Dyrhólaey is a 120 m (390 ft) headland on Iceland's south coast, about 5 km west of Vík, known for a huge black lava arch in the sea, a lighthouse built in 1927 and nesting puffins from late April to mid-August. Parts of the reserve close each spring for bird nesting, usually from mid-May to late June, and parking is paid through the PARKA app. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The arch
the name means "door hill island" and refers to the black lava arch standing in the sea in front of the headland.
The lighthouse
built in 1927, at the top of the headland and facing the sea.
Puffins
they nest in the cliffs, with arctic terns, from late April to mid-August.
Kötlutangi
on the sands east of Dyrhólaey, the southernmost point of mainland Iceland.
Reynisfjara
the black sand beach a few minutes' drive away; read about the waves first in Reynisfjara.
Practical info
Tips
- There are two areas. The lower lot is near the beach, with easy access and restrooms in summer; the upper lot is beside the lighthouse and the arch. The walk between them is about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) each way, with a steady incline. The turn-off from Route 1 is well signposted. The access road is gravel, with a steep, narrow section up to the upper viewpoint that can be rough; a two-wheel-drive car is fine in summer if you drive slowly. In winter the upper road is often closed because of ice and wind. During nesting season, both areas are open daily from 09:00 to 19:00, and from 19:00 to 09:00 the upper area around the lighthouse is fully closed, while the lower area usually stays open with restricted hours. Outside the nesting season, there is no entrance fee. Check the signs at the entrance, since dates change from year to year. Wind on the headland can be much stronger than at road level, so secure car doors and hats, and keep well back from the cliff edges. A permit is needed for camping inside the nature reserve, and drones may not fly within 200 m of bird cliffs in nesting season. In 1993 a pilot flew a light plane through the arch, which gives an idea of its size. Combine this stop with Vík, Skógafoss and South Coast tours; to see puffins by boat, see Iceland puffin tour. The Discover Cars page for Iceland is linked in the box above.
How to get there
From Route 1, take the signposted turn-off about 5 km west of Vík; the road climbs to the headland. From Reykjavik, Vík is about 190 km.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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