ATV Adventure Through Eldfell From Heimaey in Westman Islands
Strap in for a thrilling 1-hour ATV ride through the raw and rugged beauty of Vestmannaeyjar, from Heimaey of the Westman Islands. Circle the mighty Eldfell Volcano, feel the crunch of lava beneath your wheels, and take in sweeping coastal views that stretch to the horizon.
Along the way, stop at hauntingly beautiful Prestvik beach — the final resting place of the Pelagus. Hear the incredible survival story of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, who swam for hours through icy waters after the sinking of Hellisey VE 503, a moment immortalized in the film The Deep.
Wind your way through lava fields, into the heart of the volcano, and along cliffside paths where every turn reveals another unforgettable scene. This is more than a ride — it’s a journey into the island’s dramatic past and breathtaking present.
Perfect for families and first-timers alike, this guided ATV tour blends fun, history, and epic scenery — no experience needed. The ATVs are automatic and easy to handle, making the ride smooth for beginners and exciting for all.
Each vehicle seats two, with drivers required to hold a valid license and passengers welcome from age six and up.
We’ve got you covered — literally. Waterproof overalls, gloves, and helmets with built-in audio make sure you stay dry, comfortable, and connected as your guide shares the island’s most powerful stories at every stop.
Tour highlights & itinerary
- Helmet, waterproof overalls and gloves
- Tour guide
- Good outdoors shoes
- Outdoor clothes suitable for the weather conditions
- The Good mood!!
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before event start time.
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 2 days or less before event start time.
- Required: Driving licence to operate an ATV.
- Age limit 6 years and older for passengers.
Write a review
Share your experience with others.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Volcano TourYour adventure begins with a short safety briefing and gear-up session. You’ll be provided with waterproof overalls, gloves, and a helmet equipped with a headset, allowing you to clearly hear your guide as you explore the dramatic terrain of Vestmannaeyjar.
1 EldfellFrom there, we set off on a one-hour ride that winds through volcanic landscapes and coastal viewpoints, beginning with the striking slopes of Eldfell, the volcano that famously erupted in 1973, reshaping the island in a matter of days. As you ride across hardened lava fields and rugged trails, you’ll witness firsthand how nature’s raw power has left its permanent mark on the island.
2 Prestvik beachOur first stop is the windswept Prestvik beach, where the fishing vessel Pelagus once ran aground — a quiet but haunting site that speaks to the dangers of these waters.
Next, we visit one of the most legendary locations in modern Icelandic history: the landing point of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, the sole survivor of the 1984 sinking of the Hellisey VE 503. After swimming more than 5 kilometers through freezing, stormy seas, Guðlaugur came ashore here, barefoot and exhausted, on jagged volcanic rock. His almost superhuman survival inspired the acclaimed Icelandic film The Deep (Djúpið, 2012), directed by Baltasar Kormákur, which was Iceland’s official submission to the Academy Awards that year.
Eldfell’s craterWith the story fresh in your mind, we continue riding deeper into Eldfell’s crater and along Vestmannaeyjar’s coastal edge, where panoramic views of the Atlantic and the island’s wild contours leave a lasting impression.
After an hour filled with stunning sights, powerful stories, and unforgettable landscapes, we return to base — having experienced the island not just by sight, but through its history, legends, and volcanic soul.
Your adventure begins with a short safety briefing and gear-up session. You’ll be provided with waterproof overalls, gloves, and a helmet equipped with a headset, allowing you to clearly hear your guide as you explore the dramatic terrain of Vestmannaeyjar.
From there, we set off on a one-hour ride that winds through volcanic landscapes and coastal viewpoints, beginning with the striking slopes of Eldfell, the volcano that famously erupted in 1973, reshaping the island in a matter of days. As you ride across hardened lava fields and rugged trails, you’ll witness firsthand how nature’s raw power has left its permanent mark on the island.
Our first stop is the windswept Prestvik beach, where the fishing vessel Pelagus once ran aground — a quiet but haunting site that speaks to the dangers of these waters.
Next, we visit one of the most legendary locations in modern Icelandic history: the landing point of Guðlaugur Friðþórsson, the sole survivor of the 1984 sinking of the Hellisey VE 503. After swimming more than 5 kilometers through freezing, stormy seas, Guðlaugur came ashore here, barefoot and exhausted, on jagged volcanic rock. His almost superhuman survival inspired the acclaimed Icelandic film The Deep (Djúpið, 2012), directed by Baltasar Kormákur, which was Iceland’s official submission to the Academy Awards that year.
With the story fresh in your mind, we continue riding deeper into Eldfell’s crater and along Vestmannaeyjar’s coastal edge, where panoramic views of the Atlantic and the island’s wild contours leave a lasting impression.
After an hour filled with stunning sights, powerful stories, and unforgettable landscapes, we return to base — having experienced the island not just by sight, but through its history, legends, and volcanic soul.