Latest revision as of 08:23, 20 September 2024

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) is a town on the island of Heimaey. Heimaey is the largest of 15-18 islands in the Westman Islands archipelago, located just off the south-west coast of Iceland's mainland. Vestmannaeyjar has a population of around 4,200.

Many visitors are attracted to the island in order to discover the effects of the 1973 volcanic eruption. An interactive exposition opened in May 2014 takes visitors to the "Pompeii of the North".

Vestmannaeyjar Halal Travel Guide

Roca del elefante, Heimaey, Islas Vestman, Suðurland, Islandia, 2014-08-17, DD 036 - |Elephant Rock in the cliffs of Heimaey

The Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions along a 30 kilometers long fissure lying south-west to north-east. The largest island is Heimaey, 13.4 km2. Most of the islands have steep sea cliffs, and are well vegetated. Bird hunting and egg collecting are traditional to the islander's culture.

{{Climate|

Read

Read John McPhee's The Control of Nature to understand Heimaey's volcanic significance.

Travel as a Muslim to Vestmannaeyjar

GPS: 63.428|-20.279

By Boat

Herjólfur - Herjólfur: The ferry between Vestmannaeyjar and the mainland of Iceland ==== From Landeyjahöfn

==

The car- and passenger ferry Herjólfur has scheduled trips daily between a new harbor Landeyjahöfn GPS 63.5312,-20.1185, which was constructed in 2010 on the mainland coast south of Hvolsvöllur, just 11 kilometers from Heimaey. When weather and harbor conditions permit, Herjólfur operates on this much shorter run, making four or five return journeys daily. Fares are lower on this faster route, and the one-way trip requires roughly 30 minutes. The ship takes up to 500 passengers and 50 cars. On board there is a cafeteria.

Buses from Reykjavik to Landeyjahöfn via Selfoss are operated by Sterna: .

Telephone: (+354) 481-2800 or (+354) 488-2800
E-mail:
Website: www.herjolfur.is (in English)

From Þorlákshöfn

When meteorological conditions are not suitable, and the vessel can not reach Landeyjahöfn, which occasionally happens in the winter time, Herjólfur operates between Þorlákshöfn GPS 63.8580,-21.3746 =(pronounced "Thorlawkshoefn") and Vestmannaeyjar. Herjólfur's trip on this route takes 2 hours and 45 minutes and sleeping quarters can be booked. Also this journey is more expensive.

To get to Þorlákshöfn, either drive west from Reykjavík through Þrengslin to the south coast, or take bus 3a from the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. The bus leaves Reykjavík approx. 1 hour before Herjólfur leaves dock. See www.bsi.is for details on bus schedules.

By Plane

Eagle air (Ernir) flies a daily scheduled air service in the summer between Westman Islands and Reykjavík. The flight time is only 25 minutes.

Telephone: (+354) 481-3300
Website: www.ernir.is]

Get Around

Heimaey is a rather small island, only 7x4 kilometers, so everything is within walking distance. There are hiking paths all over the island so any reasonably fit traveler should be able to enjoy the sightseeing on foot.

Cars can be hired at the airport or in the town. Prices start from about 8 000 kr a day.

Guided bus tours, boat tours and hiking tours around the islands are also available. Information on these tours can be found at Víking Tours and Eyjaferðir].

What to See

Vestmannaeyjar060 - |The new lava field on Heimaey from the Eldfell eruption in 1973

Eldheimar - Pompeii of the north - 63.43505, -20.26016 Opening Hours: May 23-September 30, daily 11AM Monday - 6PM 1 900 kr (adults); 4 900 kr (family); 1 500 kr (seniors); 1 000 kr (juniors, 10-18 years) The new exposition is devoted to commemorating the 1973 volcanic eruption at Heimaey and the way it affected lives of the islanders. During the disaster some of the houses in the town were damaged, burnt down, covered with ash and lava. Some of the houses were excavated and one of them is part of the indoor exposition. The museum also tells the story of a young volcanic island Vestmannaeyjar#Surtsey_island|Surtsey.

Natural History Museum Náttúrugripasafnið GPS 63.44111,-20.27585 and the only natural history museum in Iceland worthy of the name: watch fish and other creatures from the sea swim, crawl or creep in their aquariums, a fine display of stuffed birds and one of the best collections of Icelandic minerals anywhere.

Drop by Skansinn GPS 63.44385,-20.26159 and the place by the harbour where past and present meet, where the lava flow stopped in 1973. There you will find a Norse timber church and the only one of its kind in Iceland, a gift from the people of Norway, and Landlyst and the second oldest building on the islands, now housing a small medical museum.

What to Do

Heimaey Circle Tour - Tangagötu 7 ☎ +354 488 4 884 | Opening Hours: daily 11.00 and 15.30 o´clock (May 1st to September 15th) adult: 5.900 ISK; children (9-14 years) and pensioners: 4 900 kr; children under 9 years: free - Sail around the islands, a round trip which takes around 90 minutes. Accompanying you is a guide who might perhaps be in the mood to play trumpet or saxophone inside one of the caves. You will see the birdlife up close and personal and, if lucky, whales playing their various games. Also you will be able to take a close look at the various geological structures around the island.
Golfklúbbur Vestmannaeyja - GPS: 63.4367, -20.2991 ☎ +354 481 2363 - Play golf, nine or eighteen holes on a course chosen by the magazine Golf Digest as one of Europe's 200 most enjoyable courses. Players have even been known to forget to hit the little white balls, being too engrossed in the view and their surroundings.
Stórhöfði - GPS: 63.3998, -20.2886 Travel south on Stórhöfðavegur Stórhöfði_(7469276784) - Drive to the top of Stórhöfði and the windiest place in Iceland and possibly the whole of Europe, where four calm days are the limit in an average year and wind speed can pass 100km/h. The view is fabulous and you can see several of the other islands nearby.
Heymaey swimming swimmingpool - GPS: 63.4378, -20.2846 - Swim in village's fine swimming pool, where the salt water makes it even easier and more enjoyable to swim. There are pools on the outside too, and with slides. Afterwards you can relax in the sauna or if you prefer more exercise, visit the gym.

Hike up to
Eldfell - GPS: 63.430553, -20.246608 - Eldfell Eldfell 01

| inline=yes or the smaller

Helgafell - GPS: 63.4293, -20.2601 - Helgafell (volcano) Eldfell, Helgafell and the fissure

| inline=yes volcanos, where you can still smell sulfur fumes and feel warm ground...

Take a walk on Iceland's most recent lava field, many meters above the street level and buildings that used to be, where you will find signposts to mark their former place and aid the imagination. A fine walk would include the “geothermal” area, where the returning islanders constructed a heating system for their houses using the heat from the cooling lava and then eastward to Prestavík and Viðlagavík and then end in Gaujulundur, a lava garden, an oasis in a desert. A part of the lava field is used for Motocross, so take care when you walk there.

Whale watching/sea angling: sightings of whales, dolphins and puffins (depends on season) are frequent around Vestmannaeyjar. Trips can be booked directly with companies at Vestmannaeyjar Harbour.

Vestmannaeyjabaer - Heimaklettur: The highest rock formation in Vestmannaeyjar

Climb Heimaklettur GPS 63.4497660,-20.2613010 - Vestmannaeyjabaer.jpg(Home rock) and the highest rock formation on the islands. Its highest peak is no more than 283 meters, not demanding too much of your valuable time. Neither does it demand arduous climbing as ladders have been placed in the most difficult areas. And the view from the top is magnificent, whichever direction you prefer to look.

Go round the harbor GPS 63.444,-20.2739 on your own two feet or by vehicle and have a look around one of the cleanest harbor areas in Iceland. The harbor is usually teeming with activity, not least Friðarhöfn (Peace harbor) when the catch of the day is being landed.

Visit Landakirkja and the local Lutheran church and the oldest building on Heimaey. It is a church with a pulpit in the centre, right above the altar. On Sundays, everyone is welcome to attend the service.

Visit the scene of Tyrkjaránið (the Turkish plunder): Lyngfellisdalur, Ræningjatangi (Robbers spit), Prestasteinn (Priest rock) Sængurkonusteinn (Childbirth rock), Fiskhellar (Fish caves) and Hundraðmannahellir (the Cave of Hundred). The local theatre company does a production of Tyrkjaránið 1627.

Horse riding is a popular activity amongst local residents as well as visitors. Two companies offer one hour to five hour long trips.

See the volcano film.

Annual social events

Þjóðhátíð, Vestmannaeyjar's national festival
The Festival, as it is called, is unquestionably the best known festival in Iceland, attracting the greatest number of mainland visitors. Held in Herjólfsdalur on the first weekend in August, it is a 3-4 day outdoor festival where having a good time is everyone's easily fulfilled aim. The whole weekend is packed with entertainment of all description, including the traditional bonfire, fireworks and the famous "hillside sing-along". Specially built structures fill the valley, not to mention the large white tents of the local residents who literally move house during the festival and prove their famed hospitality by welcoming guests to Coffee, smoked puffin and other delicacies.

Celebrating the end of the eruption.
This has become a fixed event in Vsetmannaeyjar's social life. It is held on the weekend following 3 July and the day in 1973 when the eruption was officially declared at an end. On Saturday night the island's pubs open their doors and floors to musicians of all descriptions who are encouraged to sing and play to their hearts delight. A great number of former islanders choose this weekend to come back home for a visit.

The thirteenth
The 13th day of Christmas, traditionally a festive day in Vestmannaeyjar. A torch-lit parade of fascinating creatures: The ancient Icelandic ogress Grýla and her less than lovely husband and sons, as well as elves, fairies, demons and trolls join the local residents at a huge bonfire and splendid fireworks.

Sailor's Day
Sailors' Day, although a national day of festivities, has always been particularly dear to the hearts of the people of Vestmannaeyjar, not surprisingly so, considering their history. Festivities are held on the first weekend of June with a full programme on both Saturday and Sunday, emphasising seamanship connected sports as well as various entertainment for the general public.

17th June
Iceland´s national holiday. This day was for a long time not given as prominent a place in Vestmannaeyjar as on the mainland. The reason presumably was their own national holiday in August, a considerably more important event in islanders' minds. During recent years, however, Iceland's national holiday has been shown the respect it is due with a parade and outdoor festivities.

The puffling time
Lundeunge - 250 px|Puffling An annual event, unique to the Westman Islands and a particular favorite time of year for the children. It is imfeasible to put a more precise date to it than early to mid-August, as it is determined by the pufflings themselves. Leaving their cliff nests and they fly into town attracted by the electric lights and discover a harder and considerably more complicated world than they have been used to. Everywhere, however, saviours are waiting: The local children, armed with their cardboard boxes, prepared and ready to gather the lost and totally bewildered pufflings, rescue them and take them down to the shore to release them into the sea. In recent years whole families have visited Heimaey to take part in the puffling adventure, a unique event, full of joy.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Vestmannaeyjar

Halal Restaurants in Vestmannaeyjar

Slippurinn - Strandvegur 76 ☎ +354 481 1515 | Opening Hours: Opens at 17.00 - See website in English for menu, prices and booking.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Vestmannaeyjar, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vestmannaeyjar. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Vestmannaeyjar and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Vestmannaeyjar. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Vestmannaeyjar. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVestmannaeyjar: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Vestmannaeyjar.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Vestmannaeyjar: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Vestmannaeyjar, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Vestmannaeyjar.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Vestmannaeyjar, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Vestmannaeyjar, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Vestmannaeyjar and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Vestmannaeyjar, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Vestmannaeyjar, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Vestmannaeyjar without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vestmannaeyjar is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Vestmannaeyjar.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Vestmannaeyjar is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Vestmannaeyjar, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Vestmannaeyjar Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Among various B&Bs and there's also the Herjólfsdalur camp site GPS 63.44274,-20.29736 right next to the golf course.

News & References

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Vestmannaeyjar

Surtsey Island

Surstey Island2 - Surtsey

Surtsey GPS 63.303,-20.6047 is a small island created by a submarine volcanic eruption lasting between 1963 and 1967. In fact you probably won't be able to put your foot on the island, because it is kept as a natural laboratory in order to study its colonization by flora and fauna, so only a limited number of scientific visits is allowed. For the same reason, it was inscribed to the UNESCO world legacy list in 2008.

However, you can spot the island on a clear day from the top of Stórhöfdi Hill in the southern tip of Heimaey, probably one of the windiest places on our planet. If you are arriving in Heimaey by plane, this might be another opportunity to see this young piece of land.

Another option to observe Surtsey from a slightly closer distance is to join an organized tour (try to ask at Víking Tours in advance, as this tour is not in a standard offer).

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 GPS: 63.428|-20.279
-===Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in {{FULLPAGENAME}}===
+=== By Boat ===
 Herjólfur - Herjólfur: The ferry between Vestmannaeyjar and the mainland of Iceland
 ==== From Landeyjahöfn
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 To get to Þorlákshöfn, either drive west from Reykjavík through Þrengslin to the south coast, or take bus 3a from the BSÍ bus terminal in [[Reykjavík]]. The bus leaves Reykjavík approx. 1 hour before Herjólfur leaves dock. See www.bsi.is for details on bus schedules.
-===Buy a Flight ticket to and from {{FULLPAGENAME}}===
+===By Plane===
 Eagle air (Ernir) flies a daily scheduled air service in the summer between Westman Islands and [[Reykjavík]]. The flight time is only 25 minutes.
@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 ''Website: www.ernir.is]''<br>
-<h2 class=subheader>How to get around in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
+<h2 class=subheader>Get Around</h2>
 Heimaey is a rather small island, only 7x4 kilometers, so everything is within walking distance. There are hiking paths all over the island so any reasonably fit traveler should be able to enjoy the sightseeing on foot.
@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 Guided bus tours, boat tours and hiking tours around the islands are also available. Information on these tours can be found at Víking Tours and Eyjaferðir].
-<h2 class=subheader>What to see in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
+<h2 class=subheader>What to See</h2>
 Vestmannaeyjar060 - |The new lava field on Heimaey from the Eldfell eruption in 1973
@@ Line 94: / Line 94: @@
 Drop by Skansinn GPS 63.44385,-20.26159 and the place by the harbour where past and present meet, where the lava flow stopped in 1973. There you will find a Norse timber church and the only one of its kind in [[Iceland]], a gift from the people of [[Norway]], and Landlyst and the second oldest building on the islands, now housing a small medical museum.
-<h2 class=subheader>What to do in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
+<h2 class=subheader>What to Do</h2>
 * Heimaey Circle Tour - Tangagötu 7 ☎ +354 488 4 884 | Opening Hours: daily 11.00 and 15.30 o´clock (May 1st to September 15th) adult: 5.900 ISK; children (9-14 years) and pensioners: 4 900 kr; children under 9 years: free - Sail around the islands, a round trip which takes around 90 minutes. Accompanying you is a guide who might perhaps be in the mood to play trumpet or saxophone inside one of the caves. You will see the birdlife up close and personal and, if lucky, whales playing their various games. Also you will be able to take a close look at the various geological structures around the island.
@@ Line 181: / Line 181: @@
 '''eHalal Travel Group {{FULLPAGENAME}}''' Media: info@ehalal.io
-<h2 class=subheader>Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
-eHalal Group {{FULLPAGENAME}} is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in {{FULLPAGENAME}}. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in {{FULLPAGENAME}}.
+<h2 class=subheader>Muslim Friendly Hotels</h2>
-At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in {{FULLPAGENAME}} ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.
-For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within {{FULLPAGENAME}}. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.
-If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in {{FULLPAGENAME}}, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.
-For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in {{FULLPAGENAME}} are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io
-<h2 class=subheader>Muslim Friendly hotels in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
 Among various B&Bs and there's also the Herjólfsdalur camp site GPS 63.44274,-20.29736 right next to the golf course.
-<h2 class=subheader>News & References {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2>
+<h2 class=subheader>News & References</h2>
 <references/>

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