A small building on a tiny island is known as the “world’s loneliest house” and is shrouded in mystery.
The home is located on Elliðaey, a 110-acre island within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off southern Iceland.
Theories about it include ideas that a religious hermit lives there, that it was gifted to iconic singer Bjork by the Icelandic government, or that it’s a billionaire’s apocalypse bolthole, all of which have been debunked.
The island is now deserted but was inhabited up until the 1930s. Throughout its history, residents who lived there relied on fishing, hunting puffins, and raising cattle.
But the reality of the mysterious house on the island is less exciting. The structure is not actually a single-family home, but rather a hunting lodge without electricity, running water or indoor plumbing.
Surrounded by a wire fence, the house features a modest sofa, a fireplace, and a dining area equipped with a large table and several polished chairs.
There is also a bedroom area with 10 beds, a kitchen and pantry, a workshop, and a bathroom.
It was built by the Elliðaey Hunting Association in the 1950s as a base to hunt the flocks of puffins, which are known to feast on the abundant supply of fish in the icy waters below.
Now, it serves as a hunting base for the group to support their activities while out and about on the island, but it isn’t exactly easy to get to.
According to The Travel: “To get to the house, one first has to get to the island via a boat from the nearest islands.
“Just like many cruises on Icelandic waters, the journey to this island is characterised by freezing temperatures and waves that can sometimes be extremely terrifying.
“While the ride itself can be scary and uncomfortable, getting onto the island is even more terrifying. One will have to jump from the boat or ship to a steep side of the island and hold a rope attached to the island.
“If this is not done correctly, a fall into the freezing water is inevitable. After the successful jump and clinging to the rope, one is then required to climb this steep part to the top of the island with the help of the rope.”
The island of Elliðaey is also listed as a nature reserve and protected area, and tourists who want to explore its striking environment can arrange to do so through local tour companies.
