Dyrhólaey is a very versatile location. The peninsula is divided into two parts, the lower island and the higher island. The lower island is where you see the famous basalt arch, the black beach Kirkjufjara and Arnardrangur stack below on Reynisfjara beach. The area is a buffet of interesting basalt formations and graphic shapes in the rocks and the towering cliffs. The two black beaches on either side offer a fantastic contrast between the black beach and the peninsula with all its stacks and grassy hills. The higher island is an exceptional panoramic viewpoint for the area. To the east, you have great views of Reynisfjara beach and its stacks, Reynisdrangar, further out lies the vast Atlantic Ocean with the Westman Islands in the distance and inland, two great glaciers of the region. At the top of Dyrhólaey, there is an unusual lighthouse, very picturesque and unique.
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Accessibility
The area is on route no 1. After 6.5 km, you arrive at the furthest part of the cape. You must access the Arnardrangur stack from Reynisfjara beach. To access the Dyrhólaey beach, you must drive in the sand through a private land and need a permission to do both.
Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland, especially on the famous black sands.
Both islands have good, wide paths to various viewpoints.
Services nearby
There are many hotels and lodgings possibilities within 30 km radius of Dyrhólaey. The village of Vík is only 18 km away with shops, hotels, restaurants and other basic services. Nearest hospital is in Selfoss, 122 km away.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
As a popular filming location, there are many places within 5 km radius that can be used as a basecamp. Few farms are close by and could with permission accommodate basecamps. On the lower island, there is a small service house with basic toilet facilities. The parking lots are medium size, on both islands. Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
The cliffs are steep and unstable, with chance of rockfall and rockslides. It can get strenuous to work in the sand around the peninsula. The road to the higher island is very steep and should be considered dangerous in cold and freezing conditions. The cliffs are tuff and basalt rock so standing close to the edge is dangerous. Kirkjufjara beach is only accessible during low tide.
Visitors
Dyrhólaey is one of Iceland’s most visited places as it is a part of the highly popular south coast route. You would have to get a permission and a permit to close this location and it could easily be managed from the road.
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