Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Travel Guide
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, located on the South Coast of Iceland, is one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Known for its striking black volcanic sand and basalt columns, Reynisfjara attracts thousands of visitors each year. Its rugged landscape makes it a must-visit location for anyone traveling along Iceland’s South Coast.
You can visit Reynisfjara beach on many South Coast Tours, and most self-drive tours will also take you there. It's easy to reach the beach by renting a car, and it's a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik. It can be visited with a day trip from your accommodation in Reykjavik, or you can spend multiple days discovering the beautiful surrounding region by staying in convenient South Coast hotels.
Features of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is renowned for its unique geological features, which set it apart from typical beaches. It's an example of a black sand beach, which can be found all around Iceland. They're formed from volcanic lava, creating a dramatic contrast against the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
A standout feature of Reynisfjara beach is the towering basalt columns, located along the cliffs of Reynisfall mountain. These hexagonal rock formations are formed by cooling lava and create an impressive backdrop for the beach.
By the basalt columns, Reynisfjara features a cave known as Halsanefshellir. You can only enter in the best possible conditions, but be aware that rockfall is very common, so it can be dangerous.
Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean, adding to the rugged beauty of the area. They can also be seen from the town of Vik, so if Reynisfjara beach is on your must-visit list, it's a good idea to stay in Vik accommodations to enjoy the views.
How to Go to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
With its basalt columns, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara as one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit on the planet!
Reynisfjara is around 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, and is a popular stop-off for those taking a sightseeing tour along the popular South Coast.
Driving to the beach is easy as it can easily be done within half a day from Reykjavik or a full day combined with other activities. If you prefer to drive there yourself without joining tours, you can book an affordable rental car.
To reach Reynisfjara beach, you follow the Road 1, also known as the Ring Road. Shortly before you reach the town of Vik, you will take a right turn to the Reynishverfisvegur road leading you to Reynisfjara beach. There is a large parking lot on-site and a short walk to the beach itself.
Dangers of Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, while stunning, is also one of Iceland’s most dangerous natural sites due to the presence of unpredictable sneaker waves. These powerful waves can appear suddenly, reaching much farther up the shore than expected. Many visitors underestimate the danger, leading to accidents and even fatalities in the past.
To help protect visitors, warning signs are posted throughout the area, clearly advising caution when approaching the water. These signs explain the risks associated with sneaker waves and urge people to keep a safe distance from the shoreline.
Additionally, you will see warning lights that show which areas of the beach are safe. When they're green, you can explore the whole Reynisfjara beach. However, notice how green is marked as "low hazard" on the sign, meaning you still have to show caution in the best conditions.
When the light is yellow, only half of Reynisfjara beach is accessible. If it's red, it's signaling very dangerous conditions, so do not go on the beach itself. You can see which areas are safe on the map below.
Photo from Regína Hrönn. With a yellow light, everything below the yellow line on this map is off-limits. With a red light, do not go beyond the red line.
Generally speaking, you should stay well back from the water’s edge, even in the best conditions. Be aware of your surroundings, and never turn your back to the ocean, even if it appears calm. Reynisfjara is a place of great beauty but demands respect for its natural hazards to ensure a safe visit.
Folklore of Reynisfjara Beach
When visiting Reynisfjara beach, you'll immediately spot the rocky sea stacks off the shoreline. These rock formations are known as Reynisdrangar.
According to local folklore, these large sea stacks were once trolls trying to pull ships from the ocean to shore. However, these trolls made the mistake of going out too late in the night. Dawn broke on the horizon, and with the sunlight, the trolls turned into solid stone.
Another legend tells of a husband whose wife was kidnapped and killed by two trolls. The man followed the trolls down to Reynisfjara, where he tricked them into coming out during the day, turning them into stone and ensuring that they would never kill again.
The Reynisdrangar sea stacks seen from Vik.
Reynisdrangar are an iconic part of the Icelandic southern coastline and they were even featured in the HBO Series Game of Thrones. You can spot them in a few scenes shot "North of the Wall."
The sea stacks themselves are home to thousands of nesting seabirds. Species that can be found nesting on the cliffs include puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, making it a must-see location for birdwatchers.
Other Attractions Near Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara beach is located along the South Coast, next to the charming village of Vik. This means those taking the Ring Road around Iceland or heading to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, will pass by. It's, therefore, an easy addition to any Iceland itinerary.
The closest major landmark is the Dyrholaey rock arch. While many seabirds are found at Reynisfjara, it is nothing compared to the numbers here! From May to August, it is one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland.
On the way to Reynisfjara from Reykjavik, you will discover the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and glaciers, such as Eyjafjallajokull and Solheimajokull. Further along the South Coast, you will reach the Vatnajokull National Park, with its many outlet glaciers, glacier lagoons, black sand deserts, and the incredible Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
All of these can be explored with South Coast tours or by renting a car and taking on the Ring Road. The region has so much to offer, so check out this guide to Iceland's South Coast to plan a truly amazing Iceland trip.
Where to Stay Near Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Photo from Black Beach Suites
One of the closest accommodations to Reynisfjara beach is the Black Beach Suites, offering modern, comfortable apartment rooms with stunning views of the ocean and the black sand landscape. In the same area, you can go for the more affordable The Barn hostel, which offers both private rooms and dorm rooms.
You'll also want to explore accommodations in Vik, as the town is just a 10-minute drive away. There, the best choices include the Hotel Kría and Hotel Vik I Myrdal, which are both popular 3-star hotels close to the area's main attractions.
Whether you're seeking luxury, comfort, or affordability, you'll find accommodations that suit your needs near Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. If you're planning to rent a campervan, campgrounds are also available in Vik!
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