Reynisfjara Beach
Vik, South Iceland
A place of stark, wild beauty, this black-sand beach on Iceland's south coast is one of the country's most photogenic locations. Here, roaring Atlantic waves batter the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black pebble shoreline, and the pyramid-like cliff of basalt columns known as Garðar, where you can spot puffins and guillemots.
The Basics
Reynisfjara Beach is a common stop-off on South Iceland day tours from Reykjavik, which typically combine a visit to Reynisfjara with trips to other nearby destinations, such as Skaftafell National Park, Sólheimajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and Skógafoss waterfall.
Multi-day tours from the capital also tend to combine south shore attractions with sights around the Reykjanes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Borgarfjörður valley, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Things to Know Before You Go
With its striking landscape, this black beach is a must for photography enthusiasts.
The nearby Dyrhólaey promontory, accessible via Routes 1 and 218, also offers striking views of the beach.
The waves here can be treacherous; keep your distance from the shore.
The uneven, stone-littered surface of the beach makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Reynisfjara Beach is situated on Iceland’s south coast near the town of Vík. The beach is about 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Reykjavik and can be reached via the Ring Road (Route 1) and Route 215. Driving from Reykjavik takes about 2.5 hours. If you don’t have access to a car, it’s best to go as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
Reynisfjara Beach is recognized for its dramatic beauty. Summer is perhaps the best time to come here, with long, lingering sunsets and sunrises providing ideal lighting conditions for photographers. This is also the best time to view birds in the nearby cliffs. Don’t expect to sunbathe, even in summer, as winds are strong here year-round.
Reynisfjara Beach on the Big Screen
Due to its unusual appearance, Reynisfjara Beach has been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies and hit TV series. In Game of Thrones, it served as the beach at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea in season seven. It was also used for scenes in Darren Aronofsky’s 2014 religious epic Noah and in Star Trek: Into Darkness.
What makes Reynisfjara Beach in Vík so famous?
Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most famous areas of coastline in Iceland, known for its black sand and its dramatic scenery. The beach is home to massive hexagonal basalt column cliffs (Gardar Cliff), a sea cave (Halsanefshellir cave), and a series of sea stacks (Reynisdrangar sea stacks) located just offshore in the Atlantic ocean.
How do I get to Reynisfjara Beach from Reykjavik?
Reynisfjara Beach is on the south coast of Iceland, near the village of Vik (Vík í Mýrdal), around 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Reykjavik. Drive south along the Route 1 ring road, then turn onto road 215 for 3.8 miles (6 kilometers)]. Many south coast sightseeing tours will include a stop at Reynisfjara Beach, along with transfers from Reykjavik.
Is Reynisfjara Beach safe for swimming, and are there any dangerous currents or tides?
No, Reynisfjara Beach is not safe for swimming. Sneaker waves are common and can reach further inland than expected. The water is also frigid and there are strong rip currents. Never turn your back on the waves, and do not walk into zones yellow and red when the warning lights are on.
What is the best time of day or year to visit Reynisfjara Beach for photography or sightseeing?
For the best lighting for photographs, visit before sunrise or sunset. Arriving early also has the benefit of limited crowds. In the summer months you’ll be able to see puffins nesting on top of the basalt columns, while autumn and winter offer the best chance of capturing the northern lights.
Are there any nearby amenities such as restrooms, restaurants, or accommodations near Reynisfjara Beach?
There is a small restaurant, Black Beach Restaurant, which overlooks Reynisfjara Beach and serves a limited menu of food and drink. There are also paid public toilets and paid parking lots. Additional dining and accommodation options can be found at the nearby town of Vik.
Are there any folklore or legends associated with Reynisfjara Beach and its surroundings?
Yes, one legend of Reynisfjara Beach is that the basalt columns were trolls who stayed out too late trying to pull ships from the sea, and were turned to stone by sunlight. According to another folklore, the trolls were turned to stone by a husband avenging the kidnapping and murder of his wife.
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