Dyrholaey

Dyrholaey is a headland of dark rock standing above the black sand of Iceland's south coast, and its name means door hill: the sea has punched an arch through the promontory large enough for a small boat to pass. There are two levels. The lower one looks east along the beach towards the Reynisdrangar sea stacks; the upper one, reached by a steep gravel track, carries a lighthouse and views inland to the Myrdalsjokull ice cap. In early summer puffins nest in the turf along the cliff edge and are visible without binoculars. Parts of the reserve close during nesting, and the upper road is often shut in wind or ice.

What you actually see

• The sea arch - the hole eroded through the promontory, seen best from the upper level.
• The lighthouse - the squat tower on the high plateau, with views to Myrdalsjokull.
• Puffins on the turf - nesting birds along the cliff edge from roughly May to August.
• The black coast - the beach running east towards the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

When to go

June and July for puffins, which come ashore in late spring and leave in August. Sunset light works here because the headland faces open sea. Check the closure notices before driving up: the reserve restricts access during the nesting period, and the upper track is closed in strong wind, which is common on this coast.

Honest expectations

The upper road is steep, rutted gravel and unsuitable for small rental cars; plenty of people are turned back. Wind on the plateau is genuinely strong and the cliff edges are undercut with no railings. Closures during nesting season catch visitors out. The lower car park is often full with coaches in the middle of the day.

Nearby

Reynisfjara beach and the village of Vik are minutes away along the ring road.