Have you ever stepped across a wind gust and actually had your foot blown out from under you?
If not, head over to Dyrholaey, one of the most stunningly picturesque points we found on Iceland’s South Coast. The day we were initially scheduled to take our tour, all roads our of Reykjavík ended up closed due to high winds and icy roads – nasty combo.
Though we were only delayed by a day, and the roads were deemed safe, the wind was still beyond brutal, especially by the ocean. Happily, we both felt the trip completely worth it – we walked away with amazing memories, and amazing shots.
Views
If you head to the left once you pull into the parking lot, you can trek up a winding path. Look out from this new vantage point and you’ll be looking towards Reynisfjara and Vík.
The Boyfriend Perspective: I had honestly never been huge into photography before this trip to Iceland, and there was something about this particular stop that – for me – was both energizing and great to shoot. Even if I hadn’t been taking pictures, it felt like an adventure.
In the winter, all the grass and moss is a brilliant golden yellow, which is BEYOND stunning, especially against the snowy mountains in the distance. How often can you get grassy plains, a beach and ocean, basalt rock formations, and mountains, all in one frame?!
The cliffs
If you head towards the oceanfront cliffs, you have a few options.
The Boyfriend Perspective: Do what I did! Put up your hood, grab a weatherproofed camera, and get as close to the waves as you possibly can. I’ve never felt so small in my life, and the sound of the waves is insane. Do it.
Head down close to sea level, or head up a bit. Check out the marker stones, and get a truly panoramic view of the ocean. Just be warned, the higher up you get, the more drastic the wind. Thankfully, when a gust knocked my feet out from under me, Luke was behind me and able to catch me before I hit the ground.
Either way, if you can keep your feet, you will regret approximately nothing. The views are incredible, and you’ll walk away feeling almost like you survived something.
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I like the boyfriend perspective blurbs! Always wanted to include my hubby’s and may start doing that too. Never been to Iceland but it’s on my list!!
Thank you so much! His pragmatism and humor definitely help keep my feet on the ground 🙂 hope you make it to Iceland soon!
You make it sound like a dream destination. I have to get there. The waves are indeed thrilling and you got excellent pictures.
For us, it really was a dream 🙂 Never seen so much beauty in one place. Luke was down with the waves, looking like a tiny, tiny blue speck next to the foam. Had me nervous when I wasn’t dodging gusts! hahah 😀
Boyfriends advise to man up and get as close to the action (waves) as possible is brilliant. And definitely a fab way to really feel alive. 🙂
Wow! What stunning views. I am not sure if I would have been brave enough to go that close to the water. LOL!
Luke was down there being a daredevil, but I was a bit further away and relying on my zoom 🙂 Which is weird, because I’m usually the crazy one………. 😛
I loved hiking on Dyrholaey. I loved getting to see it before they put up railings. It is amazing how windy Iceland is in general.
I’d love to see more! Since we were part of a tour group, it was a great first meeting with this gorgeous place, but we didn’t have as much time as I would’ve liked. Next time 🙂
With that breathtaking views, it seems like a photo taken in any angle will be beautiful! And the photos that you took are really stunning! <3
Thank you so much! But yes, lovely photos are hard to avoid 😉
Your pictures are beautiful and those waves are wow! I enjoyed reading your boyfriends perspective esp the one of getting as close as possible.
Thank you! He had so much fun getting down there by the waves… me, I just tried to stay standing! 😛
Wow those views are magnificent. You make me want to go there right now. I would love to go nearer— but also, it might not be safe 🙂
Luke got up pretty darn close and lived to tell the tale… truth be told, I was probably just being a worrywart 🙂
I love the extreme weather. Makes you feel alive. And Iceland is one of the top destinations I still have in my bucket list. 🙂
Plan to get there in winter – it’s not crazy weather all the time, but MAN, when it pops up, it definitely gives you a rush!! On our drive around the Golden Circle, we hit high wind, sun, snow showers, rain, and white-out conditions – all within about 5-6 hours. You’ll feel alive, alright! 😀