Dyrhólaey: South Iceland’s Most Awe-Inspiring Viewpoint

Ten minutes drive from Vík, Dyrhólaey is named after a stone arch that was eroded by the ocean from the mainland over time. With an upper and lower section, the place offers views of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks from the black lava, and the mountains and glacier of Eyjafjallajökull. A luxurious lighthouse-turned-boutique hotel is available for tours and for reservations for up to five visitors at a time. A protected natural reserve, Dyrhólaey is a site for nesting birds between the spring and summer times.

Let’s hear it from you!

Name: Jen
Age: 33
From: Canada

What brings you to Iceland? “My friend found a cheap flight,” Jen explains. “She asked me, ‘Do you want to come along?’ How could I have said no to an Icelandic adventure? I have a couple of friends who just visited and that set the excitement for us.”

What are your best experiences so far? “This place itself is extraordinary, we have nothing like it back in Canada,” Jen exclaims. “The food, the waterfalls in the surrounding area, and the loop tour have been some of our best experiences so far. You can do so much in just a short time while you are here.”

Why did you decide to visit Dyrhólaey? “I had a friend who had taken some pictures and I thought to myself, I just have to visit this place. Now that I have, I am convinced we are out of this world because it looks like we are not even on planet Earth anymore. It looks like we’re on the moon!” Jen says, laughing.

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Name: Graham
From: Scotland

What brings you to Iceland? “My friend found a cheap flight,” Jen explains. “She asked me, ‘Do you want to come along?’ How could I have said no to an Icelandic adventure? I have a couple of friends who just visited and that set the excitement for us.”

What drew you to visit Dyrhólaey? Carefully covering his camera, Graham cheerfully answers above the roar of the wind, “I’ve been here once before, mainly for my photography. My brother is here with me this time.” He gestures to his brother with a smile, who gives a wee wave from beneath his soaked raincoat as the rain continues belligerently pour down on us. “He’s never been to Iceland before so I’m taking the chance to show him around,” the photographer explains.

What is your best experience in Iceland so far? “The mountains over Höfn,” Graham answers after a moment of reflection. “They have incredible landscapes and the scenery is fantastic. I would have loved to have gone hiking but the weather is a bit rough at the moment.”

Is there anywhere you haven’t yet visited that you would like to go? “Yes, I’d like to go to the islands,” Graham says. “If I could, I would want to spend a week or more time there.”

What do you recommend for visitors to Iceland?“Just enjoy it,” Graham quickly responds. He then adds, “But don’t overstep the regulations and make sure to take care of the land.”

Meet a local!

Name: Þráinn Sigurðsson
From: Ölfus
Occupation: Paragliding and ziplining instructor

What would you recommend for visitors to do when visiting Dyrhólaey? “I would recommend doing something unusual. Most people visit the waterfalls and the Golden Circle tours when they come to visit the South Coast, which is very nice, but there are different types of locations and activities that are not as crowded,” he says. “Paragliding, for example, will provide a unique experience and perspective for the trip.”

When is the best time to visit the South Coast of Iceland? “There used to be specific times to visit the South Coast, but now there are things to do activities all year round,” Þráinn adds. “Besides the sightseeing, we also offer ziplining now since opening for the first time last winter.”