Dyrhólaey

Background

History & Background

The name Dyrhólaey means 'Door Hill Island' referring to the massive sea arch cut through the volcanic rock promontory. The arch stands about 120 meters tall and was formed by wave erosion over millions of years. The site is a protected nature reserve and puffins nest in the cliffs from May to August each year. The lighthouse at the top of Dyrhólaey was built in 1910 and still operates today.

Dyrhólaey combines geology, birdlife and some of the widest coastal views in South Iceland. The headland was formed by volcanic activity beneath the sea or ice late in the glacial period, and waves later carved the huge arch that gives the place its name. From the upper and lower viewpoints, visitors can look west across long black-sand beaches, east toward Reynisfjara and Reynisdrangar, and inland toward Mýrdalsjökull. The area has been protected as a nature reserve since 1978. Bird nesting is taken seriously: parts of the reserve can close or operate with restricted hours during the spring nesting season, and the exact dates can change from year to year. The upper road is steep and can also close in winter because of ice or severe wind. Visitors should therefore follow the current signs at the entrance rather than rely on fixed historic closure dates.