There are some places in the world that just don’t quite feel like they belong on Earth. Iceland’s Reynisfjara Black Sand beach is such a place. As you set foot onto the dark shoreline, it’s the contrast of jet black volcanic rock set against the powerful white Atlantic waves that hits you first. Then you’ll notice the looming cliffs and the birdlife living in the rocks, darting in the wind, back and forth between the cliffs and the otherworldly sea stacks in the surf.
Reynisfjara really is a place like no other.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?
Located on Iceland's wild (and wildly popular) South Coast, Reynisfjara doesn’t make for a typical day at the beach. This is a place where nature does the talking. Moody, powerful, dark, and at times downright dangerous - this jaw-dropping stretch of coast has become one of Iceland’s most iconic locations for tourists, and even saturating pop culture through film, TV, photography and music videos.
If you’re thick in the detail of planning an epic road trip through Iceland, or just beginning to explore the country’s bewilderingly beautiful landscapes, this guide will tell you all you need to know about visiting Iceland’s most famous black sand beach, from its fascinating volcanic origins to how to make the most of your time in the area.
And if a road trip is on the menu, check out our fleet of reliable, comfortable vehicles, perfect for eating up miles and miles of Iceland’s roads.
What Makes Reynisfjara So Special?
In addition to being a truly gorgeous beach, Reynisfjara is also a fascinating testament to Iceland’s volcanic origins. It’s the result of fire meeting ice, shaped over by thousands of years of eruptions, erosion, and the unforgiving crash of the North Atlantic’s powerful waves.
The beach’s signature black sand is the byproduct of the island’s volcanic nature. When lava cools after hitting the ocean, it bursts, shattering into fine, dark fragments that settle along the shoreline. Over time, this breaks down into the sand that Reynisfjara and other beaches along Iceland’s South Coast are famous for.
The sand isn’t the only star of the show, though. The cliff faces that line the beach are made of towering basalt columns in geometric shapes you wouldn’t expect to find occurring naturally in nature. Yet here they are, appearing more like sculpture than geology. These hexagonal rock formations were created when lava would have cooled slowly and evenly, cracking over time and forming the shapes we see today. Locally, these columns are known as gardar, and they are popular amongst visitors looking for unusual photo opportunities. There’s also a shallow cave in the cliffline that’s great for exploring.
Then there’s the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, rock formations rising from the surf like something emerging from the mists. Icelandic legend tells us that these pillars were once trolls who were caught and frozen by the sun as they tried to drag a ship to shore. However, science tells us that these formations were once part of the cliffline, gradually carved away by centuries of erosion and thundering waves. Whichever origin story you choose to believe, they’re pretty incredible.
How to Get to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
The journey to Reynisfjara adds to the magic of the experience. Wind along glorious coastal roads, past glaciers, moss-covered lava fields and glaciers.
If you’re starting in Reykjavík, you’ll need to go southeast on the Ring Road (Route 1). Make sure to allow time for stops along the way, which should take you about 3 hours. As you approach the village of Vík, exit onto route 215, which will take you straight to Reynisfjara’s parking area.
Reynisfjara in Film, TV and Photography
If you’re scratching your head, thinking you’ve definitely seen this beach somewhere before, it’s probably because you have. Reynisfjara isn’t just popular amongst tourists in Iceland, it’s also a location scout’s dream. In the last couple of decades, Iceland has become a popular filming location, and this black sand beach is one of Hollywood’s favourites. Here’s just some of the media Reynisfjara has been featured in.
- Game of Thrones season 7, Eastwatch-by-the-Sea
- Star Trek: Into Darkness
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Reynisfjara Safety Warnings
Iceland’s most famous black sand beach is as dangerous as it is beautiful. This is not a beach where you can swim or even walk through the shallows. The waves are unpredictable and powerful, and prone to the production of sneaker waves, which can appear out of nowhere and take visitors under.
Always keep a safe distance away from the water, don’t turn your back on the waves, and always stay behind the warning signs and obey all safety precautions. Keep pets on a lead and do not let your children wander away from your side. Make no mistake, visitors to this beach who did not follow this advice have, sadly, died.
What to See and Do Near Reynisfjara
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the beach, cliffs, and spent ages admiring the sea stacks, you might want to move on and explore other nearby attractions.
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint (15 minutes from Reynisfjara)
Just a short distance west of the beach, you can find Dyrhólaey Viewpoint. Here you can see sweeping Atlantic views, an amazing sea arch rock formation, a serene lighthouse and plenty of birdlife.
Vík í Mýrdal (10 minutes from Reynisfjara)
This quaint seaside village is a great place to spend the night or explore for the afternoon. There are plenty of places to grab something to eat and some shops where you can pick up authentic Icelandic crafted items.
Skógafoss Waterfall (40 minutes west of Reynisfjara)
Just off the Ring Road, you can find a picture-perfect waterfall. Climb to the top for amazing views and glimpses of the rainbow that appears in the mist of the falls.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (30 minutes away + 45-minute walk)
If you’re up for an adventure, the skeletal remains of a US Navy plane resting on the black sand are worth a visit. There is a considerable trek to get to the wreck site, so bear that in mind when considering ability and time!
Whether you're planning a full South Coast road trip or just a day out from Reykjavík, Reynisfjara is an essential stop. And with your own rental car, you can experience it your way — on your own schedule, with room for detours, photo stops, and spontaneous adventures!