
All about the infamous road to Dyrholaey Lighthouse
Iceland, europe
65 km
13 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Right near the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal on Iceland's south coast, you'll find the Dyrholaey Lighthouse, a true beauty perched on a cliff. This photogenic lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1927 and it offers incredible views of the North Atlantic.
Getting there is part of the fun! From the famous Ring Road (Route 1) heading east from Reykjavik, take road 218 (also known as Dyrholavegur road). It's only 6.5 km (4 miles) to the lighthouse, but be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride!
The road is a mix of paved and unpaved sections. The paved part crosses a tiny stretch in the middle of Dyrhólaós lake, so watch out, as it can sometimes flood after heavy rains or high tides. After rains, the unpaved part can turn into a muddy mess, so a 4WD is highly recommended to avoid getting stuck. And remember, winter can bring snow and ice, demanding extra caution. Heads up: access can be restricted during spring and summer due to nesting season. Enjoy the ride and the views!
Where is it?
All about the infamous road to Dyrholaey Lighthouse is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.1545, -16.5183
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 65 km
- Max Elevation
- 13 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.1545, -16.5183
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