Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Reynisfjara Beach is a popular stretch of black sand along the Southern Iceland stretch of the Ring Road located just west of the town of Vik. Regarded as one of Iceland's most beautiful black sand beaches and one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world by National Geographic, Reynisfjara sees a lot of visitors—though stepping onto its black sand clearly reveals why.

Visitors to the beach should be aware that Reynisfjara receives occasional large sneaker waves due to there being no barriers between the beach and the continent of Antarctica, allowing waves to travel across the Atlantic Ocean before landing onshore. Visitors should remain vigilant and remain back from the sea. A small restaurant is adjacent to the beach parking area.

Just offshore from the beach's east edge are the Reynisdrangar, black basalt rock stacks towering into the air from a time past, when volcanic basalt cliffs stretched farther out to sea. Those wanting to get a different view of Reynisdrangar can hike a trail beginning in the west side of the town of Vik to an overlook point. Within view from the beach is Dyrhólaey rock arch, home to thousands of nesting puffins during the summer months.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic. Unique stone formations.

Cons

Crowded.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Geologically significant
Big vistas
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Cave

Location

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