Exploring Dyrhólaey Peninsula – Puffins, Lighthouse and Lava Arch

Dyrhólaey, a promontory close to Vík in southeast Iceland, is one of the country’s most stunning coastal landscapes. Once an island, this dramatic peninsula now offers sweeping views of sea stacks, arches, and endless black sand beaches. The iconic Dyrhólaey Lighthouse stands atop the cliffs, watching over the wild Atlantic, while puffins and eider ducks nest in the craggy rocks. On clear days, the views stretch for miles, but Dyrhólaey is a stunning destination even in stormy weather.

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Split into two halves, Dyrhólaey has the exposed area around the lighthouse and sea arch to explore as well as the lower area with views to Eagle Rock and the sheltered puffin burrows. If the conditions are not ideal then stick to the puffins and Eagle Rock!

The Dyrhólaey Lava Arch

Dyrhólaey means “Door Hill Island,” and it perfectly describes this feature. It refers to the enormous lava arch that dominates the coastline. The black lava arch rises 120 meters (393 feet) in the centre of the peninsula. The arch was shaped by the relentless power of the sea. Over time, the waves eroded the rock until a hole formed in the middle.

Once an island known as Cape Portland it is now joined to the mainland. In calm conditions, walking the bridge is possible, but it is far better to observe it from a distance. The best view is from the cliffs by the lighthouse.

On calm days, the ocean’s turquoise waters shimmer beneath the arch. The view from the top of the cliffs is breathtaking, with the black sand beach stretching westward toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, visible when the clouds part.

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse – Dyrhólaeyjarviti

Perched on the highest point of the promontory is the whitewashed Dyrhólaey Lighthouse (Dyrhólaeyjarviti). Established in 1910 and completed in 1927, this castle-like tower provides a perfect lookout point over the wild coastline and the lava arch below.

It’s particularly photogenic in all weather conditions, whether shrouded in storm clouds or glowing in the sunset. The lighthouse emits a white light every 10 seconds, guiding ships around Iceland’s southernmost point.

Endless Beach Viewpoint

At the far western tip of the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, Endless Beach Viewpoint offers an extraordinary perspective from the 120-metre-high cliffs. Known also as Dyrhólaey Beach, the sweeping black sand stretches endlessly along the coast, with a vibrant moss-covered lava field reaching towards the sea, creating a striking contrast.

The view from this headland is stunning. The expansive black sand beach, framed by the white froth of crashing waves, naturally draws your eye toward the towering Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in the distance. On a clear day, you may even catch sight of the Westman islands on the horizon, adding to the dramatic scenery.

Arnardrangur -Eagle Rock

To the lower section of Dyrhólaey, you’ll find Arnardrangur, a tall and rugged sea stack known as Eagle Rock. Named for the eagles that once nested here, this imposing formation rises from the ocean like a sentinel, battered by the elements. On stormy days, the sea churns around it, and the surrounding cliffs and beaches feel desolate, with fog and rain often adding a mystical atmosphere.

Loftsalahellir Cave

Just a short detour off Road 218 on the way to Dyrhólaey, Loftsalahellir Cave is a quick stop. This small cave may not have the fame of other Icelandic sites, but it is quiet and secluded. The entrance is tucked into a hillside and is easily missed.

Historically, the cave was used as a shelter by farmers and travellers, and there are traces of ancient carvings on the walls, connecting it to Iceland’s past. It’s a peaceful place to pause and take in the serenity of Iceland’s wild southern coast before continuing on to the more dramatic vistas of Dyrhólaey.

Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks and Reynisfjara Beach

Looking eastward, the famous Reynisdrangar sea stacks can be seen just offshore from Reynisfjara Beach. These towering basalt columns are a key feature of the area’s landscape and according to Icelandic folklore, are trolls turned to stone.

While Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach lies just beneath the eastern side of the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, it’s not possible to access the beach directly from the cliffs. Instead, you need to take a 20-minute drive to reach the car park at the far end of the beach.

Formed by lava flows from a significant eruption of the Katla Volcano, the beach’s striking black sand results from the rapid cooling of volcanic rock as it meets the cold Atlantic Ocean.

When the tide is low you can explore the unique basalt column formations that make up the cliffs. Even on misty days, the contrast between the black sands and white sea foam creates a mesmerizing scene.

This beach is however dangerous with large ‘sneaker waves’. You should stay close to the perimeter of the beach and never turn your back to the sea.

Wildlife at Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a haven for birdlife, with puffins being the main attraction during the summer months (May to September). The promontory is one of the most accessible places in Iceland to see puffins up close. Even in stormy conditions, you can spot these comical birds pottering about on the cliffs. Eider ducks also call this area home, although they can be harder to spot.

Puffins at Dyrhólaey

The best place to spot puffins at Dyrhólaey is near the visitor centre, where well-marked paths and boardwalks lead to viewing areas close to the cliff edges.

Puffins can often be seen perched on the grassy banks, busy with their daily routines. The cliffs provide a perfect nesting ground, and it’s common to see them flying in and out of their burrows or taking off to dive for fish.

For birdwatchers and photographers, this area offers unobstructed views of the puffins against the dramatic backdrop of the black sand beaches and the ocean below.

Even in stormy or overcast weather, the puffins are still active, and the elevated viewpoints provide ample opportunities to observe and photograph them. Remember to stay on the designated paths and boardwalks to protect the nesting areas and ensure the puffins are undisturbed.

Map of things to do on Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Everything is within easy walking distance of the parking area, but facilities are limited. Plan ahead for food and fuel.

How to use this map – Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.  

Getting to Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey can be reached by road from Route 1 before reaching Vík. It is 2 hours and 30 minutes from Reykjavík and about 20 minutes from Vík.

Take Road 218 past the small Loftsalahellir Cave. There are two parking areas – upper and lower parking. Parking is free in both car parks but the toilets in the lower car park cost 200ISK payable by card. They are a 5-minute drive apart or a 25-minute walk along the cliffs.

Upper parking – This is a right turn off Road 218 and is quite steep and narrow in places. You can do it in a 2WD car, but take care in wet or snowy conditions. The parking area on the cliff top is where you will find the lighthouse, endless beach viewpoint and the walk to the lava arch. This car park is sometimes closed in the nesting season.

Lower parking – This is the main parking area and is close to Arnardrangur and views along Reynisfjara Beach. This is the best place to see puffins and they can be seen from the well-laid-out boardwalks.

• Off Road 218, 871, Iceland
• Visiting is restricted after 7pm from April until August
• Find the lighthouse on Google Maps
• Learn more on the South Iceland website

Tours to Dyrhólaey

If you don’t fancy driving in Iceland, several tours go to Dyrhólaey. A tour is great in the winter months when you want to see the landscape coated in snow without the responsibility of driving in less-than-ideal conditions.

South of Iceland full-day trip – This south coast tour from Reykjavík takes you along the coast of Iceland to Reynisfjara Beach. It allows you to experience nature at its best with waterfalls and black-sand beaches. The stops allow you time to walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss and go to the glacier snout at Sólheimajökull. The last stop before heading back to Reykjavík is at Reynisfjara Beach where you can see Dyrhólaey sea stacks at the end of the beach

Golden Circle and South Coast tour – This private tour from Reykjavík is slightly different. While it is more expensive, you can spend more time at each location and decide where to focus your exploring. This tour includes a stop at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Beach.