Dyrhólaey

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Dyrhólaey is probably one of the most beautiful places in Iceland to get to know almost all of the country’s special features within just a few meters. The striking rock is the second southernmost point on the island and owes its name to its shape, which looks like an oversized gate in the middle of the sea and through which boats can even drive. As a frequently depicted motif, Dyrhólaey is known to most Iceland fans and should therefore definitely be included on a trip to Iceland.

The trail of history

Cape Dyrhólaey was formed about 80,000 years ago in a submarine volcanic eruption and over the course of thousands of years, wind and waves formed a large opening in the massive rocky cliff. It is due to this fact that today we also know the rocky cliff as Türlochinsel, or Door Hill Island, even though it is actually not an island, as the impressive cape is connected to the mainland by Road No. 218.

Also worth mentioning historically is the lighthouse on the cape, which was built in 1910 and expanded in 1927. Although it cannot be viewed from the inside, it is a nice photo opportunity and the view is breathtaking even without climbing the tower.

The area near Dyrhólaey has been protected since 1978.

Useful information

Most visitors visit Dyrhólaey either for the breathtakingly beautiful landscape or the feathered inhabitants. Many birds of different species use the rugged cliffs as a nesting place. Particularly popular are the puffins, also known as lundis in Icelandic, which often stay there in large colonies over the summer months and raise their offspring. These fascinating birds, which are somewhat reminiscent of penguins because of their black and white plumage and upright, somewhat clumsy-looking gait, are easy to observe on the Cape.

It is advisable not to get too close to the abyss, which can be up to 120 meters high, as the birds build sheltered burrows in the rocks and the ground could therefore be unstable. Sometimes parts of the rock are blocked off due to dangerous scree slopes, so barriers should not be ignored.

The best view of the nesting birds is along the path that leads from the lower parking lot up to the lighthouse. The path is rocky and should therefore only be attempted with good footwear. There is also a toilet at this lower starting point and the parking lot can be easily reached with a normal vehicle. The unpaved path to the upper parking lot at the lighthouse, however, is only accessible to off-road vehicles.

The view is beautiful from both the upper and lower parking lots. At the lower parking lot you have a great view of the black beach at Reynisfjara and the three striking Reynisdrangar rocks at Vík í Mýrdal. The large eagle rock Arnardrangur, which stands on the edge of the coast and where eagles are said to have once nested, is also impressive.
The upper parking lot is in the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse and offers a fantastic view of the large rock gate and the western black beach of Solheimafjara. This seems to last forever and anyone who appreciates the seemingly deserted nature of Iceland will no longer want to look away.

A visit to the cape is particularly worthwhile during the northern lights season because of the panoramic views.

How to get there?

The Dyrhólaey peninsula can be reached via road 218. Shortly before the destination there is a fork in the road. Straight ahead you reach the lower parking lot with a toilet, on the right an unpaved road leads up to the lighthouse – this route should only be chosen with an off-road vehicle and if the weather conditions are appropriate.

Conclusion:

Dyrhólaey offers many of Iceland’s attractions in one place. The view of the black sand beaches, the wild waves of the North Atlantic, the impressive volcanic rock formations and the puffins that definitely belong to Iceland are definitely worth at least one visit. If we ever end up in Iceland again, we will definitely visit this place again.