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large colony of puffins nests on Dyrholaey (roughly from May to mid-August). This is one of the best places to observe them, unless you plan to go to the West Fjords (e.g., to Latrabjarg)
Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula that is the southernmost part of “main” Iceland. It is also home to the famous black beach, Kirkjufjara.
The picturesque arch of Dyrholaey
The Dyrholaey peninsula itself is tiny, but its attraction lies in the massive rock arch (of the same name), located in the southernmost part of the peninsula. A narrow spur of rock juts out from the cape to the south, directly into the Atlantic Ocean, with steep perpendicular cliffs on both sides. It is one of the area’s most recognizable attractions.
From the top of the Dyrhólaey boardwalk, you can enjoy stunning views of the local black beaches, surrounded by sparkling Atlantic waves on one side and distant mountain landscapes on the other. In good weather, even the Mýrdalsjökull glacier can be seen from Dyrhólaey. To the east, Dyrholaey is adjacent to one of the most famous beaches in Iceland – Reynisfjara And it is from Dyrholaey that it has perhaps the most beautiful views.
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large colony of puffins nests on Dyrholaey (roughly from May to mid-August). This is one of the best places to observe them, unless you plan to go to the West Fjords (e.g., to Latrabjarg)
On top of Dyrhólaey stands Dyrhólaeyjarviti, a beautiful old lighthouse with a square concrete tower. Its construction was completed in 1927.
In 1993, a daring pilot flew through the interior of the Dyrhólaey arch. Small boats have also successfully passed through the opening.
Dyrhólaey is also home to many species of birds. The most popular is Iceland’s favorite resident, the migratory common masconur. Although many maskonurs are not afraid of humans, do not try to touch them. Remember that they are wild animals and treat them with respect.
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efore Dyrhólaey became part of the mainland, it was an island of volcanic origin.
Dangerous Kirkjufjara beach
Most tourist attractions in Iceland are easily accessible and relatively safe. However, there are also some where it is difficult to stay safe. One such place is precisely the black volcanic beach of Kirkjufjara.
Kirkjufjara is a small black volcanic beach, picturesquely tucked between the rocks of the cape. It provides beautiful views and great photo opportunities. Unfortunately, especially at high tide, it is a very narrow beach. There are only a few meters from the vertical cliffs to the ocean, and at high tide the water can reach all the way to the rocks themselves. The cliffs are also an additional danger, and due to strong winds, they can break and slide.
The combination of an attractive but dangerous place and the wild open ocean has unfortunately led to several fatal accidents. One of these occurred in January 2017. Angry waves swept away a German family relaxing in Iceland. Although the husband and teenage children managed to save themselves, the wife perished in the ocean waters. Since then, the beach has not been accessible to tourists.
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he parking lot at Kirkjufjara has a very nice view of the other famous beach – Reynsfjara and the distinctive Arnardrangur rock. It is a very nice view and worth coming here to see.
Dyrhólaey and Kirkjufjara – practical information
Access to the parking lot at Kirkjufjara is easy and suitable for all types of cars. The parking lot is located at the end of Road 218, about 5 km west of Vik. The exit from Road 1 is clearly marked.
If you have a 4×4 vehicle and the weather is nice and scenic, you can also drive up the steep gravel road to the higher parking lot, at the Dyrhólaeyjarviti lighthouse; without a 4×4, you have to walk there (about 1 km) from the parking lot at Kirkjufjara.
Access to Dyrhólaey may be limited during spring and summer (during the breeding season of the peninsula’s resident birds). E.g., from May 8 to June 25, you can visit the area only from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Make sure to wear appropriate clothing that protects you from gusty winds, especially if you visit the peninsula in autumn or winter.
