18 Jan Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík, Iceland

Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vík is one of the most popular black sand beaches in all of Iceland. It is conveniently located in southern Iceland, only two and a half hours away from the capital city of Reykjavík. You will thus have time to visit if you are in Iceland for a weekend or even an entire week. Take a stroll along the beach to check out the basalt rock columns or hike up to the lighthouse for a view from above and the chance to see some puffins.

While in the area be sure to check out some other nearby attractions, including Skógafoss, the Yoda Cave, and Laufskalavarda. While you are at it, why not take a look at my road trip itinerary for Iceland? It will definitely take away a lot of the stress of planning everything yourself.

Contents:

1) Location of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Reynisdrangar and Hálsanefshellir Cave: Basalt Rock Columns

7) Lighthouse and Dyrhólaey: Sea Arch 

8) Recommended Items to Bring

9) Nearby Attractions 

1) Location of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland

The black sand beach in Vík, also known as Reynisfjara Beach, is located in southern Iceland. It is not far off of Ring Road, and thus it is at a convenient location to plan a visit. The beach is approximately two hours and a half hours from the capital of Reykjavík. Therefore, it is perfect for a day trip. If you are traveling all around Iceland on the Ring Road, you can easily fit this within your itinerary. 

When visiting Reynisfjara beach, be sure to note what attractions are offered on the east side vs. the west side. On the east you can find basalt rock columns, known as Hálsanefshellir Cave and Reynisdrangar. On the other hand, on the west you can hike up to the lighthouse and viewpoint of the sea arch known as Dyrhólaey. 

Before or after visiting the beach, be sure to check out the town of Vík. One of the other main attractions is the black church on top of the hill. Additionally, there are a couple of shops and restaurants.

Parking

There are two main parking lots for the beach. First, Reynisfjara Beach Parking is on the east side of the beach. Park here if you would like to stroll along the black sands and admire the basalt rock columns. Second, Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot and WC is on the west side of the beach. Park here if you would like to view the beach from above, hike up to the lighthouse, and possibly see some puffins. Additionally, there are no parking fees. 

Nearby Lodging – Black Sand Beach, Iceland

For nearby lodging, check out The Barn as it is just a short drive from the beach. We stayed here and would recommend it to others. Furthermore, we stayed in a shared room, meaning there were a bunch of beds with a privacy curtain to separate us from others. Staying in a hostel-type accommodation definitely helps keep the budget to a minimum.

Additionally, take a look at some of the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

Enjoying the basalt rock columns on the beach

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Ready for some good news? There are no restrictions concerning when you can vs. cannot access the beach. You are thus welcome to visit at 2:00pm or 2:00am. However, I would recommend you remain cautious if visiting when it is dark outside due to the fact there are “sneaker waves”. I will go into more detail about those later. 

Additionally, there are no entrance or parking fees for Reynisfjara black sand beach. It is a beautiful free attraction in Iceland, so let us each do our part to make sure it stays beautiful by leaving no trace of our visit. For example, be sure to pick up all trash. 

If you would rather have a tour company take care of all of the logistics for visiting, then book a two-day south coast tour of Iceland. The tour visits the black sand beach in addition to a variety of other attractions, for example Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

Getting a better look at some of the formations along the beach

3) The Best Time to Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland

If you would like to avoid peak crowds, visit in the morning or evening. Peak crowds tend to show up in the afternoon. Additionally, you will have some fantastic views if you arrive around sunrise or sunset. 

Moreover, visit at low tide if you want to explore more of the black sand beach area. High tide will restrict how far you are able to walk along the sand past the basalt rock columns simply due to the fact the water comes up further onto the beach. 

Best Season to Visit

There is truly no bad season to visit the Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland. The coastline, basalt rock columns, lighthouse, etc. all look just as stunning in the winter months as they do in the summer months. However, I would recommend visiting in the summer if the main reason for your visit is to see some puffins. While it is possible to see puffins in the wintertime, they are much easier to spot in the summer months from around May to August. 

Estimated Visit Time

How much time you should plan to spend at the beach depends on what you would like to do while there. For example, we spent about an hour and a half on the east side as we strolled along the beach and checked out the basalt rock columns. We then spent about two hours on the west side as we spotted some puffins and hiked up to the lighthouse. 

Therefore, I would recommend you spend a minimum of two hours exploring both the east and west side of the beach. However, we spent around three and a half hours in the area, so definitely plan for more time here if you are able. Trust me, it is worth it. 

Looking out over the beach while withstanding strong winds

4) Quick Facts

1. Reynisfjara black sand beach is located in southern Iceland in the coastal town of Vík.

2. It is recommended to keep a distance of 100 feet (~30 meters) from the water at all times due to its unpredictability and degree of danger.

3. The black sand beach was created through the erosion of volcanic lava rocks. 

4. The east side of the beach features Reynisdrangar, which is made of basalt rock columns, and Hálsanefshellir Cave, which is a basalt rock column cave. The west side of the beach features Dyrhólaey viewpoint, which is a viewpoint of the black sand beach, as well as Dyrhólaey lighthouse. 

5. Puffins are active and visible in the area primarily in the summer months. 

Some of the sea stacks off of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

5) Background of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland

Iceland has a variety of black sand beaches, including the famous Diamond Beach on the east coast. Did you also know Iceland has a white sand beach? It is the Ytri Tunga Beach on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Weather and Waves

When visiting the black sand beach in Vík, please be careful of the water. This area is known for “sneaker waves”. The waves can easily come out of nowhere and pull you into the water. There have been fatalities with sneaker waves in the past. Therefore, just be careful! You can still visit the area, but do not get close to the water and definitely do not go in the water. The recommended distance to keep from the shoreline is around 100 feet (~30 meters).

Additionally, prepare to be blown away on and around the beach. Literally. The wind is incredibly strong, and at times you can feel your body fighting against the wind with each step you take. If the wind gets strong enough, it will feel like you are being pelted with sand. However, it is also possible you will visit on a day with very little wind. There was medium wind while we were on the beach but incredibly strong wind while we hiked up to the lighthouse. 

Basalt rock columns towering over the beach

Creation of the Black Sand Beach in Iceland

Now, how does the sand become a black color? Years and years ago there were volcanic eruptions, during which lava flowed down onto the beach area. The lava solidified, and then over time deteriorated and crumbled into the sand you see on the beach today. 

Speaking of lava, are you interested in hiking a volcano? Then head to the Reykjanes Peninsula to Fagradalsfjall Volcano.

Movie Features 

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize the black sand beach and basalt rock columns. The show features them a couple of times for landscapes North of the Wall and Eastwatch. Additionally, Star Wars: Rogue One and Star Trek: Into Darkness filmed some scenes on the black sand beach. 

For additional locations in Iceland where Game of Thrones has filmed, check out Kirkjufellsfoss and Mt. Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

View of the beach from Dyrhólaey Viewpoint

6) Reynisdrangar and Halsanefshellir Cave: Basalt Rock Columns

Reynisdrangar refers to the basalt rock columns on the side of the mountain along the Reynisfjara black sand beach in Vík, Iceland. They extend approximately 217 feet (~66 meters) high. Hálsanefshellir Cave refers to the cave along the beach with basalt rock columns all around it. 

Feel free to explore the beach as well as the basalt rock columns. We visited at low tide and thus were able to walk a fair distance along the beach past the basalt rock columns to some stacked (normal) rocks along the sand. We climbed around on them for a bit before heading back. 

While on this side of the beach, you can also check out the Black Beach restaurant if you need a bite to eat. For reference, this is the east side of the beach next to Reynisfjara Beach Parking.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach with the basalt rock columns in the distance

Formation of Basalt Rock Columns – Black Sand Beach, Iceland

The formation of the basalt rock columns happens in a couple of steps. First there is a volcanic eruption and lava flows down the side of the mountain. Next the lava begins to cool and solidify. Then as the lava solidifies, it breaks apart into the hexagonal columns you can see at the beach today. 

Basalt rock columns are found in a couple of other places throughout Iceland, including Stuðlagil Canyon and Svartifoss Waterfall. 

Legends Behind the Basalt Rock Columns

The basalt rock columns have a couple of legends behind them. One legend tells of trolls that used to walk around on the beach trying to grab ships and pull them onto the shore. The trolls stayed out on the beach for too long one night, and the sun began to shine. The trolls were then solidified into the rock columns you see today. Additionally, another legend says trolls once kidnapped and also killed a woman. When her husband went searching for her, he transformed the trolls into solid rock. 

More basalt rock columns!

7) Lighthouse and Dyrhólaey: Sea Arch

For reference, this is the west side of the beach next to Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot and WC.

Lower Viewpoints – Black Sand Beach, Iceland

When you arrive at the parking lot, you can then walk a short distance to the lower viewpoints. There is a trail connecting all of the viewpoints, and I recommend visiting most or all of them. You never know at which viewpoint you might spot some puffins! Additionally, you can get a nice view of the whole black sand beach. There are also some bathrooms along the way if needed. 

When we visited, we saw a fair amount of puffins just sitting in the grass on the hillside. Therefore, keep your eyes peeled in the sky as well as on the ground, for you never know where a puffin might be hiding. 

Consider purchasing a puffin stuffed animal + national geographic book set if you plan on buying stuffed animals for kids in the future. The Wildlife Tree brand donates 10% of their proceeds to wildlife protection and conversation. Kids can thus enjoy the comfort of a stuffed animal while also supporting a good cause. 

Panoramic view of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Upper Viewpoints 

When we visited the Reynisfjara beach in August of 2021, the road up to the lighthouse and Dyrhólaey viewpoint was closed. However, I would recommend checking the road status before your visit to see if it has reopened. Since we could not drive up the hill, we instead hiked. It was around a 45-minute hike each way. The path was uphill the entire time, and thus was fairly strenuous. It switched between stone steps and a path of rocks for the duration. 

When we arrived at the top, we had a great view of Dyrhólaey, which is the name of the sea arch just off the coast. It is 394 feet (~120 meters) tall. Moreover, the name Dyrhólaey translates to “the hill island with the door hole”. 

The best part about the Dyrhólaey viewpoint and lighthouse is you will most likely see puffins. We saw dozens of puffins flying around. You can also see Dyrhólaey, which is the sea arch, as well as have a fantastic view of the entire black sand beach. If you are a true wildlife lover and want to do a whale watching plus puffin tour, check out these whale watching in Iceland tours. 

Dyrhólaey is not the only sea arch along Iceland’s coastline, for example there is also Gatklettur in the small town of Arnarstapi. 

Words of Caution – Black Sand Beach, Iceland

The wind was incredibly strong during our hike up and down the mountain and even more so at the top. Be careful as you are hiking, especially on the way down. It is easy to lose your footing when the wind is that strong. When at the top, be careful not to get too close to the edge. Know your limits and your balance. 

Another word of caution: arctic terns often nest along the hill leading up to the Dryhólaey viewpoint and lighthouse. They can become aggressive when they feel their nests are threatened. Be sure to keep your distance. Additionally, the hike and upper viewpoints are closed during the peak of nesting season, which is generally around May to June. 

Looking out to Dyrhólaey

8) Recommended Items to Bring 

If you need additional recommendations on packing for Iceland, check out my Iceland road trip packing list as well as my list of hiking essentials for Iceland.

1. Water bottle: Please be sure to bring water with you while visiting the black sand beach in Iceland. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Nope. Carry your water around with you as you hike along the beach and up to the lighthouse. Even though Iceland has cooler temperatures, you can still become dehydrated. I carried around my Yeti water bottle with me everywhere in Iceland.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. You might not expect to get sunburn in Iceland, but if you are hiking outside in the full sun for multiple hours, you might just get a little pink in the cheeks.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful if you plan on hiking up to the Dyrhólaey viewpoint and lighthouse. The path is mainly made of stone steps and loose dirt.

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles can come in handy if you hike up to the lighthouse. A little extra support can go a long way.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the hiking trails. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Taking in the views of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

9) Nearby Attractions to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland

Before or after your visit to Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland, consider some of the following attractions as well. All of the following are found in southern Iceland. 

Seljavallalaug Pool

Seljavallalaug pool is the oldest pool in Iceland (made by humans). Additionally, it is a geothermal pool. You can put on a swimsuit and let the warm waters soothe your body, mind, and soul. One of my favorite finds in Iceland, though, was just beyond Seljavallalaug. If you walk for another five minutes along the river and then wade through the river for about 30 feet, you will arrive at two small, circular geothermal pools. We had the place to ourselves for almost the entire time we were there, and the view was incredible as we were surrounded by mountains. 

Seljavallalaug Pool is only 4o minutes west from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. If you need lodging in the area, check out South Iceland Guesthouse.

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland and Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland.

Seljavallalaug Pool with the changing rooms in the background

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in all of Iceland. To make it even better, there is often a rainbow at the base of the falls. Additionally, there is a set of stairs to the right of Skógafoss. You can climb the stairs to get a view from above. If you have some more time and want a little bit more of an adventure, you can continue on the hiking trail at the top of Skógafoss. It is called Fimmvorduhals Pass. You will pass by many other waterfalls as well as through lava fields. 

Skógafoss Waterfall is only 35 minutes west from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. If you need lodging in the area, check out South Iceland Guesthouse.

For more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

DC-3 Plane Wreck 

In the early 1970s a U.S. Navy DC-3 plane crashed while traveling from Höfn, Iceland. Fortunately no one was injured in the plane crash. The wreckage remains on the beach to this day. However, people have taken pieces of the plane and the harsh weather causes deterioration. The hiking time is about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your pace. 

The DC-3 Plane Wreck is only 25 minutes west from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. If you need lodging in the area, check out The Barn.

For more information: DC-3 Plane Wreck in Iceland.

Plane wreckage on the black sand beach

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Check out some waterfalls in Iceland: The 4 Best Waterfalls in Iceland.

Or book an ice cave tour just outside of Reyjkavík: Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland from Reykjavík.