ElliðaeyElliðaey at a Glance
About Elliðaey
Elliðaey is an island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago off the south coast of Iceland, noted for its seabird colonies and a single small building on the island. It is part of Iceland’s Southern Region administrative area.
The island is notable for abundant seabird life and for the solitary property often discussed in travel writing; there are no permanent settlements and visits are typically by private boat. The landscape is grassy and suited to bird colonies and maritime wildlife.
Traditionally the island was used seasonally for bird hunting and egg collecting; the single house on Elliðaey has been associated with a local hunting association and seasonal use rather than permanent habitation.
Elliðaey lies within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off Iceland’s south coast and is reached by sea from the larger inhabited islands in the group.
- Single house and population: A single small house on the island is owned and used by a local hunting association; Elliðaey has no permanent civilian population.
Best Time to Visit Elliðaey
Best visited in summer (June-August) for the mildest conditions, birdlife and the greatest chance of boat access.
Weather & Climate near Elliðaey
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1460 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | -3° | 134 mm | overcast | 87% | 10.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 5° | -2° | 140 mm | overcast | 87% | 10.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 130 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | 3° - 6° | -1° | 97 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 14.7h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 101 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 87 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 12° | 11° | 93 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.8h |
| August | Poor | 10° - 12° | 11° | 137 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 10° | 5° | 126 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 8° | 2° | 144 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 6° | -1° | 134 mm | overcast | 87% | 9.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 137 mm | overcast | 87% | 10.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |
How to Get to Elliðaey
Elliðaey is part of the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago off south Iceland. Regular car/ferry services go from the mainland to Heimaey (the main inhabited island) - ferries operate from Landeyjahöfn/Þorlákshöfn to Heimaey seasonally - but there is no scheduled public ferry to Elliðaey itself; reaching Elliðaey requires a private boat from Heimaey or a licensed charter.
Tips for Visiting Elliðaey
- Elliðaey in the Westman Islands is not served by regular public ferries and the small house on the island is private, so the usual way to see it is from guided boat trips around the Westman archipelago - join an organised tour rather than attempting an unplanned landing.
- Visit in summer for the best chance to see birdlife and to take calmer sea trips from Landeyjahöfn or Heimaey; avoid trying to access the island independently without permission due to its private status and fragile breeding sites.