Your Guide to Dyrhólaey: Sea Arch and Viewpoint in South Iceland
Dyrhólaey is a famous viewpoint on Iceland’s South Coast. It has a large natural sea arch, tall cliffs, and wide views of the ocean and black sand beaches. In summer, many puffins nest here. It’s one of the most popular and beautiful spots to visit in South Iceland.
Keep reading to see why Dyrhólaey deserves a spot on your journey. Also, browse our Iceland summer tours for well-curated experiences.
Why Dyrhólaey Is a Must-See in South Iceland
Rising 120 m (394 ft) above the Atlantic, Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve captures the wild spirit of Iceland’s South Coast. Once known as Cape Portland, its Icelandic name means “door hill island” — a reference to the sea arch carved into the cliffs. Formed about 100,000 years ago by a submarine volcanic eruption, the headland is built of basalt and volcanic tuff and was later joined to the mainland as sea levels fell.
From the cliffs, you can see endless black sands, the Mýrdalsjökull glacier on clear days, and in winter, even the Northern Lights above the lighthouse. Add puffins in summer, and it’s clear why Dyrhólaey is a South Coast highlight.
Best Viewpoints and Photography Spots at Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey offers two main viewpoints, each with its own character and rewards.
The Upper Viewpoint – Lighthouse and Panoramas
The whitewashed lighthouse has stood here since 1927. From its perch, you’ll get sweeping views of Reynisfjara Beach to the east, Mýrdalsjökull to the north, and the Atlantic below.
The Lower Viewpoint – Arch, Arnardrangur, and Puffins
Straight along Road 218 lies the lower viewpoint, where the sea arch dominates the horizon and Arnardrangur, a striking sea stack, rises offshore. Puffins nest here in summer, making it a favorite birdwatching spot. At low tide, you can also walk the black sands to discover caves and rock formations.
Wildlife and Nesting Season: Puffins and Seabirds
From May to August, thousands of puffins return to Dyrhólaey to nest along the grassy clifftops, making it one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland. Early morning or evening is the best time to see them as they return from fishing trips. Other seabirds thrive here too, including eider ducks, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, and the fiercely protective Arctic terns — famous for dive-bombing anyone too close to their nests!
How to Get to Dyrhólaey from Reykjavik and Vik
Dyrhólaey is easy to reach along Iceland’s famous Ring Road (Route 1). From Reykjavík, Dyrhólaey is about a 2.5-3 hour drive (180 km / 112 mi) southeast. From Vík, it’s just 20 minutes (18 km / 11 mi) west.
Turn off at Road 218 and choose between:
- Continuing straight to the lower viewpoint for the arch, sea stack, and cliffside trails
- Or turning right up the steep switchback road to reach the upper viewpoint
Tours That Stop at Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a popular stop on many South Coast tours. Classic day trips from downtown Reykjavík combine it with Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara, while multi-day tours often pair it with the Golden Circle. If you want to linger longer at your top spots, you can always book privately guided tours.
For road-trippers, Dyrhólaey also fits easily into self-drive itineraries. The 4-Day South Iceland Highlights Self-Drive Tour is a fantastic option that takes in Dyrhólaey along with waterfalls, glaciers, and the famous black sand beaches, while still giving you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is stunning, but the cliffs, winds, and wildlife make it a place where you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s how to enjoy your visit safely and comfortably:
- Visit in the morning or evening: Doing so offers fewer crowds, softer light, and better chances of spotting puffins.
- Check for closures: Sections of Dyrhólaey may close in May-June to protect nesting birds. Always check local signs before going.
- Hold car doors firmly: Winds here are powerful and can yank doors wide open unexpectedly.
- Wear sturdy shoes: The ground is rocky, especially along the cliffside trails.
- Dress in layers: The weather changes quickly, so pack waterproof clothing.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens: Ideal for viewing puffins and seabirds, while a wide-angle lens captures the cliffs and arch.
Experiencing the Beauty of Dyrhólaey
With its soaring cliffs, vast black sand beaches, and the sea arch carved by the Atlantic, Dyrhólaey feels like the South Coast at its most unforgettable. In summer, puffins fill the skies; in winter, the lighthouse becomes a backdrop for the Northern Lights.
Spend even a short time here, and you’ll understand why travelers leave, calling it one of the highlights of their trip. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our South Iceland tours today and discover the best things to see and do in the South Coast!
