Eldey

Background

History & Background

Eldey's geological history is rooted in volcanic activity, as it is formed from móberg (palagonite tuff). This dramatic rock island is part of a larger submerged volcanic ridge and a cluster of skerries known as Fuglasker or Eldeyjar, which extends far into the Atlantic from the Reykjanes Peninsula. The island holds a poignant place in natural history. Not far from Eldey, another skerry called Geirfuglasker served as the final stronghold for the Great Auk, a flightless seabird. Tragically, this skerry largely sank during volcanic eruptions in 1830, contributing to the ultimate extinction of the species. Eldey itself has long been a critical sanctuary for various seabirds. Today, Eldey is primarily known as the site of the largest Northern Gannet colony globally. Historical counts, such as one conducted in 1949, estimated the gannet population at approximately 70,000 birds. The island is a protected nature reserve, ensuring the continued prosperity of this magnificent bird colony, and its inaccessibility helps preserve its pristine environment.

Eldey is a small, steep-sided island of hyaloclastite about eight nautical miles south of the Reykjanes Peninsula. It rises 77 metres above sea level and covers roughly 0.03 km². The island supports one of the world's largest known northern gannet colonies. Eldey is the innermost part of the offshore Fuglasker or Eldeyjar skerry group. Another skerry in that group, Geirfuglasker, was historically associated with the great auk and largely subsided during volcanic activity in 1830. Eldey is not a normal visitor site; its wildlife should be observed from a respectful distance.