Matkaopas: Eldey

Eldey is a small island southwest of the tip of Reykjanes, and situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (see continental drift). Another island was formed further out in the year 1783 by an eruption from the sea floor but was later washed away.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Dagur Brynjólfsson. No edits made.

Eldey island covers around 3 hectares and rising to a height of 77 meters. Its sheer cliffs host a rich birdlife, including one of the largest Northern Gannet colonies in the world. The last pair of the Great Auk was killed on this island in the year 1846. The species is thereby extinct.

Explore this area of Iceland on a self drive tour.