone who had been doing it all his life.

The puffin colony at Stórhöfði was our next stop, a place where the wind howled with a ferocity that took my breath away. It is said to be the windiest place in Europe, and standing there, I could believe it. Here, one of our group had the privilege of releasing the baby puffin into the sea, a poignant moment as we watched the little bird take flight, beginning its two-year journey at sea before returning to the island.

The Fiery Heart of Eldfell

Our final destination was the volcano Eldfell, a place of both destruction and rebirth. Ebbi’s connection to this place was deeply personal; his mother had been evacuated as a young woman when the volcano erupted, and his stories of their return to the island were both moving and inspiring. Standing at the crater’s edge, I could feel the power of the earth beneath my feet, a reminder of nature’s incredible force and resilience.

As the tour concluded, Ebbi dropped us off near the Brothers Brewery & Taphouse, a delightful find where I could reflect on the day’s adventures over a local brew. The tour had been a journey through time and nature, a celebration of the island’s unique history and vibrant wildlife. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations, a cause that remains close to my heart.