We envy Birna Vidarsdottir. She lives on a farm right next to Dyrholaey, the village of Vík and to Reynisfjara beach. All great destinations in and by themselves. She took the above picture of the lighthouse at Dyrholaey just a year ago. The lighthouse was originally built in 1927 and helped to keep shipping along the stormy southern shore safe for decades. Those who share our lighthouse fetish can check out the list of Icelandic lighthouses on Wikipedia.

 

Dyrholaey with lighthouse on top.
Dyrholaey with lighthouse on top.

 

The Impressive View

Dyrholaey itself is a promontory which has a great view of the Myrdalsjokull glacier which covers the massive volcano Katla and of course the black lava columns of Reynisdrangar. Standing up there while watching the raging sea pound the black beach at Reynisfjara is pretty awesome. Please be careful at the edge, always watch your step!

Free road trip plans with maps

Day-by-day plans for the four drives most people take, each on an interactive map with where to sleep, fuel stops, waterfalls and reader discounts along the way. Built for a relaxed pace, not a race.

See all road trip plans

Map of hot springs, spas and pools

Every lagoon, wild hot spring and town pool in Iceland on one map. Find warm water near you, and see which spas give my readers a discount.

  • 57 places to soak
  • % Reader discounts
Open the hot springs map
The view of Reynisfjara Black Beach from Dyrholaey promontory in Iceland.
The view of Reynisfjara Black Beach from Dyrholaey promontory in Iceland.

 

Other nearby attractions include Solheimajokull glacier and the large cave of Loftsalahellir in the southwest side of Geitafjall Mountain. Birna has also photographed the promontory from many angles. One of her photographs is through the opening of Loftsalahellir cave. It is kind of cool!

Dyrholaey seen from Loftsalahellir cave.
Dyrholaey seen from Loftsalahellir cave.

How to get there?

From Reykjavik drive on highway 1 until you turn on road 218.