Visit the Westman Islands
Explore Heimaey in complete privacy, from Eldfell’s volcanic heights to secluded cliffs and puffin colonies, with private guides, intimate local traditions, and a bespoke island adventure far from the crowds.
Area
Southern Iceland
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Once-in-a-lifetime
Standard
Difficulty
Leisurely
Step off the mainland and into a world apart on a private exploration of the Westman Islands, Iceland’s secret archipelago where history, nature, and adventure converge. Your bespoke journey begins with a serene ferry crossing to Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where jagged cliffs rise dramatically from the North Atlantic and the whispers of the past are carried on the sea breeze.
Ascend Eldfell with your private guide, tracing the path of the 1973 eruption that reshaped the island, and delve into the stories of resilience and ingenuity preserved at the local museum. From the summit, sweeping vistas reveal the rugged beauty of the archipelago, a landscape sculpted by fire, sea, and time.
A private boat tour allows you to experience the island from the water, approaching towering cliffs, drifting past iceberg-like rock formations, and spotting puffin colonies up close, intimate encounters that few visitors ever witness. For those seeking a touch of local culture, participate in ‘Spranga,’ a sport unique to Heimaey, connecting with centuries-old traditions in a playful, unforgettable way.
Every element of this adventure is curated for exclusivity: private access, personalised pacing, and opportunities to pause, reflect, and absorb the island’s magic in solitude. By day’s end, you will have experienced Heimaey not merely as a destination, but as a living story, of volcanic fury, human courage, and natural splendour, a rare, intimate Icelandic journey designed for those who seek the extraordinary in absolute privacy.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourLimitless Iceland Expedition: The Land of Fire & Ice
Discover the Land of Fire & Ice like never before. Embark on an 11-day adventure exploring Reykjavik's vibrant culture, the Golden Circle's natural wonders, and the remote beauty of the Central Highlands, Northern Coast, and Troll Peninsula.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationReykjavik Konsulat Hotel
Reykjavík Konsulat Hotel offers historic charm and modern comfort on the city’s waterfront, with stylish rooms, bespoke excursions, and refined service for discerning travellers seeking a sophisticated Icelandic city experience.
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View AccommodationHotel Búðir
Hotel Búðir offers an intimate, iconic retreat on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with cosy Scandinavian interiors, refined dining, and bespoke adventures amid rugged coastline, lava fields, and glacier vistas.
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View AccommodationHotel Ranga
Hotel Ranga offers a warm welcome, delicious gourmet food and wine, and the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of this remarkable part of the country. Its location means there is good chance of catching sight of the Northern Lights.
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View AccommodationThe Reykjavik EDITION
The Reykjavík EDITION offers sleek, contemporary interiors, refined dining, and tailored excursions, with a central location providing discerning travellers a stylish base to explore Reykjavík and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
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View AccommodationThe Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers exclusive lagoon access, sophisticated suites, world-class wellness, and bespoke Icelandic experiences, providing discerning travellers with an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.
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View AccommodationTorfhus Retreat
Torfhus Retreat offers an exclusive Icelandic escape with stylish suites, bespoke adventures, wellness treatments, and local cuisine, surrounded by untouched wilderness for discerning travellers seeking privacy and connection to nature.
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View AccommodationHotel Borg
Hotel Borg blends Art Deco elegance, central Reykjavík convenience, and personalised service, offering discerning travellers a refined base from which to explore the city and bespoke Icelandic experiences beyond.
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View AccommodationHotel Grimsborgir
Hotel Grímsborgir offers luxurious Scandinavian-inspired accommodation in the Golden Circle,with tailored adventures, local cuisine, and private hot tubs or fireplaces,providing discerning travellers with a personalised and immersive Icelandic experience.
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View AccommodationIon Adventure Hotel
The Hotel Ion is a truly unusual hotel. It resembles a world war bunker and its remote location only adds to the intrigue. The setting is beautiful and is perfect for making the most of the ample winter and summer activities on offer in the area.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View Experience
Zodiac on the glacier lagoon
A private luxury Zodiac ride through floating icebergs on Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.
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View ExperienceLaugarás Lagoon Sanctuary of Wellness
Immerse yourself in Icelandic geothermal luxury at Laugarás Lagoon, where mineral-rich waters, mountain vistas, saunas, and a gourmet menu combine for an exclusive wellness escape in nature’s dramatic embrace.
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View ExperienceSouth Coast
Reynisfjara’s jet-black beach, troll-legend sea stacks, the village of Vík, and two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. A full day along one of the world’s great road trips.
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View ExperiencePrivate Icelandic Farmstead & Food Experience
A private day in Iceland’s countryside exploring working family farms. Meet farmers, greet animals and enjoy homemade tastings with a farm-to-table lunch, uncovering an intimate, unhurried side of Iceland far from the crowds.
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View Experience
Glacier lagoon and ice cave
Giant icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón, the largest glacier lagoon in Iceland. Then strap on crampons and walk inside a glacier ice cave beneath Vatnajökull.
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View ExperienceGlacier lagoon and national park
Giant icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón, sparkling white glaciers, jagged mountains, and endless black sand beaches. Vatnajökull covers 13 per cent of Iceland.
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View ExperienceGeothermal power plant
Visit the Hellisheiði ON Power plant to see how Iceland produces green energy from volcanic heat. Interactive exhibits, turbine halls, and the Carbfix CO2 storage project.
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View ExperienceInside the Volcano
Descend 120 metres into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano. One of the only places on earth where you can stand inside a volcanic heart.
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View ExperienceHorseback riding to Írárfoss
Ride Icelandic horses through hills and mountains beneath Eyjafjallajökull glacier to a hidden 30-metre waterfall. A stable visit and private riding experience at Skálakot Manor.
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View ExperienceGlacier hike
Strap on crampons and hike across the crevasse-riddled glacial tongue of Sólheimajökull with a certified mountain guide. Ancient ice, jagged ridges, and sink holes.
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View ExperienceSnorkelling Silfra
Float between two tectonic plates in water so clear you can see 100 metres. The Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, rated one of the world’s top ten dive sites.
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View ExperienceNorthern Lights with an Astronomer
Beneath Iceland’s vast winter sky, enjoy privileged access to Hotel Rangá’s observatory for an intimate evening with renowned astronomer Sævar Helgi, where the Northern Lights unfold through story, science and rare insight.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning