Elephant Rock, Heimaey, Natural rock formation in Heimaey, Iceland.
Elephant Rock is a basalt cliff formation rising from the Atlantic Ocean near Heimaey that resembles an elephant's head with a prominent trunk. The dark volcanic stone is visible from the island or from the water.
The cliff was shaped by the volcanic eruption of 1973 that significantly altered the island's landscape. This eruption created the geological features visible today.
The Eldheimar Museum near Elephant Rock documents the impact of volcanic activity on the local community through exhibits and historical records.
The best views of the rock formation come from boat tours departing from Heimaey harbor, which offer different angles on the cliff. Visitors should expect changeable weather and bring appropriate clothing.
The basalt columns of the cliff formed from cooling lava and create a regular pattern structure that resembles elephant skin texture. This natural columnar structure is typical of Icelandic volcanic rock and makes the formation geologically distinctive.
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