Dyrhólaey: Self-Drive Guide to Iceland’s Scenic South Coast

Perched on Iceland’s South Coast just a few minutes west of Vík, Dyrhólaey Peninsula is a dramatic headland famous for its sea arch, lighthouse views, puffin colonies, and sweeping vistas of black-sand beaches. Because public transport doesn’t reach the peninsula and guided tours only pause briefly, a self-drive itinerary is by far the best way to appreciate everything this coastal gem offers.

With a dependable vehicle from Blue Car Rental, you can linger for sunsets, detour to hidden viewpoints, and explore nearby landmarks at your own pace.

Why Visit Dyrhólaey by Rental Car?

Dyrhólaey sits three kilometres off the Ring Road on a steep, narrow access route. Timetables rarely align with the shifting South-Coast weather, so the flexibility of a rental car lets you

• time your visit for clear skies or golden light—if fog rolls in, explore nearby Vík or Reynisfjara first and return when visibility improves
  
  
• reach both car parks (lower beach and upper lighthouse) without fuss; the short gravel climb is far easier in a 4×4
  
  
• combine multiple highlights such as Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, or the Sólheimasandur plane wreck in a single, seamless loop
  
  

Before hitting the road, skim our guide on how to prepare for an Iceland driving trip and brush up on Icelandic road-sign basics so nothing catches you off-guard.

Getting There: Driving Directions & Parking

• Distance from Reykjavík: 178 km
  
  
• Drive time: 2 hr 25 min (Ring Road → Route 218)
  
  
• Road type: Paved until the last 120 m; upper road is steep gravel
  
  

From Reykjavík, cruise east on Route 1 past Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss—one of Iceland’s must-see waterfalls. Roughly 10 km before Vík, turn right onto Route 218 (Dyrhólavegur). You’ll first reach the lower car park at Kirkjufjara Beach; continue up the gravel switchback to the upper lot beside Dyrhólaey Lighthouse.

New to Icelandic rules of the road? Review which side we drive on and keep speeds low on gravel.

Top Sights on Dyrhólaey Peninsula

1. The Sea Arch

The natural rock arch that lends Dyrhólaey (“door-hill-island”) its name is visible from several angles on the upper promontory. On calm days, seabirds glide through the opening or perch on the rugged ledges.

2. Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

Built in 1927, this squat concrete beacon crowns Iceland’s southernmost mainland point. Walk the short loop around the cliff edge for panoramas stretching from Mýrdalsjökull glacier to Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

3. Puffin Viewing (May–August)

Each summer the grassy headland transforms into one of Iceland’s most accessible puffin colonies. Keep a respectful distance from cliff edges and use a zoom lens or binoculars to capture close-ups without disturbing the birds.

4. Kirkjufjara & Reynisfjara Beaches

From the lower lot, a path leads to Kirkjufjara’s windswept shore; drive or walk east to reach world-famous Reynisfjara. Obey safety signs and stay clear of sneaker waves—conditions can change in seconds.

A Perfect Half-Day Itinerary

1. Morning departure from Reykjavík. Stop at Seljalandsfoss for a quick walk behind the cascade.
   
   
2. Mid-day at Skógafoss, where you can climb the 370 stairs for top-down views.
   
   
3. Early afternoon arrival at Dyrhólaey. Explore the lower beach, then drive to the upper car park for puffins and the lighthouse trail.
   
   
4. Late afternoon at Reynisfjara for basalt-column photos and coffee at the beach café.
   
   
5. Evening in Vík—fill the tank, check into your accommodation, and watch sunset over the sea stacks.
   
   

With a rental car you can reverse the order or linger wherever weather and light are best.

Photography Tips

• Golden hours (one hour after sunrise, one before sunset) cast warm light on the arch and lighthouse—essential for dramatic shots.
  
  
• For puffins, bring a 200 mm lens minimum; stay still and let the birds come to you.
  
  
• A wide-angle lens (14–24 mm) captures the vast Atlantic backdrop and black-sand sweep below.
  
  

Practical Driving Tips for the Westfjords

Driving in the Westfjords is unlike driving elsewhere in Iceland. The roads are often narrow, winding, and remote—but that’s part of what makes this region such a rewarding self-drive destination.

Choose a 4×4 rental vehicle. While some main roads are paved, many scenic detours—such as the route to Látrabjarg cliffs or Rauðisandur Beach—are gravel, steep, or both. A 4×4 provides traction and peace of mind, particularly in shoulder seasons.

Drive with caution and keep an eye on the weather. Fog can roll in quickly, and mountain roads may be slick after rain. Always check road.is and SafeTravel.is for current conditions.

Fuel up when you can. Gas stations are limited in remote areas. Fill up in larger towns and never let the tank dip too low before the next leg.

Plan for limited connectivity. Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps, carry snacks, and pack warm layers just in case plans change.

Why Choose Blue Car Rental?

Blue Car Rental understands Icelandic roads better than anyone. Our fleet of rugged 4×4 SUVs conquers gravel ramps and high-wind coastal stretches with ease, and our online check-in plus key-box pickup means you can skip the counter and start exploring immediately. Over 85 percent of customers upgrade to our premium insurance package, which includes a liability waiver and roadside-assistance waiver that reduce excess costs to zero. Transparent pricing—backed by our Zero Worries policy—means no surprises at drop-off, only unlimited mileage and friendly local support.

Final Thoughts

Dyrhólaey packs staggering views, wildlife encounters, and dramatic geology into a compact peninsula—yet many travellers only glimpse it from a tour-bus window. With the independence of a Blue Car Rental vehicle, you can savour golden-hour light atop the sea arch, linger with puffins, and weave the headland into a larger South-Coast or Ring-Road adventure. Secure your rental today and let Iceland’s scenic coastline unfold on your terms.