Explore Elephant Rock and the Westman Islands in Iceland

Elephant Rock in Iceland looks just like what the name suggests — a giant elephant! This natural rock formation even shows off the rough texture and grey colour of real elephant skin. Made of basalt, it was likely formed by an ancient volcanic eruption and shaped over time by wind and ocean waves. You’ll find it in the Westman Islands, where it appears to rise from the sea, as if an elephant is dipping its head into the water. It’s a favourite photo stop for visitors — and once you see it, you’ll understand why. 

The best way to visit Elephant Rock is by taking a road trip to the Westman Islands, located just off Iceland’s South Coast. With a rental car in Iceland, it’s easy to drive to the ferry terminal in Landeyjahöfn and hop on the short ride to Heimaey, the largest island in the group. 

Keep reading to learn more about this unique geological feature, how to get to the Westman Islands and what else to do if you decide to take a road trip to Elephant Rock.

What is Elephant Rock in Iceland?

Elephant Rock in Iceland is a basalt formation on one side of the island of Heimaey, which has, due to the rock’s presence, gained the nickname “elephant island.” Elephant Rock juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, where it amazingly appears as if a gigantic elephant is standing in the water, dipping its trunk into the waves. The elephant’s face even appears to have a realistic eye and the characteristic elephant ears, as well as a droopy mouth around the trunk. The lifelike appearance is truly a one-in-a-lifetime sight to behold.

Where is Elephant Rock Located in Iceland?

Elephant Rock is located on Heimaey Island, the largest and only inhabited island in Iceland’s Westman Islands archipelago (called Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic). Just off the southern coast of Iceland, Heimaey sits about 7 km from the mainland, directly across from the well-known Seljalandsfoss waterfall — a popular stop on many South Coast and Ring Road itineraries.

The rock formation juts dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean from the island’s western cliffs. While it’s best viewed from the sea, you can also spot it from various vantage points along the cliffs on Heimaey. The island itself is home to just over 4,000 people and is full of natural beauty and fascinating history. Beyond Elephant Rock, Heimaey is also known for its puffin colonies and the powerful volcanic eruption that reshaped part of the island in 1973, adding even more to its dramatic landscape.

How to Get to the Westman Islands and Elephant Rock

By Car + Boat: The Ideal Route from Landeyjahöfn

How do you get from somewhere like Keflavik Airport, where you’ll first arrive in Iceland, or Reykjavik, a first stop on many Iceland road trip itineraries, to Elephant Rock? 

Let’s break it down into a few easy steps.

Step 1: Drive to the Landeyjahöfn Harbour
First, you’ll need to get your car rental in Iceland. With Lava Car Rental, you can easily pick up your rental car right after arriving at the airport. Then, you’ll need to drive to Landeyjahofn Harbour to catch the ferry to the Westman Islands.

• If you’re driving straight from Keflavik, this drive will take about two hours and 30 minutes. 
• If you’re driving from Reykjavik — maybe you spent your first few days in the city before beginning your broader explorations of Iceland — the drive will take about two hours.

Along the way, if you so choose, you can make stops to enjoy the scenery, such as at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s famous waterfalls. 

Step 2: Take the Ferry to Heimaey Island
Once at the harbour, drive your car onto the ferry, and settle in for the ride to Heimaey. It only takes 35 minutes and the ferry runs all year round, with ferries leaving on a more frequent schedule between May and September.

Step 3: Arrive and Explore Heimaey
Drive off the ferry and into Heimaey. From there, you can head out to see Elephant Rock.

Alternative Ferry from Þórlakshöfn
There is an alternative ferry as well, that departs from Þórlakshöfn when the weather is too poor to take the ferry between Landeyjahöfn and Heimaey. Þórlakshöfn is still on the South Coast of Iceland, but it’s closer to Reykjavik and Keflavik. The drive between Þórlakshöfn and Reykjavik is just an hour or so, while the drive between Þórlakshöfn and Keflavik is about an hour and a half.

However, sailing from Þórlakshöfn does require a longer ferrying time. You’ll spend two and a half hours on the ferry to Heimaey if you depart from Þórlakshöfn.

If you’re worried that the weather might impede you from sailing from Landeyjahofn, be sure to check the ferry schedules online to confirm which ferry is running.

By Plane from Reykjavík

Don’t care to drive or take a ferry? You can fly between Reykjavik and Heimaey on Eagle Air. This option is a bit pricey, but it’s fast, taking less than half an hour to get you between the city and the island.

If you're renting a car in Iceland, Lava Car Rental offers reliable vehicles with essential insurance included — ideal for flexible travel south to the ferry port. 

Schedule and Price for the Ferry to go to the Westman Islands

Out of the various options for getting to Heimaey and Elephant Rock listed above, the most popular option is by taking the ferry between Landeyjahofn and Heimaey. It’s quick, reliable, enjoyable and affordable.

The ferry departs up to seven times per day, starting with an 8 a.m. departure from Landeyjahofn and a final departure from Heimaey at 10 p.m. You can book your ferry tickets online ahead of time, too, which is highly advised if you’re travelling to Iceland in the summer when demand is high and spots on the ferry can sell out.

2025 Passenger Prices - Return Trip

For a two-way ticket on the Landeyjahofn ferry, you’ll pay:

• Adults, ages 16–66: 2,500 ISK / approx. $20 USD / €18 EUR
• Children under 12: Free
• Teens, ages 12–15: 1,250 ISK / approx. $10 USD / €9 EUR

2025 Vehicle Prices - Return Trip

You’ll also pay a vehicle fee based on the length of your vehicle:

• Car under 5 metres/16 feet: 3,750 ISK / approx. $30 USD / €27 EUR
• Car over 5 metres/16 feet: 5,000 ISK / approx. $40 USD / €35 EUR

Your rental car in Iceland will likely be under 5 metres or 16 feet. However, if your rental car in Iceland is taller than 2.1 metres, or 6.8 feet, which is the case, for example, if you have a 4x4 SUV with a roof cargo box, or if you have a large vehicle like a Renault Trafic, then you’ll need to note this when booking your ferry ride. You won’t be charged extra, but the ferry needs to know, so as to leave enough room for your vehicle on the boat.

When you book your ferry departure time, understand that ferry boarding ends five minutes before departure, and it’s wise to arrive 30 minutes before your ticket departure time.

Check the full schedule and book your ferry here.

How to See Elephant Rock in the Westman Islands

Whether you’ve taken either ferry or flown in from Reykjavik, now you’re finally on Heimaey — so how do you get to Elephant Rock from here?

Elephant Rock is on the island's northwest coast, and since it’s a part of some very large cliffs, you can’t drive right up to it in your rental car, nor can you hike out to it. Instead, you have two options.

Join a Boat Tour
The best option is to join a boat tour, as you’ll get the best views of Elephant Rock from the water. Boat tours to see Elephant Rock depart the Vestmannaeyjar main harbour. Tours are available throughout the summer months, May through September. They last about an hour and will take you sightseeing along the cliff sides and coastlines.

OR Try a Land View if You're Short on Time
This is the inferior option, but it works for some people. You can view Elephant Rock from afar if you go to the Westman Islands Golf Course or certain spots around Herjolfsdalur Valley.

Bonus: Guided Hikes
While, as we mentioned, you can’t hike right up to Elephant Rock on your own, there are guided hikes that take you close to the cliff sides, with the appropriate safety gear. 

If you’re interested in something like that, you can hire a licensed local guide and save 5% on your tour fee by booking with Lava Car Rental and using code LAVATOURS at checkout.

Best Time to Visit the Westman Islands in Iceland

Hands down, the best time to visit the Westman Islands is during Iceland’s short summer season, which starts up in late May and lasts through early September. There are a few reasons for this. 

One, the weather will be much better, meaning easier sightseeing and calmer ferry rides. Two, you’ll see not only Elephant Rock, but also the island’s puffin habitats. Three, more tours in general are offered to Elephant Rock during this time period.

If you want to avoid summer travel crowds, avoid July and August, but particularly the first weekend in August, when Haeimaey hosts its Þjóðhátíð festival. Accommodations book up very quickly and the island is filled with people enjoying the music, culture and party atmosphere. We only advise visiting during this period if you’re specifically doing so to attend the festival.

What Else to Do in the Westman Islands in Iceland

While you’re on Heimaey, make sure to check out all the other cool things to do in the area.

• Eldfell Volcano – This volcano famously erupted in 1973. Now, it’s no longer a danger, but you can hike around it and learn more about the eruption via informative signs.
• Puffin Watching – As mentioned, Heimaey is home to tons of puffins. Visit during the summer to see them.

• Sea Life Safari – The boat tours on Heimaey revolve not only around Elephant Rock. You can also take a sea life-focused boat tour that’ll introduce you to the various marine life, including dolphins and whales, that live off Heimaey’s shores. You’ll, of course, see Elephant Rock as well while you’re out on the water.
• Eldheimar Museum – To learn more about the 1973 Eldfell Volcano explosion, visit this museum that’s entirely dedicated to the tragic story. You’ll even be able to walk through a preserved lava-covered home from the event.
• Stafkirkjan Church – This is a replica of a traditional Norwegian stave church, and is a beautiful spot for a photo op.
• Local Swimming Pool – Pack your swimsuit so you can swim in the local thermal pool, whether you prefer zipping down the waterslide or relaxing in the hot tubs.
• Walking Trails and Bird Cliffs – Heimaey has many walking trails with picturesque views, whether you want to walk out to a beautiful beach or head out over the dramatic cliffs.
• Golf with a View – The Westman Islands Golf Course is a famous spot on Heimaey, drawing both golf aficionados and those interested in just taking in the view..

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the Westman Islands?

We recommend setting aside one day in your itinerary to visit the Westman Islands. If you rented a car for your Iceland trip, you’ll be able to easily get around the island and to all its top spots, within just a day. If you want to travel at a more leisurely, relaxed pace, though, or if you want to have an extra day in case one day’s weather isn’t so good, two days in the Westman Islands can be nice, too.

Sample 1-Day Itinerary on Heimaey

• Morning: Take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn early in the morning and drive from the ferry to watch the puffins at Stórhöfði
• Midday: Take a hike up Eldfell Volcano and then learn more about its past when you visit the Eldheimar Museum
• Afternoon: Explore the harbourside town after lunch at the charming Gott Restaurant
• Evening: Take your much-anticipated boat tour out to Elephant Rock, before returning to the ferry or staying overnight for another day of fun in the Westman Islands

Do You Need a Car on the Westman Islands?

You don’t need to have a car, as you can walk onto the ferry and then walk through the island after you arrive, but this can be very time-consuming and inconvenient. The roads aren’t built for foot traffic and it can easily take you half an hour, or up to an hour, to get between tourist sites. Additionally, you could get caught out in bad weather.

Getting a car rental in Iceland for your trip to the Westman Islands will absolutely make the experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Can You Walk Around Vestmannaeyjar?
Yes, but:

• If you want to see the puffin cliffs, you’ll have to walk at least an hour from the harbour
• The roads are built for cars, not pedestrians, which may prove a hazard
• You could get caught in rainy, windy, cold weather

Where to Stay in the Westman Islands

You’ll find guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hotels and camping sites all available on Heimaey. 

For a guesthouse, consider Guesthouse Hamar or Puffin Nest. For a conveniently located hotel with amenities, try Hotel Vestmannaeyjar. If you’d like to camp in the great outdoors, check out the Herjolfsdalur campsite.

If you’re travelling to Iceland in the summer, book your accommodations well in advance.

Where to Eat in the Westman Islands

Try the following options when you get a little hungry during your Heimaey excursion:

• Gott Restaurant – Enjoy fresh, local fare, including vegan and healthful options
• Einsi Kaldi – Indulge in a fine-dining experience, with classic Icelandic cuisine
• Tanginn – Grab lunch in a casual atmosphere and enjoy the views and coffee
• Brothers Brewery – Sample the local beer

FAQ 

Is Elephant Rock in Iceland real?

Yes, while it looks enough like an elephant that you might think it’s been photoshopped, Elephant Rock in Iceland is very real and completely formed by the elements.

Can you walk on Elephant Rock?

No, Elephant Rock is part of a steep, tall cliff. You can only view it from afar.

Do I need a car to visit the Westman Islands?

No, it’s not critical, but having a rental car in Iceland can make your experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Is it easy to take a rental car on the ferry?

Yes, you’ll just provide your rental car details when booking your ferry tickets.

When’s the best time to visit?

It’s best to visit Elephant Rock during the summer months, May to September, when the weather is good and you’ll find lots of options for tours and ferry times.

Plan Your Trip with Lava Car Rental

When you’re ready to begin planning your trip to Iceland, whether you’re coming specifically to see the magnificent Elephant Rock or it’s just a stop along your journey, let Lava Car Rental help. With a full fleet of reliable car rentals, ranging from small economy cars great for any budget to larger SUVs ideal for families, groups or winter travel, we have something for every Iceland adventure.

     Reserve your Rental Today