Iceland's south coast is home to some of the darkest, most dramatic beaches on the island. For the best chance of catching the lights dancing over the ocean, head to remote beaches like Reynisfjara, Diamond Beach, Víkurfjara, and Sólheimafjara.
In this guide I'll walk you through what to expect at each spot, share insider tips (because local lore matters), and help you create your own magical night under Arctic skies.
Travel Reykjavík offers multi-day winter tours that include both visits to black sand beaches and views of the northern lights at night when conditions are favorable. Our Northern Lights tours take you far from Reykjavík's city lights and straight to the south coast.
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Location of Black Sand Beaches in Iceland
Reynisfjara – Iceland’s Most Famous Black Sand Beach
You've probably already seen a photo of Reynisfjara without even realizing it. It’s that iconic black sand beach just outside the village of Vík. This is also where you find towering basalt column cliffs and the dramatic sea stacks, Reynisdrangar, that loom offshore.
What makes Reynisfjara a prime northern lights spot isn't just the scenery though. The area has wide open views in all directions and. You've got the Atlantic stretching out ahead, a cliff rising behind, and almost no light pollution at all during the northern light months in Iceland.
There are some safety cautions to consider if you're heading out here to witness the auroras. Mainly the infamous “sneaker waves”. The North Atlantic isn't gentle at Reynisfjara, and several accidents have happened when people got too close trying to snap a photo. That's why if you're visiting after dark, stay well back from the shoreline, especially if you're distracted watching the aurora overhead. Actually, I'd recommend safely cozying up in the car park with a hot drink instead of heading to the beach in the dark.
Insider tips: Although there is a small cafe and bathrooms close to the car park the facilities are usually not open after 8 pm. So, make sure to check the Svarafjaran opening hours.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach might be the most surreal place to watch the northern lights in all of Iceland. It’s located right next to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and this is where broken-off chunks of glacial ice wash up onto the jet-black shore, glittering like crystals under the moonlight.
Now on days when the northern lights also make an appearance, the experience is even more magical with the light reflecting off the icebergs and the still ocean surface.
This beach is a solid five-hour drive from Reykjavík (yep, she's a long-haul gal), so if you're planning to catch the auroras here, stay overnight nearby. There are a few guesthouses scattered about 15-minute drive from the lagoon, and the remoteness of this part of the south coast means light pollution is basically nonexistent. Even weak auroras can look vibrant out here.
Local Tips: The beach is located across the main road from the Glacier Lagoon Cafe which is usually open no later than 5 or 6 pm in winter, depending on the month. So, bring what you need to have a cozy evening while waiting for the lights to show.
Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
Just a stone's throw from Reynisfjara (and technically part of the same coastline), Víkurfjara is the black sand beach that wraps around the village of Vík itself. It gets overlooked by most travelers, which is exactly why I love it. It’s quieter, easier to access, and still gives you a fantastic view of Reynisdrangar in the distance — just from the other side.
If you’re staying in Vík overnight (a smart move if you’re on an aurora mission), this is the beach you can walk to in five minutes. Grab your warm layers, walk down the hill from the church, and set yourself up on the sand. There's a small parking area if you’re driving, but the real magic here is how accessible it is without needing to drive anywhere.
Local Tips: The beach is only a short 10 minute walk from the upper town of Vík and free unpaved parking is available right next to the beach. Note that there are no facilities on the beach.
- More on: Northern Lights in Vík, Iceland
Sólheimafjara Black Sand Beach
This one doesn't get nearly as much attention as the others — and I'll be honest, that's part of the appeal. Sólheimafjara is a wide-open stretch of black sand and outwash plains, far from the base of Sólheimajökull glacier. In fact, the main road cuts between the glacier and the beach that bares the same name.
To get to the glacier you'll need to turn onto route 211 and drive for about 15 minutes inland whereas to reach the beach you'll need to park (paid parking) just off route 1 and walk for about 45-min towards the coastline.
If you're wondering if you can't just drive to the beach the answer is simple, no. In order to protect our nature no cars are allowed down on the beach. The only operating vehicle allowed is a shuttle that brings passengers down to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.
This is one of those beaches that feels extra dramatic. The waves crash hard, the wind howls, and the forever extending stretch of black plains add to the mood. If you’re lucky enough to catch the northern lights here, they'll stretch across an unbroken sky with no distractions.
Local tip: because it's less protected than other beaches, it can get brutally windy. But if the sky is clear, weather is calm, and the KP index is good, it's a pretty cool place to spot the different colors of the aurora borealis. Just make sure to stay far away from the ocean and note that there are no facilities on the beach.
There's something poetic about watching northern lights from a black sand beach. The contrast is sharper, and the crashing waves add to the mystique of it all.
If I had to choose just one black sand beach for the auroras? I'd go with Víkurfjara for the easy access to town, and Diamond Beach for the magic. But honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these. Simply check the forecast as lights don't always show (you can learn more about what causes the aurora borealis in Iceland), dress in warm layers, bring coco and a flashlight, and always give the ocean her space (safety first).
Discover Reynisfjara and Hunt Auroras with Travel Reykjavík
Travel Reykjavík offers a 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt and a 4-Day Ice Cave & Northern Light Adventure. Both winter tours visit two iconic black sand beaches, Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara, and if the skies are clear and the aurora forecast is favorable, you'll watch the magic of the Northern Lights at night.
With 80+ years of family-run experience, you'll be in great hands with Travel Reykjavík.
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