Taking the notion of island remoteness to a new level, Elliðaey is a tiny patch of land in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, residing off the south coast of Iceland.
63.4644° N 20.1756° W
Taking the notion of island remoteness to a new level, Elliðaey is a tiny patch of land in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, residing off the south coast of Iceland.
Its vast, panoramic, and windswept beauty feels like the edge of the Earth, completely uninhabited, with the island’s only sign of life being a small research facility and what many call the world’s loneliest house.
With its distinct white walls standing out from the rolling greenery of the island’s two tallest peaks that flank it, the house was built by the Elliðaey Hunting Association as is a key spot for birdwatching and conducting biological research.
The dwelling is surrounded by 110 hectares of dramatic emerald cliffs, which are in part the reason for its seclusion. Once believed to be the home of Icelandic singer Björk – a rumour which has since been dispelled – the house has become a landmark in its own right with its otherworldly, awe-inspiring isolation.
Those wishing to visit this secluded spectacle will need special permission from the landowners, as the island is protected by the Icelandic government.
Once visitors have authorisation, you will also require a local tour operator in order to sufficiently make the journey from either Landeyjahofn – a port – or Þorlákshöfn, both on the south coast of Iceland. The ferry journey takes approximately 35 minutes from both locations, with the added option of being able to bring your car onboard.
Alternatively, you can catch a sight of the island from the many available tours of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, such as the unforgettable 12-and-a-half-hour island tour departing from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, or more intimate, fully customisable private-day tours.
Once safely onshore, take in the rugged jet-black cliffs that make the island unique, broken up by the soaring plethora of birds that call the island home. In fact, Elliðaey is a hotspot for birdwatching as the cliff edges make the ideal place for nesting, making for an abundance of seabird populations.
Keen-eyed twitchers will notice a particular plethora of puffin, as the island holds the world’s biggest nesting ground for these majestic flying creatures which dominate the cliffs between the months of May and September. If it couldn’t get any better, travellers in September can catch a magical glimpse of pufflings – the birds’ fluff-ball chicks.
A desolate wonder in its own right, Elliðaey is the perfect place for those craving peaceful solitude and immersion into the wilderness, experiencing an island virtually untouched by mankind.