{"id":6411,"date":"2017-12-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/camperstories\/honeymoon-in-heimaey\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T16:25:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T16:25:06","slug":"honeymoon-in-heimaey","status":"publish","type":"camperstories","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/fr\/camperstories\/honeymoon-in-heimaey\/","title":{"rendered":"Honeymoon in Heimaey"},"content":{"rendered":"

As if the Icelandic terrain isn\u2019t epic enough, one small detour to the island of Heimaey will launch your sensory taste-buds into full gear. In our ten-day honeymoon excursion in Mid-August, Dan and I were hesitant to take a whole day to visit Heimaey, especially since it would cut into our driving time around the country itself. However, our Icelandic friend P\u00e9tur promised it was one of his favorite pockets of Iceland, and it did not disappoint.<\/p>\n

Heimaey is a short 35 min ferry ride off the southern coast of Iceland, about an hour and 40 mins from Reykjavik. In Landeyjah\u00f6fn we bought our tickets on site.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong><\/span> Buy early! They sell out quick in the summer months if you want to take your camper van<\/a> over! The passenger tickets, however, are more readily available.<\/em><\/p>\n

We spent the night at the neighboring campground at the base of Seljalandsfoss, an awe-inspiring waterfall<\/a> in and of itself. This was an ideal location, not only for our early morning sail time but also as a place to appreciate the local animal life. On my way to brush my teeth in the main building that evening, I watched sheep wander through our campsite, rub against tents, and another bleat a friendly hello as I passed by.<\/p>\n

\"Seljalandsfoss<\/a>\u00a0\"Camping<\/a><\/p>\n

The next day, as we stepped off the ferry on Heimaey, we zipped up our down layers. Using the free walking guide from the tourist office, we walked around the downtown area, bopping into a few gift shops, and eventually landing at our first significant destination: Eldfell. A volcanic cone. Following well-marked signage, we began our ascent up the richly red trail that promised unparalleled views.<\/p>\n

\"Night<\/a>\u00a0\"Ready<\/a><\/p>\n

I found that one of the highlights of Iceland is that despite its chilly temps, it also offers activities that resolve to get your body temperature up. As we hiked the 660 ft Eldfell, layers were shed and mittens were stuffed in backpacks. For those of interested in this hike, know that the trail is free of obstructions and even the most novice of hiker could make it to the top (just bring a water bottle!).<\/p>\n

From the top, we had a clear 360-degree view, encompassing the town of Westman islands itself and panoramas of the Atlantic ocean. Dan and I hunkered behind a cropping of rocks at the top to shelter ourselves from the wind and celebrated our summit success with handfuls of black licorice and mixed nuts. Here we were, at the top of a volcano that had just erupted in 1973, enjoying a moment of calm (if you don\u2019t count the wind). It was such a stark juxtaposition against its fiery history.<\/p>\n

As we lowered our gaze to view Westman islands below, we could clearly see the route of the lava flow that had destroyed half of the town, but had also spared the other thanks to the heroics of the local people. The still standing fleet of white buildings next to a clean slate of land were a reminder of how hardy one has to be to live here on Heimaey.<\/p>\n

\"On<\/a><\/p>\n