What to know about Elephant Rock: A guide to Iceland’s volcanic wonder

Iceland is home to magnificent geological formations, but one of its most unusual natural sights is the Elephant Rock. Also known as Halldórsskora, this rocky cliff face in the Westman Islands archipelago bears an uncanny resemblance to a gigantic elephant taking a dip in the ocean.

Many people assumed that Elephant Rock was fake because it just seemed impossible for a rock to look like an elephant naturally. You may have seen the viral pictures of Elephant Rock circulating online–while the aerial shot of a group of islands that look like a swimming elephant is from Asia, those close-up shots of the elephant face are really what Iceland’s Elephant Rock looks like in reality.

Elephant Rock is located on the western coast of the island of Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago or Vestmannaeyjar, which consists of 15 islands. These islands are a part of Iceland’s southern volcanic zone.

Elephant Rock was the result of volcanic activity from Heimaey’s main volcano Eldfell. Translating to “hill of fire”, Eldfell made the headlines in 1973 when a major eruption forced the island’s entire population of approximately 5,000 residents to evacuate. The volcano erupted for over six months, with ashfall and lava destroying many homes, but most residents returned the following year after the volcanic activity calmed down.

Elephant Rock predates this eruption and is found at the base of Blátindur, which juts out into the sea on the western coast of Heimaey, not far from the island’s scenic golf club. The cliff face is formed from basalt rock, giving the Elephant Rock a realistic look of the wrinkly gray skin of a grizzled elephant.

Of note is the shadowy “eye” of the elephant, an indentation in the rock which has some people comparing this mysterious pachyderm to the fictional Lovecraftian god Cthulhu.

The fastest way to get to Heimaey for international travelers is to transfer to Reykjavik’s domestic airport and take a 20-minute flight to Vestmannaeyjar Airport.

Alternatively, a cheaper option is to take the Herjólfur ferry that departs from two ports depending on the weather. The ferries usually sail from Landeyjahöfn, a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik and a short 40-minute ferry ride away from Heimaey. But when weather conditions are poor, the ferries sail from Þorlákshöfn instead, which is a shorter 45-minute drive from Reykjavik but a longer boat journey that takes just under 3 hours. Check the Herjólfur website for the latest updates.

A popular time to visit Heimaey is during the first weekend of August when the annual Þjóðhátíð outdoor festival takes place—it’s a very busy time, attracting over 16,000 people. Expect bonfires, fireworks and the traditional hillside singalong session over three days.

Elephant Rock is a part of the cliffs found on the western side of Heimaey and the face of the elephant is best seen from the water. The Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tour is a quick one-hour boat ride that will take you to see Elephant Rock, other geological formations and even spot some whales and puffins around Heimaey’s coastline.

If you want a more in depth study of Iceland’s Southern Volcanic Zone, you can start your 3-day private volcano tour from Reykjavik with highlights that include Westman Islands, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Besides seeing Elephant Rock, take the time to walk up to Eldfell crater, a 650-foot tall volcanic cone formed in the wake of the 1973 eruption. Another popular but challenging hike takes you up Heimaklettur (Home Rock) for some panoramic views of Heimaey and the mainland.

For some history, Eldheimar is a museum that documents the momentous eruption and how innovative Icelanders managed to stop the lava flow and save the island from total destruction. Sagnheimar Folk Museum takes you further back to another historic incident in Westman Island history, where over 230 locals were abducted by Barbary pirates from Algiers and forced into slavery in 1627.

From April to September, Heimaey is the favorite nesting ground of Atlantic puffins. The southern cape of Stórhöfði is best for puffin spotting, though be warned that this area routinely records some of the fiercest winds in Iceland, so dress warmly. You may even spot some puffins lost in the town center, confused by the artificial lights.

Another popular activity is to take boat tours to spot other critters around the Westman Islands like orcas, dolphins, and fin whales.

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