Elliðaey
Elliðaey, sometimes also called Ellirey,
is the third-largest island in the
Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
Covering an area of approximately 0.45 km²,
the island is listed as a protected natural monument
due to its exceptionally rich seabird colonies.
The coastline of Elliðaey is mostly steep and inaccessible.
The easiest landing point is on the eastern side,
where access is possible via a slope known as the East Flá,
equipped with fixed ropes to assist climbers.
From there, the island opens into lush grass-covered terrain
with gentle hills and wide open spaces.
Elliðaey is among the greenest of the Westman Islands.
In earlier times, hay was harvested on the island,
and grazing was common for sheep
and even cattle.
Today, the landscape is shaped primarily by birdlife
and long-standing traditions connected to seabirds.
The highest point of the island lies at the northern end,
at Hábarð, rising about 114 metres above sea level.
Two volcanic craters, Litli Bunki and Stóri Bunki,
stand as reminders of the island’s volcanic origin.
Elliðaey is believed to have formed in a powerful eruption
around 5,000–6,000 years ago,
likely far larger than the eruption that created
Surtsey.
Grass covers the entire island,
providing ideal nesting conditions for puffins.
Thousands of birds have dug burrows into the soil,
making Elliðaey one of the most important
puffin breeding grounds
in the Westman Islands.
Puffin hunting has traditionally taken place here during summer,
forming part of the cultural heritage of the islands.
A large hunting lodge stands on Elliðaey,
owned by the Elliðaey Association.
Built in 1953 at the foot of Hábarð,
the building has been extensively renovated over the years.
It is used during the puffin-hunting season
and for spring egg collecting,
but is also rented out for various group activities.
The origin of the island’s name is debated.
One explanation suggests that Elliðaey resembles
the high prow of a ship when viewed from the sea.
Another theory links the name to caves on the island,
a tradition also reflected in
Elliðaey er áhugaverður staður á Íslandi sem vert er að heimsækja.