The basalt block formed when lava flows meet sea water is reminiscent of an elephant with rough skin, eyes, trunk and legs.
The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, are a cluster of 15 islands and about 30 reefs formed by undersea volcanic activity with an area of about 16km2 , 30 minutes by ferry from mainland Iceland.
The most unique landmark on Heimaey Island is a basalt block that many people consider to have an uncanny resemblance to a giant elephant with rough skin and parts such as trunk, legs, ears and eyes. This place is named Rock Elephant. (Photo: Diego Delso).
This rock mass was formed by continuous and sudden eruptions of the Eldfell volcano on the island. The geological structure here is similar to the reefs in Phu Yen (Vietnam), Fingal (Scotland), Giant’s Causeway (Ireland), Los Órganos (Spain) but with a more unique shape. (Photo: Diego Delso).
Some tourists even imagine the rock resembles Cthulhu, a mythical sea monster with tentacles on its face like a squid or octopus. (Photo: Nealrantoul).
The basalt blocks evoke the rough skin of the Stone Elephant, due to the hot lava flow that solidifies when it meets sea water. (Photo: Nealrantoul).
