When visiting Iceland, the dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach unarguably belongs to every traveler’s bucket list. Nestled in South Iceland, it stands out with its volcanic black sand and huge jagged basalt columns. However, you should take some precautions when visiting it.
There are so many reasons to visit Iceland, the land of ice and fire. Due to its northern location and active volcanoes, there are many otherworldly rock formations in Iceland, but also black sand beaches, free hot springs, northern lights half the year…
Reynisfjara black beach is one of the highlights of any South Iceland trip, but has to be visited carefully. The strength of the Atlantic Ocean is crashing on this wild beach, which makes it just as spectacular as dangerous.
Here is everything you should know about Reynisfjara beach to have a wonderful and safe visit.
What is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Iceland, and one of the most well-known black sand beaches in the world.
Famed for its moody and expansive black sands, the large basalt columns that lie to its east creating patterns and caves in the nearby cliffs, and the impressive waves that crash upon it, this beach is the perfect stop-off point for many tourists on a trip along Iceland’s South Coast.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Iceland: What Makes This Place So Special?
There are numerous reasons as to why Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland is so special. With a unique landscape that draws in visitors from across the world, this beach was recently voted as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world. Here is why you should visit it.
1. Reynisfjara dark black sand
Reynisfjara Beach is covered with dark black sand. It is pretty impressive for visitors used to the white sand beaches. The sand is black because it’s formed from fragments of lava that have been eroded over time, creating the fine, smooth sand we see today.
2. Reynisfjara rock formations
There are three mighty basalt sea stacks off the coast of Vik, which can be seen on the left of the Reynisfjara Beach. Those large rock formations are called Reynisdrangar.
They rise spectacularly from the ocean beneath the cliffs of Mount Reynisfjall, a favorite summer nesting ground for seabirds. One of them is 217 ft high (66 meters)!
They once formed a single rock, but marine erosion has transformed them into three different pillars. Iceland folklore says these are 3 trolls who were trying to lure boats out of the ocean but were frozen by sunrise.
3. Reynisfjara basalt columns
Impressive basalt columns border the entrance of Reynisfjara Beach, creating the beautiful Hálsanefshellir cave. Those hexagonal basalt columns were formed due to volcanic activity.
They are due to the cooling and solidification of lava that once flowed in the area.
They became one of the most beautiful rock formations in Iceland. Locals often compare it as a natural cathedral, because it truly looks like an Icelandic church!
⛪ Fun fact: the cathedral in Reykjavik is actually designed to resemble these columns that can be found in various locations across Iceland.
4. Reynisfjara cave
Hálsanefshellir Cave is a big cave located on the left of the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. The basalt pillars at the entrance make this cave super special. It totally looks like a movie set.
However, we highly don’t recommend heading there as Reynisfjara waves can be extremely dangerous. The only situation you could visit it is if the tide is super low and the waves are hundreds of meters away, which is very unlikely.
5. Reynisfjara beach waves
The waves at Reynisfjara Beach are well known due to their unpredictability and power. The waves crash almost relentlessly onto the beach from the Atlantic and are impressive to watch.
However, be sure to listen to safety warnings and avoid getting close to the water as ‘sneaker waves’ have been known to knock people off their feet, and even out into the water.
6. Reynisfjara beach puffins
Last but most certainly not least, Reynisfjara Beach is also known for its puffins. During the summer months, the beach is one of the larger nesting sites in Iceland for Atlantic puffins, with literally thousands arriving and nesting along the cliff edges.
They can easily be seen from the beach as well as from the cliffs above, with their antics drawing in wildlife enthusiasts as well as keen photographers.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Iceland: Things To Know Before You Go
Where to stay near Reynisfjara beach?
The nearest town to Reynisfjara, and a wonderful place to spend the night, is Vík. There are numerous accommodation options that cater to different budgets within Vik, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Vik is also a cool town to visit on its own, with a beautiful wooden church overlooking the town, its own black sand beach, Víkurfjara, and the Icelandic Lava Show.
Here are the best accommodations to stay in Vik.
Hotel Katla by Keahotels – the rooms are spacious, with a modern decor. This hotel stands out because it has an outdoor hot tub, which guests can enjoy all year-round. This is THE typical Icelandic experience!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – excellent hotel with with a fancy but sober decor. The rooms feature big windows with a view on Reynisdrangar, the rock stones of the black beach!
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,7/10 based on these reviews
Puffin Hostel Vík – it offers private rooms but with a shared kitchen where you can chat with other travelers. We loved our stay there and its location in the center of Vik is ideal.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews
How to get to Reynisfjara beach?
The only way to get to the beach is by car or by hopping on a tour from Reykjavik. This is the perfect day trip if you are staying in the capital. If you are self driving, here are the directions to follow both from Reykjavik and Vik.
Reykjavik to Reynisfjara black sand beach
Reaching Reynisfjara beach from Reykjavik takes roughly 3 hours by car. The itinerary is super easy, it is only two roads! One of them being the circular road around Iceland.
You basically need to drive on Road 1 until the Götur Cottage right before reaching Vik. Then, you can turn right on Route 215. From there, it is then a short drive to the car park at the back of the beach.
The trip is a great way to experience the south coast of Iceland, with its diverse terrain, including lava fields and waterfalls.
Vik to Reynisfjara black sand beach
Vik is the closest town to Reynisfjara Beach. To reach it from Vik, you will actually need to go back towards Reykjavik for a short 10-minute drive along Road 1.
Due to its location, Vik is a great place to stay if you want to spend a few days at and around Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It is close to other cool black sand beaches in Iceland, such as Vikurfjara or Dyrhólaey.
Why is Reynisfjara Beach famous?
Reynisfjara is obviously known for its natural beauty, which is why it is often used as a wedding photoshoot spot or a filming location.
One of the most popular TV series to have filmed there in recent years was ‘Game of Thrones’. Fans often visit the beach to follow in the footsteps of characters from the show.
To name a few others, Sense 8, Vikings or even the Star Wars movie Rogue One used this beach as a film location.
Is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach too touristy?
Reynisfjara is one of the most visited beaches of Iceland. Tour buses visit it on a daily basis, as well as day trippers from the capital, especially during the peak tourism months.
However, although its popularity is increasing, it is still very much about experiencing the unique nature of the area. If you want to avoid the few crowds, then opt for visiting in the early morning or in one of Iceland’s shoulder seasons instead.
Is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach free?
Reynisfjara Beach itself is completely free to visit. However, you will have to pay to park. As of July 2023, a fee has been introduced to cover the costs of increasing parking in the area, starting at 750 Icelandic Króna for a car.
How long do you need to visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?
You should spend no longer than one to two hours at Reynisfjara Beach. It is well enough time to visit it, but it depends how much time you need to photograph it all as it’s one of the best photo spots in Iceland.
The view of Reynisfjara Beach from Dyrholaey is also quite impressive. We recommend heading there before visiting the actual beach.
Why is Reynisfjara Beach dangerous?
Reynisfjara is one of the most dangerous locations in Iceland due to the powerful Atlantic that crashes into it. The beach is also notorious for ‘sneakers waves’ which will unexpectedly surge up the beach and can knock you off your feet.
There have been casualties in recent years due to tourists not heeding the advice given and not listening to the warnings in the area.
You should always stay a safe distance from the water’s edge as well as not entering various portions of the beach depending on which light is on at the information boards.
We really want to warn tourists on this because it really is not like other beaches and the waves can go surprisingly high in one second. Do not walk on the left part of the beach, because you won’t be able to run to the top of the beach if a wave surprises you.
Can you swim at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?
Swimming at Reynisfjara is not allowed and could be absolutely life-threatening. There are very strong and unpredictable currents and waves that make it unsafe for swimming or any other water-related activities.
What is Reynisfjara weather like?
The weather at Reynisfjara is much like elsewhere in Iceland. In other words, it is highly variable. As locals say, if you don’t like the weather one minute, wait a few and it might change! However, as Reynisfjara is on the coast, you should expect some strong winds.
Is it worth visiting Reynisfjara Beach in winter?
Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland is worth visiting throughout the year as it is a beautiful place to explore. If you are visiting in winter though, don’t expect to see the black sand as it is often covered in snow.
However, if you go in winter, you’re more likely to see the northern lights and have the whole beach to yourself. Just stay at the beach entrance and far away from the waves!
Does Reynisfjara Beach have facilities?
Reynisfjara does have a couple of facilities, such as a parking lot, bathroom and a restaurant.
These can get busy during the peak months as it is a highlight to visit in the area. However, if you want a bit more choice, and to potentially get away from the crowds, then head 10 minutes further along the coast to Vík.
Reynisfjara Beach Parking
There is a large parking lot right in front of the beach. It can fill up quickly during the summer months. As of July 2023, you now have to pay to park here, with costs starting at 750 ISK.
Reynisfjara Beach Bathroom
There are public bathrooms at the car parking, however, you must pay a fee to use them. If you choose to eat in the Black Beach Restaurant, then there are toilets you can use there for free. There are also free bathrooms in the grocery store in nearby Vík.
Reynisfjara Beach Restaurant
The Black Beach Restaurant is open all day long and is ideal to have a coffee, breakfast, lunch or early dinner right before or after your visit to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
Due to being the only restaurant on the beach, it can get a little busy, but it is a great place to stop and warm up with a local lamb stew, fish and chips, or even a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.
What are Reynisfjara beach tide times?
The tide times at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach vary from day to day, so be sure to check online or with a local information center to be sure if the beach is visitable or not. If the tides are particularly high then the beach may be inaccessible and therefore, closed.
Best things to do near Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is a highlight on its own, but is also located in a wonderful area of the South Coast of Iceland with so many incredible places to visit.
However, you can’t do it all. It depends how much time you have in the country. Here are 3 different itineraries with the best things to do before and after visiting Reynisfjara Beach.
Visiting Iceland in 4 days
4 days in Iceland is not a lot of time but you will still be able to drive to Reynisfjara, visit cool gems on the way and come back to the capital. We recommend stopping at the Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, DC Plane Wreck and Reynisfjara.
Visiting Iceland in 6 days
A 6-day south Iceland itinerary would include the Golden Circle, waterfalls, Reynisfjara area, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Diamond Beach and the Jokulsarlon Glacier.
Visiting Iceland in one week
Last but not least, 7 days in Iceland would either be about exploring the south in depth or tour the Ring Road to see the highlights of all parts of Iceland. That includes the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Myvatn Region, East Fjords and South Coast gems.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Final Thoughts
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one place in Iceland that really has to be seen in person to be believed. The sheer vastness of the area alongside the impressive basalt columns and the powerful ocean is something like no other place in the world.
Last but not least, you can not leave Iceland without trying to see the aurora borealis. Here are the best private northern lights tours in Iceland to maximize your chances of seeing them.
