Eldey is a small, steep-sided rock island off the southwest tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. It rises about 77 metres from the sea and covers about 3 hectares.
A sheer rock in the Atlantic
Eldey lies off the southwest tip of the Reykjanes peninsula. It is a protected nature reserve that cannot be landed on without permission, so it is viewed from boats or from the coast.
One of the world's largest gannet colonies
Its cliffs hold one of the largest northern gannet colonies in the world, with around 16,000 pairs.
The last great auks
Eldey was the last refuge of the great auk, a large flightless seabird. The last known pair of great auks was killed on Eldey in 1844. The great auk is also remembered on the Reykjanes coast at Valahnukamol, where a monument stands.
Seeing Eldey and Reykjanes tours
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Map the drive
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