lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and the endless ocean surrounding this tiny piece of land like a natural fortress- would you live here?
Located in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) off the southern coast of Iceland, this remote lodge is considered the “World’s Loneliest House”. It has earned its title not just for its isolation but also for the aura of mystery that surrounds it.
The solitary white-painted lodge on Ellidaey Island, often referred to as the "World’s Loneliest House," is situated in the middle of this remote 110-acre island. The island is home to a large population of puffins and other bird species. Despite its creepy appearance and the myths surrounding it, the house has a rather ordinary origin story. Built in the 1950s by the Ellidaey Hunting Association, it serves as a hunting lodge for members who visit the island to hunt puffins.
Contrary to some wild stories, this house was not built by a billionaire preparing for a zombie apocalypse. It's a simple yet intriguing lodge used seasonally by hunters.
The "World’s Loneliest House" might not be what you'd expect. It doesn't have modern conveniences like electricity, internet, or running water. Instead, it offers a unique sense of untouched, peaceful beauty that you can’t find in more developed places. Built in the 1950s by a hunting club as a shelter during puffin hunting trips, the house now stands as a reminder of Iceland’s raw natural beauty and the challenging conditions of its remote landscapes.
Reaching the lodge is an adventure in itself.
Visiting Ellidaey Island requires permission from the landowners, but it is commonly seen on ferry rides to the Westman Islands and various tours. A two-hour speedboat tour from Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, offers great views of Ellidaey in clear weather. Additionally, a four-hour hiking and boat tour provides a chance to see the island from both land and sea.
The journey can be challenging, characterized by freezing temperatures and potentially rough waters. Once at the island, the landing process can be quite dramatic. Visitors often need to jump from the boat onto a steep side of the island and use a rope to climb up. This thrilling entry sets the stage for the unique experience ahead.
Enclosed by a wire fence, the lodge might seem desolate from the outside, but inside, it tells a different story. The interior is surprisingly cozy, equipped with a modest sofa, a fireplace, and a dining area with a large table and polished chairs.
The lodge includes a bedroom area with up to 10 beds, a kitchen with essential equipment, and a pantry stocked with food items. There's even a workshop with tools and a bathroom with a sink, shower, toilet, and mirror. These amenities ensure that visitors can stay comfortably for a few days, making the isolated experience more enjoyable.
Staying in the world’s loneliest house is a unique experience. While the lodge lacks running water, rainwater is collected and used for various purposes. There are indications that the house may have electricity, despite claims to the contrary. At night, the isolation is amplified by the darkness and the sound of the waves. The thick fog that often envelops the island adds to the eerie, secluded atmosphere.
A guest book inside the lodge allows visitors to record their names and the dates of their visits, revealing that many have braved the journey to this remote spot.
