Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.06.2019, Side 50

ROAD TRIP
The Westman
Islands
Words & Photos: John Rogers
The Westman Islands are a moun-
tainous archipelago just south of
Iceland’s mainland. The most sce-
nic way to get there is to drive and
catch the Herjólfur ferry, then zip
between the town, the Nýja Hraun
lava field, and the Stórhöfði pen-
insula. Here’s our itinerary for the
perfect summertime day-trip.
Ferry:
Herjólfur
The 35-minute ferry ride is an ad-
venture in itself. As you pull out to
sea from Landeyjahöfn, majestic
glaciers will rear up behind you be-
fore you glide between the craggy
islands and arrive in the stunning
Heimaey harbour. Stand on the
right as you dock, and have your
camera ready.
Lunch:
Gott
Next, walk over to Gott for lunch.
This bright, family-run café has a
lot of great options; highlights in-
clude a vegan flatbread with hum-
mus, avocado and melon, and the
spicy Eldfell burger, named after
the nearby volcano.
Explore:
Nýja Hraun & Eldfell
The volcano in question was the
culprit of the famous 1973 eruption
that reshaped the island. It pro-
duced 2km² of new land that was
christened “Nýja Hraun” (“New
Lava”), navigable via a network of
discrete roads. The hike to the
200m summit of Eldfell yields
beautiful views, and there are
many more trails with secrets to
discover.
Visit:
Eldheimar
This smart museum is dedicated to
the eruption. It’s built over a pair of
houses that were destroyed by the
lava flow for a visceral reminder
of the destruction it wreaked on
the island. There’s engaging news-
reel footage of the evacuation of
Heimaey’s entire population, and
some vivid interactive displays
charting the terrifying flow of lava
through the heart of the town.
Hike:
Stórhöfði
At the other end of the island, an
8km drive away, lies the Stórhöfði
promontory. Topped by one of the
oldest lighthouses in Iceland and
a working weather station, it’s fa-
mous both as the windiest point in
Europe, and for its steep cliffs—
which become a teeming puffin
colony during summer. Hike the
trails or visit the birdwatching hide
to spot them.
Tour:
Rib Safari
Arguably the best way to see the
islands is from the ocean. The
Rib Safari tour takes you out on a
small speedboat that’s maneuver-
able enough to allow it inside the
watery caves along the shore. It’s
an invigorating trip and very much
worth your time.
Drink:
Brothers Brewery
After being out on the choppy
ocean, you might well need a drink.
The Brothers Brewery is the is-
land’s brewpub, producing over 20
craft beers. It has proven popular—
so much so that it recently moved
to a larger space with a seating area
outside to catch some afternoon
sun. Try their limited seasonal
ales, some of which are named af-
ter well-known local fishermen.
Drink: Slippurinn
No trip to the Westman Islands
would be complete without a meal
at the fine-dining paradise of Slip-
purinn. Worth the trip alone, the
phenomenal tasting menu makes
for an unforgettable feast of local
produce, from bright blue guil-
lemot eggs to oyster leaves, wild
herbs, sea truffles, cured fish, juicy
lamb, and desserts so good they’ll
bring tears to your eyes. Book in
advance, set aside a few hours, and
go all in on juice or wine pairings—
you won’t regret it.
Travel
Distance from Reykjavík: 153km
How to get there: Route One South
Car provided by: gocarrental.is
Meal provided by: slippurinn.is
Ferry provided by: herjolfur.is
Driving across the Nýja Hraun lava field
The best of Icelandic produce
with a nod to Japan and South
America. Modern Icelandic
flavours, share plates and award
winning cocktails.
Sushi Social
Þingholtsstræti 5 • 101 Reykjavík
Tel. 568 6600 • sushisocial.is
Our kitchen is open
17.00–23.00 sun.–thu.
17.00–24.00 fri.–sat.
SOCIALIZE
WITH THE
LOCALS
ICELANDIC
SEAFOOD
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