When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. However, each season offers unique beauty.

Is this place wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by location. Major tourist sites often have paved paths, while more remote areas may require hiking.

Do I need to book in advance?

Most natural attractions in Iceland are open access and free. No booking is needed unless it involves a guided tour.

Iceland/south-iceland

Dyrholaey

Dyrhólaey is a small rocky peninsula and nature reserve on Iceland's South Coast, famous for its arch — large enough that small planes have famously flown throu…

At a Glance

Visit time

30–60 minutes

Best season

May–June for puffins, closed during nesting (May 1 – June 25 some years)

Access

10 km west of Vík on Route 218. Parking at upper and lower viewpoints.

GPS

63.3988, -19.1266

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About

About Dyrholaey

Dyrhólaey is a small rocky peninsula and nature reserve on Iceland's South Coast, famous for its arch — large enough that small planes have famously flown through it — and as one of the best puffin-watching locations in Iceland.

Excellent puffin viewing location during summer months

Photos

Photo Gallery

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.

Dyrholaey is one of the most interesting natural attractions in south-iceland of Iceland.

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Dyrhólaey — 'The Hill that Has a Doorway' — is a volcanic headland southwest of Vík with a natural stone arch large enough to fly a small aircraft through, which Icelandic pilots famously used to do. The cliff is Iceland's southernmost point and hosts some of the country's largest puffin colonies in summer. The view from the lighthouse on top encompasses the entire South Coast — Reynisfjara beach, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Mýrdalsjökull glacier and on clear days, the Katla caldera beyond. The headland closes mid-May through mid-June during nesting season to protect the birds.

💡 Did You Know?

The name means 'door hill island' because of the massive rock arch large enough for boats

Local Legend

Legends of Dyrholaey

Dyrholaey has been part of Icelandic folklore for generations. Local tales speak of hidden people (huldufólk) and other supernatural beings who inhabit the area. According to tradition, this place deserves respect and visitors should be mindful of the ancient spirits who call it home.

Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Dyrhólmar

Dyrhólmar is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Grettis saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.