Dyrhólaey

South Coast, Iceland
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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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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

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  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

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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.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Excellent phone coverage
Great phone coverage without interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

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.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 30 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
< 30 km

Permits

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You need a two-way permit.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit
The area is a part of Katla UNESCO Global Geopark.
Property owner unknown

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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