Our last stop before returning to Reykjavik was Heimaey Island, the only inhabited one in the Westman Islands (south). In January 1973 a volcano erupted, continued 6 months, and destroyed a third of the town. Most residents were immediately evacuated, while a small number stayed to help out where they could. A third of the residents never returned.

There was too much to see and do there in one day, especially since the ship arrival time was relatively late (10 AM). Therefore, I decided to focus on climbing a small bit of the volcano site, taking Viking's short bus tour around the city, and (new to me) visiting the summer puffin colony in the south of the island. I used Hop On Vestmannaeyjar to get to the colony (bus & colony both recommended). I forgot to walk down to the nearby lighthouse, but the puffin viewing was tremendous. There were no close up opportunities, but a long lens helped me out. Vestmannaeyjar certainly did not disappoint. And with its turbulent (fairly recent) history, excellent museum, incredible landscapes, and summer puffins, it's a very popular place. A ferry from the mainland comes in & flips around in about a second, which is amazing to watch. There are tours, hikes, bicycle & scooter rentals, and of course restaurants, including an inexpensive one in a gas station.

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Next gallery has photos from a short Reykjavik & Reykjanes Peninsula tour we took on the way to the airport.