Dyrhólaey, Nature reserve on southern coast, Iceland
Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve on Iceland's southern coast, dominated by a 120-meter-high headland. Its most striking feature is a massive natural arch carved by the sea over countless centuries of erosion and wave action.
The area gained maritime importance during the late 19th century when a lighthouse was built on the headland. This structure became essential for guiding ships safely along this dangerous section of Iceland's coastline.
The name Dyrhólaey comes from Icelandic words meaning "door hole hill," referring to the large stone arch that cuts through the land. This distinctive feature has made it a defining landmark for people in the region.
The area is closed during certain seasons, particularly in summer for bird nesting protection. Visitors should always check current access conditions beforehand and prepare for unpredictable weather common at this exposed coastal location.
The natural arch is large enough for small boats to navigate through it during calm sea conditions, giving the place a rare geological characteristic. This phenomenon allows visitors to witness water passing completely through a stone formation, an uncommon sight in coastal landscapes.
Address: 871, Iceland
Phone: +3544871480
Website: https://south.is/is/stadur/dyrholaey
GPS coordinates: 63.40131,-19.11835
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Iceland is an island shaped by ice and fire. Glaciers cover much of the interior while geothermal areas show that something is always happening beneath the surface. The landscapes here look different from most places: black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity, fjords cutting deep into the coast, waterfalls dropping over cliffs and canyons with moss covered walls. Vatnajökull in the southeast is Europe's largest glacier, while smaller ice caps like Snæfellsjökull or Drangajökull have their own character. Reykjavik sits by the ocean and mixes city life with access to nature. The Harpa concert hall stands by the harbor, Hallgrímskirkja church rises above the rooftops, and along the shore you find the Sólfar sculpture. Lake Tjörnin lies in the center of town. Outside the city, routes lead to natural sites: the Blue Lagoon with its milky blue water, Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, Gullfoss waterfall where a river plunges into a canyon. The southern coast shows different faces. Near Vík there is Reynisfjara beach with its basalt columns and black sand, and not far away the cliff at Dyrhólaey. Diamond Beach near Hornafjörður is scattered with ice chunks washed up by the sea. In the north, Lake Mývatn attracts visitors with its volcanic surroundings, while the Westfjords with the Hornstrandir reserve and the red sand of Rauðasandur beach belong to the more remote parts of the country. The Ring Road connects most of these places and circles the entire island.
Eyjafjallajökull
35.2 km
Seljalandsfoss
49.3 km
Katla
25.7 km
Skógafoss
24.4 km
Reynisdrangar
4.3 km
Eyjafjallajökull
35.6 km
Mýrdalsjökull
29.6 km
Laugavegur
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Seljavallalaug
30.5 km
Sólheimajökull
19.2 km
Gljufrafoss
49.5 km
Torfajökull
53.7 km
Tindfjallajökull
49.9 km
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
615 m
Maelifell
45.2 km
Merkjárfoss
52.3 km
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
13.9 km
Kvernufoss
23 km
Gígjökull
37.9 km
Reynisfjall
5.7 km
Valahnúkur
37.5 km
Einhyrningur
41.6 km
Markarfljótsgljúfur
41.5 km
Þórðarfoss
52.6 km
Írárfoss
40.4 km
Álftaversgígar
36.4 km
Hálsanefshellir cave
3.6 km
Vík í Mýrdal Church
6.1 kmReviews
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