How to Visit Reynisfjara & Dyrhólaey on Your Own

Why is Reynisfjara beach special?

Iceland’s not short of scenic beaches, from the red sands of Rauðasandur in the Westfjords to the gorgeous reflections in the wet sand near Vestrahorn in the east. South Iceland’s standout strip is Reynisfjara, a delightful stretch of black volcanic sand backed by a fabulous cave flanked by towering basalt columns.

That’s not all: just out to sea beyond the headland is Reynisdrangar, a craggy cluster of sea stacks that rise majestically from the turbulent ocean. Legends abound, not least the one that claims these are the petrified remains of trolls who attempted to wreck a ship but were caught out by the rising sun, which turned them to stone.

Taken together, it’s no surprise that this is a popular stop for organised tours and visitors who are road tripping independently along the south coast. The information board at the head of the beach gives you the necessary context to make sense of it all, but the real joy in being here is simply to applaud the work of Mother Nature.

What are sneaker waves, and why should they cause an issue?

Iceland’s location in the middle of the windy North Atlantic means that it’s no stranger to being battered by strong waves. You could even say that this wild weather is part of its appeal. The reality is that some parts of its coastline are more exposed than others, and where the next piece of land is thousands of miles away, the waves are characterised by a long fetch.

Sneaker waves build up over the open ocean and are so-named as they take people by surprise. Even on a calm day, these large and powerful breakers can reach the shore immediately after a run of much smaller waves, catching unawares anyone unlucky enough to be in their path. 

These sneaker waves are powerful enough to knock an adult off their feet. Coupled with the strong currents off the coast in this part of South Iceland, it’s extremely difficult for anyone affected to get back on their feet and move to a safer place. It goes without saying that no member of the emergency services should have to risk their own life to rescue someone in trouble.

For this reason, there’s no lifeguard, and visitors are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions while on the beach. A traffic light system has been installed, and the beach has been divided into specific areas. Red means access to the shore is prohibited, while amber means proceed with caution. Even when a green light is showing, travellers should be vigilant of their surroundings and avoid unnecessary risk-taking.

Team Reynisfjara with Dyrhólaey

While you’re still west of Vik, it’s also worth considering a visit to Dyrhólaey. This rocky headland juts out to sea, allowing visitors to admire a huge hole right through the middle of it that has been eroded by the waves. In fact its name translates as “the hilly island with the door hole”. Once, a pilot flew a small aircraft through it, though such daredevil antics aren’t recommended. 

The 120-metre-high promontory is a stunning sight in itself, but there are other reasons to include it in your itinerary. The views from it back to the mainland and along the coast are splendid. From it, you have a super view of Mýrdalsjökull and also of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Dyrhólaey is also a nature reserve, and the opportunities for bird watching here shouldn’t be underestimated. Eider ducks and puffins are among the many species found here; Arctic terns also congregate here in significant numbers. You might also spot fulmar, greylag geese, kittiwakes, gulls, guillemots, and skua. Some birds are seasonal visitors – such as puffins – so if there’s a particular one you’re hoping to see, make sure you time it right.

Practical information 

It’s easy to slot Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey into a south coast road trip. Both are close to the ring road and clearly signed. Coming from Reykjavik, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours; if you reach Vik, you’ve gone too far. Expect to pay 1000 ISK via Parka to leave your car in the parking area at Reynisfjara. There are two parking areas at Dyrhólaey; the lower one (Lágey) is easiest with a 2WD vehicle, while the upper one (Háey) is for the more adventurous. 

FAQ

How far is Reynisfjara beach from Reykjavik

It’s about a 2.5-hour drive (180 km) from Reykjavik, straight along the Ring Road heading southeast.

How to pronounce Reynisfjara

It’s pronounced "RAY-nis-fyah-rah". Don’t worry—locals will appreciate the effort!

What is Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a famous black sand beach in South Iceland, known for its dramatic basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful waves.

Can you see puffins in Dyrholaey

Yes! Puffins nest at Dyrhólaey in summer, usually from May to August. It’s one of the best puffin-watching spots in Iceland.

Can you drive up to dyrhólaey

Yes, you can! There are two parking areas—one is easy for regular cars, and the other is better for 4x4s due to the steep, rough road.