I’ve been fortunate to visit and camp in this valley several times and it never disappoints. What’s even more fascinating is that it’s believed to that Heimaey’s first farm was built in this valley by the settler Herjólfur Bárðarson, who the valley is named after.

In addition to being a great place to hike and a lovely area to camp, there is a huge music festival that happens here every year called Þjóðhátíð (The National Festival). Due to the natural slopes of the valley, it forms a great ampitheater for the concert, which takes place in August over Merchant’s weekend.

Herjólfstown A fascinating exhibition housed inside a replica of the first stone houses in Iceland. When you step inside, you feel like you are transported to another world. Within the stone walls of the turf houses, you’ll learn about the story of the first Viking family that settled in the Westman Islands in the 900s.

It’s a fun addition to your exploration of Herjólfsdalur valley.