If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you should consider visiting Elephant Island. Iceland is popular for the rich sightseeing it offers, and this natural wonder is just one example. In this article, we will cover the Elephant Rock in Iceland, general information about Iceland rocks, and provide a complete guide on how to get to Elephant Rock Iceland.
What is the Elephant Rock in Iceland
The Elephant Rock is an elephant-shaped island made of a natural rock formation on the Westman Islands archipelago. Although the Westman Islands attract tourism for many reasons, the Elephant Rock is one of the primary attractions. This magnificent rock, known around the world as the Elephant Stone in Iceland, is completely natural, yet it resembles the head of an elephant! It is as if a wise old elephant decided to rest at Iceland’s shores and has stayed asleep there ever since. The rock’s texture adds another final touch to the look, resembling the leathery, wrinkly look of elephant skin.
Here are a fun facts to remember about this impressive rock formation:
- It is located on Heimaey which means “Home Island”
- Elephant Rock likely formed from eruptions of Eldfell Volcano, which remains active.
- Heimaey, where Elephant Rock Island is found, is the largest landmass in Vestmannaeyjar, and it is the only island in the area with permanent residents.
- Some people believe that the Elephant Rock in Iceland resembles Cthulhu, a sea monster from local folklore with an octopus-like face.
How was Elephant Rock Formed?
Iceland Elephant Island is believed to have been formed from volcanic activity. Although the island’s volcanic activity is on-going, the last known significant volcanic eruption happened in 1973, which caused a full evacuation of the area. Residents have moved back since then, but the island has not reached the population it once had.
Elephant Rock is a stunning basalt rock formation with textures that enhance its elephant-like appearance. Basalt formations are prevalent in Iceland, formed from the rapid cooling of lava rich in iron and magnesium. In fact, basalt accounts for 90% of all volcanic rocks, and Iceland experiences around 20 volcanic eruptions annually, many of which form new basalt structures.
Where is Elephant Rock?
The Elephant Iceland Rock is located on Heimaey—the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands—at the island’s western edge. Moreover, Heimaey is situated200 meters above sea level, covering a and its total surface area of 13.4 square kilometers. Out of the 13.4 square kilometers, 2.2 square kilometers were added in the last significant eruption in 1973. The Elephant Rock is found in the western part of Heimaey Island on Mountain Dalfjall.
Best Ways to See the Elephant Rock in Iceland
To learn how to get to Elephant Rock Iceland, you first need to travel to Vestmannaeyjar on the Westman Islands. The best way to get there is by taking a ferry. If you have a car, you can take it with you on the ferry. Bringing your car on the ferry makes getting around the island much easier. If you visit Elephant Rock in the summer months, you can take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn. The ferry ride from Landeyjarhöfn to Vestmannaeyjar is between 35 to 40 minutes.
Assuming you will be driving to Landeyjahöfn, here is how long it will take you to get there:
- Departing from Reykjavik, it will take around 110 minutes
- Departing from Selfoss, it will take around 60 minutes
- Departing from Hella, it will take around 35 minutes
- Departing from Hvolsvöllur, it will take around 25 minutes
If you decide to take on this adventure, allow yourself at least two days to explore the Westman Islands. If you are visiting the Westman Islands in the winter, you will take a ferry from Þorlákshöfn. If you are driving to Þorlákshöfn, here is how long it will take you to get there:
- Departing from Reykjavik, it will take around 44 minutes
- Departing from Selfoss, it will take around 25 minutes
- Departing from Hella, it will take around 50 minutes
- Departing from Hvolsvöllur, it will take around 65 minutes
Another option, if you prefer to avoid the ferry, is to fly straight there from Reykjavik airport. Several domestic flights operate between Reykjavik and Heimaey.
The Elephant Stone Iceland Activity Guide
While visiting the Westman Islands take some time to check out the following spots:
- Eldheimar Volcano Museum: You can learn about life on an active volcanic island. The museum is primarily focused on the Mt. Eldfell eruption, which caused 5,300 people to evacuate.
- Slippurinn Restaurant: If you are looking for authentic Icelandic food, this is where you will get to experience it. The restaurant uses only natural ingredients found on the islands. This is a real treat!
- Brothers Brewery: Authentic Icelandic beer! Make sure you ask about the meaning behind each beer name.
- Heimaklettur Hike: If you are afraid of heights you might want to skip this one. However, the rest of you are in for a very rewarding hike!
- Elephant Rock Iceland Tour: Take a boat tour around the island for stunning views, sea caves, volcanic formations, and puffins.
Explore Iceland with Rent.is
Contact us for more information on how to get to Elephant Rock Iceland, and explore the Westman Islands. Rent.is is sure to have an Iceland camper rental that will suit our travel needs. Get ready for a breathtaking adventure!