A former island located ten minutes drive from Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, Dyrhólaey can be literally translated as “the hill island with the door hole.” The door hole refers to Dyrhólaey’s famous stone arch, which was eroded over time by the sea.Nowadays, it is possible for visitors to walk across the arch with caution.
Dyrhólaey is divided into a higher and a lower section.
The upper terrain offers a panoramic view of the ocean, with the Mýrdalskjökull glacier visible to the north, and Reynisdrangar sea-stacks to the east.
The mountains and glacier of Eyjafallajökull are also visible to the northeast.
The lower section offers visitors the opportunity to see some dramatic views—the ocean’s constantly changing vista presents a breathtaking experience amongst the rocky paths of the area.
An imposing basalt pile named Arnardrangur, otherwise known as Eagle Rock, which earned its name from the locally nesting eagles there prior to 1850, can also be seen looming out of the ocean.
Built in 1910 andfirst lit in 1927, a beautiful white lighthouse with a red lantern is now available for tours. Controlled from Reykjavík, its light is still used in guiding ships on the south coast. The lighthouse has been transformed by interior designer Guðbjörg Magnúsdóttir into a boutique hotel.
The hotel accommodates up to five visitors at a time between the 10th of August and the 31st of October each year. It is an especially spectacular location when the Northern Lights are visible.
As of 1978, the area is a protected natural reserve following its development as a nesting site for birds. The nesting season takes place during the spring and summer times, which limits access to the higher parts of Dyrhólaey.
Ten minutes drive from Vík, Dyrhólaey is named after a stone arch that was eroded by the ocean from the mainland over time. With an upper and lower section, the place offers views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks from the black lava, and the mountains and glacier of Eyjafjallajökull. A luxurious lighthouse-turned-boutique hotel is available for tours and for reservations for up to five visitors at a time. A protected natural reserve, Dyrhólaey is a site for nesting birds between the spring and summer times.
Let’s hear it from you!
Name: Jen
Age: 33
From: Canada
What brings you to Iceland?
“My friend found a cheap flight,” Jen explains. “She asked me, ‘Do you want to come along?’
How could I have said no to an Icelandic adventure? I have a couple of friends who just visited
and that set the excitement for us.”
What are your best experiences so far?
“This place itself is extraordinary, we have nothing like it back in Canada,” Jen exclaims.
“The food, the waterfalls in the surrounding area, and the loop tour have been some of our best
experiences so far. You can do so much in just a short time while you are here.”
Why did you decide to visit Dyrhólaey?
“I had a friend who had taken some pictures and I thought to myself, I just have to visit this
place. Now that I have, I am convinced we are out of this world because it looks like we are not
even on planet Earth anymore. It looks like we’re on the moon!” Jen says, laughing.
Name: Graham
From: Scotland
What drew you to visit Dyrhólaey?
Carefully covering his camera, Graham cheerfully answers above the roar of the wind, “I’ve
been here once before, mainly for my photography. My brother is here with me this time.”
He gestures to his brother with a smile, who gives a wee wave from beneath his soaked raincoat as
the rain continues belligerently pour down on us. “He’s ever been to Iceland before so I’m taking
the chance to show him around,” the photographer explains.
What is your best experience in Iceland so far?
“The mountains over Höfn,” Graham answers after a moment of reflection. “They have
incredible landscapes and the scenery is fantastic. I would have loved to have gone hiking but
the weather is a bit rough at the moment.”
Is there anywhere you haven’t yet visited that you would like to go?
“Yes, I’d like to go to the islands,” Graham says. “If I could, I would want to spend a week or more time there.”
What do you recommend for visitors to Iceland?
“Just enjoy it,” Graham quickly responds. He then adds, “But don’t overstep the regulations and
make sure to take care of the land.”
Meet a local!
Name: Þráinn Sigurðsson
From: Ölfus
Occupation: Paragliding and ziplining instructor
What would you recommend for visitors to do when visiting Dyrhólaey?
“I would recommend doing something unusual. Most people visit the waterfalls and the Golden
Circle tours when they come to visit the South Coast, which is very nice, but there are different
types of locations and activities that are not as crowded,” he says. “Paragliding, for example, will
provide a unique experience and perspective for the trip.”
When is the best time to visit the South Coast of Iceland?
“There used to be specific times to visit the South Coast, but now there are things to do
activities all year round,” Þráinn adds. “Besides t ze sightseeing, we also offer ziplining now
since opening for the first time last winter.”