Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is arguably one of Iceland's most iconic and popular natural wonders, sitting on the South Coast. The beach is known for striking black sand, dramatic basalt columns, and towering sea stacks; thus, Reynisfjara provides a hauntingly beautiful setting that has been featured in numerous films and television shows. The beach is framed by Reynisdrangar, a pair of ragged sea stacks that rise from the sea, and a great basalt beach cave. Beautiful as it is, the beach has gained a reputation for sneaker waves, rendering this one of the most dangerous points along the South Coast. Guests are encouraged to exercise great caution.

Reynisfjara Beach Facts

• Location: South Coast of Iceland, near the town of Vík
• Distance from Reykjavik: Approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles)
• Type: Black sand beach formed from volcanic activity
• Main Attractions: Basalt columns, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Reynisfjara cliffs, cave
• Wildlife: Puffins and various seabirds
• Safety Warning: Dangerous sneaky waves
• Recommended Time on Site: Spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the beach and nearby attractions

What to See at Reynisfjara Black Beach

Reynisfjara is renowned for its stark and otherworldly beauty, featuring a mix of geological wonders and wildlife that create a unique natural experience. Visitors will be treated to a variety of features, from the mesmerizing black sand to the towering basalt columns and cliffs that provide a dramatic backdrop.

Black Sand

Reynisfjara's black sand is the product of Iceland's volcanic activity. Unlike normal sand, which is originally generated through the erosion of rocks over time, this black sand was formed from volcanic ash and lava that came in contact with the Atlantic Ocean and rapidly cooled down. This has created fine-grained, pitch-black beaches that are striking in contrast to the white crashing waves. This stretch of sand just goes on and on along the coast, providing an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere, particularly when viewed against the often gray Icelandic skies.

Basalt Columns

One of the most salient features of Reynisfjara is the basalt columns that rise dramatically from the beach. These are hexagonal formations formed by the cooling lava flows, which shrink in their solidification and take on the geometric shapes one sees [1]. The columns at Reynisfjara give a natural staircase or organ-pipe appearance and are amongst the finest basalt formations in the world. These columns are a favorite among people who love taking pictures and form a dramatic backdrop for any visit.

Cliffs

Even more dramatic are the cliffs at Reynisfjara. Lining the beachfront for the most part, hosting thousands of seabirds - puffins included - the high, towering cliffs give an excellent vantage point when visitors want to enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings. The appearance of the cliffs is rugged, showing very clearly that they derive from volcanic origins. From the top of these cliffs, visitors can take a perspective that ranges from the Atlantic Ocean, whose waves crash on rocks at their foot, all the way inland to the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier on the horizon.

Beach Cave

On one end of the beach, a big beach cave is formed from the same basalt columns lining the shore. This is known as Hálsanefshellir Cave, and for sure it will be one of the highlights of Reynisfjara. Two perfectly symmetrical basalt columns are visible on the walls of the cave, while the acoustics inside are pretty amazing. Visitors are allowed to enter the cave but with caution, especially in high tides, as waves can enter the cave. Practice caution when visiting and enjoy the spectacular craftsmanship of nature.

Puffins & Wildlife

During summer, puffins are usually a common sight at Reynisfjara, one of the major undeniable reasons this beach attracts quite a number of birdwatchers. Such colored seabirds nest in the cliffs around this beach together with other species like fulmars and guillemots. The best period to spot the puffin at Reynisfjara is between May and August [2], where it comes to nest upon the cliffs. A sight of these charming birds flying over or perched on the cliffs is a scene that cannot be forgotten and indeed adds to the beach's allure.

Reynisdrangar vs. Reynisfjara

Reynisdrangar and Reynisfjara are sometimes spoken in conjuncture, but they separately refer to features in the same general area. In fact, the term Reynisdrangar refers to the sea stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean just off the coast of Reynisfjara Beach. These sea stacks had once been two trolls attempting to drag a ship to shore, according to Icelandic folklore, but had been turned to stone by the first rays of morning sun. On the other hand, Reynisfjara refers to the name given to the black sand beach itself, from where a view of the sea stacks can be enjoyed from its shores.

Dangerous Sneaker Waves

While Reynisfjara Beach is strikingly beautiful it’s also one of Iceland's most dangerous beaches due to its sneaky waves. Those are aptly called sneaker waves. These types of waves surge up the beach faster and further than one would expect, pulling powerful currents of the Atlantic Ocean up the beach. Due to the waves' strong currents and pull, unsuspecting visitors have been pulled into the ocean. Even on days when it seems to be relatively calm out, the waves at Reynisfjara are unpredictable and extremely powerful. Because of this, visitors are advised to stay away from the edge of the water and be vigilant at all times. It is also safe to visit Reynisfjara despite its hazards, provided the visitors observe a degree of caution and respect the warnings given. In 2022 installation of warning signs and a light system indicating risk levels was completed at Reynisfjara [3].

• Note: The waves are more powerful and travel much further inland than you think. Please exercise caution.

In the early months of 2025 during a stormy weather season in Iceland the ocean flooded the car park located about 150 meters from the beach [4].

Nearby Attractions

The South Coast of Iceland is full of many nature miracles, most of which are situated around Reynisfjara Beach. Just a few minutes from it by car, there's a nice town called Vík, featuring restaurants, cafes, and other facilities. Then, the Dyrhólaey Peninsula is an easy drive away, famous for its huge rock arch and puffin colonies, offering spectacular views to the surrounding coastline. Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are probably the two most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, each within an hour's drive from Reynisfjara and therefore ideal stops during a day's trip.

Staying near Reynisfjara

For those who may want to spend more time in the area, several accommodation facilities are within close proximity. Next to Reynisfjara lies a town called Vík with many hotels and guesthouses that visitors can be accommodated in upon request. The popular ones include Hotel Vik í Mydal and Guesthouse Vellir. Besides everything else, there are plenty of camping opportunities around for those who want to be closer to nature. Vík Campsite offers breathtaking views of its surroundings.

Reynisfjara Beach Location

Reynisfjara Beach is located on the southern coast of Iceland, near the town of Vík. It lies along Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, which circles the island.

• GPS Coordinates: 63°24'12.5"N 19°03'13.8"W

How to Get to Reynisfjara?

To reach Reynisfjara Beach from Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) heading southeast. The drive is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes around 2.5 hours. As you approach the town of Vík, take the exit for Route 215 to access the beach. From Vík, the drive is just a short 10-minute journey.

Parking & Facilities

Reynisfjara Beach has paid parking where visitors can leave their car within walking distance from the beach. There’s also the Black Beach Restaurant next to the car park and bathroom facilities. 

Sources

1. Vísindavefurinn. (n.d.). Hvernig myndast stuðlaberg? Retrieved from https://www.visindavefur.is/svar.php?id=796

2. Katla Geopark. (n.d.). Reynisfjara. Retrieved from https://www.katlageopark.is/jardvaetti/jardfraedi/reynisfjara/

3. Ferðamálastofa. (n.d.). Increased safety and better information with new signs in Reynisfjara black sand beach. Retrieved from https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en/moya/news/increased-safety-and-better-information-with-new-signs-in-reynisfjara-black-sand-beach

4. Morgunblaðið. (2025, February 28). Ferðamenn forðuðu sér þegar sjór flæddi yfir planið. Retrieved from https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2025/02/28/ferdamenn_fordudu_ser_thegar_sjor_flaeddi_yfir_plan/