Bjarnarey is an uninhabited volcanic island in Vestmannaeyjar, with steep sea cliffs, grassy slopes and seasonal seabirds. It lies near Heimaey, but the ferry does not take you there: seeing it from a boat and landing on the island are different plans.
Coast snapshot
Bjarnarey lies just south of Elliðaey in the Westman Islands. Steep cliffs surround its grassy interior, where the volcanic cone Bunki gives the island its distinctive height.
The island has no permanent settlement. Its seabirds, volcanic cliffs and exposed position make it a place to view within the wider archipelago, with any landing planned separately. Some local boat descriptions spell the name Bjarnaey.
Start with a Heimaey island base or a broader Vestmannaeyjar overview. Allow time for the mainland crossing and weather changes before considering a separate boat outing. On a short mainland day, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, and Reynisfjara are simpler to fit into a South Coast route.
| Trip shape | Bjarnarey role | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Heimaey day or overnight | Possible sea view of cliffs and birdlife | Boat, weather, and sea conditions shape the experience |
| Tight mainland South Coast route | Usually skip | Ferry and boat time can crowd out easier stops |
| Birdwatching or photography focus | Worth considering with local guidance | Do not treat puffins or close access as fixed promises |
Give Vestmannaeyjar enough time to be worthwhile even if sea conditions keep you on Heimaey. A view of Bjarnarey should add to that island day, not be its only purpose.
Bjarnarey’s grassy slopes rise above abrupt sea cliffs. The local school’s geography guide describes Bunki as a volcanic cone with a depression near its summit.
The same guide describes only limited ways up from the shore. This is not an ordinary marked coastal walk or a place to assume easy access from a sightseeing boat. A description of an ascent is not permission or practical guidance for attempting it.
Puffins and other seabirds are part of the island’s appeal, but sightings depend on season and conditions. Keep your distance from birds and nesting ground, and follow the skipper’s decisions about where a boat can approach.
The Bjarnarey entry on PDF page 39 describes Bunki, the cliffs and limited shore access.
Icelandic overview of the volcanic island chain and Heimaey as its inhabited island.
Herjólfur connects the mainland with Heimaey. A ferry ticket does not include a crossing to Bjarnarey, and taking a car to Heimaey does not create road access to the smaller island.
Seeing Bjarnarey from the water and setting foot on it are different arrangements. Confirm whether any proposed outing passes the island or includes a landing, whether access permission is covered, and what boarding, terrain and mobility requirements apply. Do not assume a landing is available simply because a route names Bjarnarey.
Klettshellir sea cave, Elliðaey Island, and Bjarnarey involve similar sea-condition questions. If another crossing does not suit your group, keep the day centered on Heimaey, Eldfell volcano, and Eldheimar Museum.
The map marks the island’s geographic location. It does not identify parking, a boat departure point or a safe landing. Use your confirmed departure instructions for navigation, and keep time for the return ferry.
Heimaey offers harbor walks, volcanic history and coastal views even when a further sea crossing is unsuitable.
Leave space in the day for the mainland ferry, any separate outing and the return crossing. A short boat duration is only one part of the trip; boarding requirements, weather and changes to the ferry timetable can affect the whole plan.
If your time is limited, compare that commitment with the South Coast Road Trip. Staying on the mainland may leave more time at individual sights than combining a tightly scheduled ferry crossing with another boat journey.
Use Herjólfur’s latest announcements as well as its timetable. Wind and sea conditions can change a departure even when a published schedule looks convenient.
Confirm the mainland departure harbor, sailing times and check-in requirements directly with the ferry. For any onward crossing, confirm the actual route, whether going ashore is included and whether the outing suits everyone in your group. Keep a Heimaey-only plan available.
There is no useful fixed visit duration for Bjarnarey without a confirmed arrangement. Plan around the crossing you have actually agreed, rather than treating an island map pin as a quick sightseeing stop.
Check the mainland–Heimaey crossing, departure harbor and any changed sailings. This is not a Bjarnarey ferry service.
Check wind, visibility, warnings, and marine-sensitive weather before a boat-led plan.
Use official safety guidance for exposed coastal, boat, and weather-dependent travel.
Seeing Bjarnarey from a boat is different from landing there. Confirm any landing, access permission and physical requirements separately with the people arranging the crossing. The Herjólfur ferry serves Heimaey, not Bjarnarey.
No. They are separate Vestmannaeyjar islands, with Bjarnarey south of Elliðaey. The famous isolated-house photograph is associated with Elliðaey.
Bjarnarey is associated with puffin colonies, but wildlife viewing depends on season, weather, sea conditions, and the route. Plan for birdlife context, not a guaranteed close encounter.
Usually no. It makes more sense when you are already giving Vestmannaeyjar meaningful time. A short mainland day normally gets easier value from waterfalls, beaches, and cliff viewpoints.
By ThorPublished Updated
Map
Bjarnarey is an offshore island, not a road destination or landing point. Herjólfur serves Heimaey; viewing Bjarnarey or going ashore requires a separate arrangement.
Interactive planning map for Bjarnarey Island
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