Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey, meaning Door Hill Island, is a 120-metre volcanic promontory on Iceland's South Coast about 10 kilometres west of Vík. It is best known for its massive natural rock arch, wide enough for small boats to pass through, which was carved by wave action over thousands of years. The promontory is a protected nature reserve and one of the most accessible puffin-watching sites in Iceland, with colonies nesting on the clifftops from May through August. From the top, views extend across Reynisfjara black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
A Volcanic Arch Above the South Coast, with Puffins on the Cliff Edge
Dyrhólaey formed during an underwater volcanic eruption approximately 80,000 to 100,000 years ago and was originally an island. It is divided into two sections: Háey (the High Island) at the western end, made of tuff and basalt from the eruption, and Lágey (the Low Island) to the east, where pillow lava and columnar basalt are exposed at the cliff base. Over time the promontory became connected to the mainland. The arch at its tip was carved by centuries of Atlantic wave action and is large enough for small boats to pass beneath. In 1993 a light aircraft famously flew through the arch. The arch was until 1918 the southernmost point of the Icelandic mainland, a distinction that now belongs to the Kötlutangi sandur created by the Katla eruption of that year. A lighthouse has operated at Dyrhólaey since 1910; the current white concrete tower was built in 1927 and stands 13 metres tall on the highest point of the promontory.
Dyrhólaey was designated a nature reserve in 1978, partly to protect the large seabird colonies that nest on the cliffs. Atlantic puffins are the main draw from May through August, nesting in burrows on the grassy clifftops and visible from both the upper and lower viewing areas. Access to parts of the promontory is restricted during early nesting season, typically from mid-May to late June, between 6pm and 9am, to minimise disturbance. The upper parking area and road to the lighthouse require a 4WD or may be restricted in poor weather conditions. Other nesting species include fulmars, eider ducks, and Arctic terns.
Dyrhólaey is accessed via Route 218, turning south off the Ring Road approximately 10 kilometres west of Vík. The road forks into two parking areas: a lower lot near the basalt cliffs giving views of the arch and Reynisfjara, and an upper lot near the lighthouse giving the broadest panorama. Entry and parking are free. Dyrhólaey is about 175 kilometres from Reykjavik, roughly a 2-hour drive, and is a standard stop on South Coast self-drive itineraries and guided day tours. Reynisfjara black sand beach is 10 to 15 minutes east by car.
