Herjolfsdalur is a valley on the island of Heimaey, beside the town of Vestmannaeyjar in South Iceland. Volcanic ground rises around a green floor that holds a golf course, picnic tables and a playground. A paved trail crosses the valley, and hiking paths climb from it to views over the ocean. Toilets and bins are on the valley floor, so the place works as a stop as well as a walk.
Herjolfsdalur Valley
Local name: Herjólfsdalur
Herjolfsdalur takes its name from Herjolfur, the first settler of Heimaey, whose farm stood on this valley floor.
- Entrance
- Free (festival ticketed separately)
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance; a paved trail crosses the valley floor.
- Parking
- Parking at the valley, including wheelchair-accessible spaces.
- Difficulty
- Paved trail on the valley floor, easy walking. The hiking paths climb the slopes; the walk up to the viewpoints takes about 30 minutes.
- Transport
- Ferry to Heimaey, then car
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Dalvegur, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
What makes it special
Green grass covers the valley floor, and volcanic ground rises around it. A golf course takes up much of the floor, and a paved trail runs across the valley, so the level part of a visit needs no boots. The wider views are higher up: hiking paths climb from the valley to a panorama over the golf course and the ocean beyond. Down on the floor the valley is set up for stopping — picnic tables, bins, toilets and a small playground. The toilets are large and kept clean.
Good to know
- Toilets and tables: there are toilets in the valley, along with bins and picnic tables.
- Coming from the ferry: the walk from the pier takes less than half an hour, and the same again on the way back.
- The views need the climb: the valley floor is the easy part; the wide views come from the hiking paths above it.
- With children: there is a small playground by the picnic tables, and a paved trail to walk.
Getting there
Heimaey is an island, so the trip starts with the ferry. From the pier the walk to Herjolfsdalur takes less than half an hour on foot. Drivers can come to the valley itself and park there, and some of the spaces are wheelchair-accessible. Inside the valley a paved trail runs across the floor, and the hiking paths that climb the slopes branch off it. Nothing about the approach needs boots until you leave the paved trail.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Herjolfsdalur without a car?
Take the ferry to Heimaey and walk. From the pier to the valley is less than half an hour on foot.Are there toilets in the valley?
Yes. The toilets are large and kept clean, and there are bins and picnic tables on the valley floor.How long is the hike?
About 30 minutes up to the viewpoints, on hiking paths that leave the paved valley trail.Is Herjolfsdalur suitable for children?
Yes. There is a small playground and picnic tables on the valley floor, and a paved trail to walk.