Picture yourself on a boat, the cool Atlantic breeze in your face, staring at a huge rock that looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. This is Elephant Rock, a famous natural wonder on Heimaey Island in Iceland’s Westman Islands. Formed by volcanic eruptions and shaped by ocean waves, this basalt rock is more than just a cool sight. It’s a peek into Iceland’s wild geology and a piece of local folklore.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Elephant Rock: what it is, how to get there, the best time to visit, and why it’s worth adding to your Iceland travel plans. Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, I’m sure you’ll find this exciting.
Key Takeaways
Elephant Rock is a basalt formation on Heimaey, shaped like an elephant by volcanic activity and erosion.
Visit between May and September for boat tours, better weather, and chances to see puffins and whales.
You’ll need a ferry to Heimaey, then a boat tour to see the rock up close.
Heimaey offers extra fun like hiking, birdwatching, and museums.
What’s Elephant Rock?
Elephant Rock (Fíllinnin Icelandic) sits on Heimaey, the biggest island in Iceland’s Westman Islands, off the south coast. It’s a basalt formation that looks so much like an elephant’s head, trunk and all, that it almost seems carved on purpose. But it’s all been done by nature. Some people confuse it with Hvítserkur in North Iceland, which also has an odd shape.
This rock was created by volcanic eruptions long ago. Iceland sits on a hot spot where lava flows often. On Heimaey, lava from an underwater volcano cooled along the coast, turning into basalt. As it cooled slowly, it cracked into hexagonal columns, a process called columnar jointing. Over thousands of years, wind, rain, and waves shaped these columns into the elephant form we see now. Some think the 1973 Eldfell eruption on Heimaey helped form it, but most geologists say it’s older, maybe even 15,000 years old. Either way, it’s tied to Iceland’s volcanic story.
The Westman Islands were born from undersea eruptions, and Elephant Rock shows off that fiery past with its rugged, wrinkled surface, much like an elephant’s skin.
Why Is Elephant Rock Worth Visiting?
Elephant Rock is worth visiting because it is striking and unique. Its appearance, like an elephant drinking from the ocean, makes it a perfect spot for photos. It’s a rock, but it’s not like any you’ve seen before; it feels special, almost alive, against the dramatic cliffs and waves of Heimaey’s coast.
Local stories add a cool layer of folklore that makes it even more appealing. For example, One tale says it was a real elephant turned to stone by the gods. Even if you don’t buy the myth, it makes the place feel more alive. Plus, it’s in a wild, remote spot. Surrounded by sea cliffs and the Atlantic, it’s a unique piece of nature art you won’t find anywhere else. That mix of beauty, folklore, and rugged setting makes it a must-see.
Where’s Elephant Rock and How to Get There?
Elephant Rock is on Heimaey, about 7.4 kilometers off Iceland’s south coast in the Westman Islands. Getting there takes two steps: reaching Heimaey and then finding the rock.
Step 1: Getting to Heimaey
The simplest way is the ferry from Landeyjahöfn, a port on Iceland’s south coast. It’s a quick 35-minute ride, running all year but more often in summer (May to September). Book ahead online, especially if you’re bringing a rental camper from our site. If the weather turns bad, the ferry might leave from Þórlakshöfn instead, which takes 2.5 hours. Check schedules before you go. You can also fly from Reykjavík to Heimaey in 25 minutes, though it costs more.
Step 2: Reaching Elephant Rock on Heimaey
Once you’re on Heimaey, a boat tour is the best way to see Elephant Rock. It’s located on the northwest coast, at the base of steep cliffs, so you can’t drive or walk directly to it. Tours depart from Vestmannaeyjar town, last about an hour, and operate from May to September. They bring you close to the rock for amazing views. You can spot it from land, such as the Westman Islands Golf Course, but the boat offers a better view. Guided hikes with safety gear are another option, although they require a professional guide.
Navigating Heimaey's roads requires the right vehicle, and our rentals are up to the challenge. However, we recommend parking the campervan somewhere safe and do most of the exploring on foot.
Boat Tours to Elephant Rock
Taking a boat tour is a great way to see Elephant Rock and explore the Westman Islands. You’ll get close to the rock, enjoy Heimaey’s wild coast, and maybe spot puffins or whales. Here are some popular tours, including what they offer and their prices:
Tour Operator: Island Boat Tours (Round Tour)
Itinerary: A 1.5-hour ride around Heimaey on the boat Teista. You’ll see Elephant Rock, new lava from the 1973 eruption, sea caves, and cool rock shapes. A guide tells stories about Vikings, the eruption, and Surtsey, the world’s youngest island.
Price: 9,900 ISK per adult (around $70 USD); kids under 12 ride free with an adult.
Itinerary: A 2-hour trip on a fast RIB boat. It covers Elephant Rock, puffins, whales, and Surtsey Island. You’ll visit sea caves like Fjósið and Klettshellir, which have neat echoes. Guides share facts about the islands and animals. It runs from May to September.
Price: 19,900 ISK per person (around $140 USD); kids must be 5 or older.
Tour Operator: Adventures.com (RIB Boat Tour in Westman Islands)
Itinerary: A 1-hour RIB boat ride around Heimaey’s small islands. You’ll stop at Elephant Rock, sea caves, and puffin cliffs. Seals or whales show up, too. Starts at Heimaey harbor with safety gear and a quick talk.
Tour Operator: Ribsafari (Vestmannaeyjar Boat Tour)
Itinerary: Pick a 1-hour or 2-hour RIB tour from Heimaey harbor. See Elephant Rock, sea caves, puffins, and maybe whales or seals. Guides tell island tales, and music plays on fast parts. The 2-hour trip checks out more islands.
Price: 11,900 ISK for 1 hour, 19,900 ISK for 2 hours per adult (around $85 USD and $140 USD), kids 5-12 pay 6,500 ISK (around $46 USD) for 1 hour.
Note: Prices can change, so book early, especially in summer. Also, check the weather, as tours need calm seas.
Best Time to Visit Elephant Rock?
Plan your trip between May and September, when boat tours operate, the weather is milder, and the seas are calmer. Summer also brings long days and more wildlife to observe. Puffins nest on the cliffs from mid-May to early September, with August being the peak month. You may also spot whales in the waters around Heimaey.
Winter visits are more challenging. Fewer tours run, and the weather gets harsh with rough seas and short days. Still, if you’re up for it, the island’s raw beauty in winter can be stunning. Just pack warm, waterproof clothes and be ready for the unpredictable weather. Summer is the safest bet for a smooth trip, with shoulder months like May or September being a great option, too.
Heimaey offers more than just Elephant Rock. Here’s a list of activities with details to help you plan your visit.
Boat Tour to Elephant Rock
A boat tour is the best way to see Elephant Rock up close. Leaving from Vestmannaeyjar town, these trips last about an hour and run from May to September. You’ll get near enough to snap great photos and see the rock’s details against the cliffs. Many tours also take you to other sights, like sea caves or other rock formations nearby. Some even add puffin or whale watching, which are another of Heimaey’s appeals.
Puffin Watching
Heimaey is home to one of the world’s largest puffin colonies, particularly at Stórhöfði on the island’s southern end. From mid-May to early September, thousands of puffins nest on the cliffs, making it a prime spot to watch them. In August, locals rescue pufflings that wander into town, a tradition you might catch if you time it right. Bring binoculars and a camera—puffins are colorful and fun to see up close.
Whale Watching
The ocean around Heimaey teems with marine life, making it ideal for whale watching. Depending on the season, tours from the island frequently spot orcas, fin whales, and even humpbacks. These trips can be combined with the Elephant Rock boat tour, allowing you to see both in one trip. Guides share facts about the whales and the local ecosystem, making the experience educational and exciting.
Hiking Eldfell Volcano
Eldfell Volcano erupted in 1973, reshaping Heimaey, and its hike is a must-do. The trail to the top takes about two hours and suits most fitness levels, with clear markers to guide you. At the summit, you’ll get wide views of the island, ocean, and lava fields still warm in some spots (which I find crazy). It’s a chance to see how nature recovers from volcanic chaos.
Visiting Eldheimar Museum
The Eldheimar Museum dives into the 1973 eruption’s impact on Heimaey. Built around a real house buried in ash, it offers a close-up look at that dramatic event. Exhibits include photos, videos, and stories from locals who lived through it. It’s a great stop to learn about the island’s history and the people who call it home.
Exploring Skansinn Fort
Skansinn Fort, dating back to the 15th century, guarded Heimaey long ago. The 1973 eruption damaged it, but parts—like a stave church—have been rebuilt. You can walk around, see the old defenses, and enjoy harbor views. It’s a quick, easy visit that ties into the island’s past and its recovery.
Conclusion
Elephant Rock is a special spot that blends Iceland’s volcanic roots, local legends, and wild beauty. From its elephant shape to the adventures on Heimaey, it’s a place that sticks with you. You can snap photos of the rock, watch puffins, hike a volcano, or learn about the island’s story. It’s all waiting for you. Grab a rental camper from us, hop on the ferry, and make the trip to Heimaey. Share your thoughts or plans in the comments below. This hidden gem is ready for your Iceland adventure.
