From black volcanic sands to towering basalt columns and the mythical Reynisdrangar sea stacks, Reynisfjara is a place that showcases some of the most dramatic Icelandic landscapes. Planning to visit? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about visiting the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
What is The Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?
Reynisfjara is no ordinary beach. It’s one of Iceland’s most iconic black sand beaches. It’s a rugged piece of volcanic coastline where every element screams ‘dramatic’. From the dark black sand formed from ancient lava and massive sneaker waves crashing into the basalt columns lining the cliff to the Reynisdrangar sea stacks emerging from the sea, it’s no surprise it’s been used as a filming location for shows like Game of Thrones.
How to get to Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is pretty easy to get to if you have a car. It’s located near the town of Vík, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Reykjavik. If you went straight there, the drive would take about two and a half hours along the scenic Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. However, it’s impossible to get to Reynisfjara without stopping off at all the incredible locations on Iceland’s south coast.
If driving in Iceland is not your thing, no worries! Plenty of guided tours include Reynisfjara on their itinerary, often bundling it with other south coast highlights like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the glacier Solheimajökull.
Parking at Reynisfjara
There’s plenty of parking at Reynisfjara with one main car park next to the beach and a newly built overflow car park a couple of minutes walk away, which gives you an idea of just how busy it can get at peak times. The parking costs the usual 1,000 ISK (about £6), which is now common at most of Iceland’s highlights. There are pay and display machines there, though we personally used the Parka app to pay for parking online.
What to do at Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is so much more than just a beach. With roaring waves and fascinating rock formations, there’s plenty to explore here:
- Explore the Basalt Columns: These towering rock formations are so characteristic of Iceland that they served as the inspiration for Reykjavik’s Hallgrímskirkja church.
- Visit the Basalt Cave: The Hálsanefshellir cave is a natural masterpiece with its arched entrance and patterned walls. It’s a great spot to take shelter from the wind while admiring the beach’s unique geology.
- Get Closer to Reynisdrangar: The iconic sea stacks look especially mystical when shrouded in mist, but they’re always impressive no matter the conditions. They’re a magnet for landscape photographers, particularly during sunrise and sunset hours. If the tide is low, you might be able to walk over to them and get a close-up look.
- Walk Along the Beach: Take your time to soak in the wild beauty of the coastline with a stroll further up the beach – but keep a safe distance from the waves. The contrast between the black sand and crashing white waves is unforgettable, so make sure to pause and take it all in.
The Best Time to Visit Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is stunning year-round, but your experience will be completely different depending on the season. In summer, the long daylight hours and often milder weather make it easier to explore the beach and watch for puffins. In winter, rougher weather and longer nights make it more dramatic, but there’s also a chance you’ll get to see the Northern Lights dancing above the beach.
It’s also worth knowing that the time of day you visit can have a massive impact on the things you can do and see at Reynisfjara. Visiting during high-tide means you’ll be limited to a small section of the black sand beach, so you won’t be able to walk along the beach to access the nearby caves or get a closeup of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. During low-tide, you’ll comfortably be able to walk the length of the beach and explore all the secrets that Reynisjfara has hidden away.
Unfortunately, you won’t always be able to plan your trip to Reynisfjara around the tidal changes, so aim for sunrise or sunset to catch the light at its most magical.
Things to do Near Reynisfjara
The Icelandic south coast is filled with highlights, so there are also plenty of other things to see and do near Reynisfjara, which make the journey so worth it. If you have time, here are a few things to do nearby:
- Explore Dyrhólaey Peninsula: At the far end of the Reynisfjara beach, the Dyrhólaey Peninsula is known for its dramatic rock arch in the sea and puffin sightings in summer. It also offers panoramic views over the black sand beaches to both sides.
- Visit the town of Vik: A charming town just a few minutes drive from the black sand beach. It’s one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns with a picture-perfect church perched at the top of the hill.
- Check Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss: Two of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, both within easy driving distance. Skógafoss is known for its powerful cascade and rainbow-filled mist on a sunny day, while Seljalandsfoss waterfall offers the unique opportunity to walk behind the falling water for a breathtaking view.
FAQs About Reynisfjara Beach
Here are some of the most common questions asked about Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and the surroundings:
Absolutely not. The sea at Reynisfjara is notoriously rough, with powerful currents and dangerous “sneaker waves” that can surge unexpectedly far up the beach. These waves are extremely strong and have been known to catch people off guard, dragging them into the icy waters. Swimming here is not just inadvisable; it’s life-threatening.
Yes, there’s a well-maintained car park with a cosy café and toilets just a short walk from the beach. The café is a great place to shelter from the gale force winds and enjoy a bit of comfort before you venture onto the beach, or warm up with a hot drink and a snack after you’ve braved the cold. However, keep in mind that the facilities can get quite busy during peak seasons.
Yes, you can! During the summer months, puffins often nest in the cliffs surrounding Reynisfjara. If you’re visiting between May and August, keep your eyes on the rocky ledges and cliffs – you’ll likely see their colourful wings fluttering about. Just remember to bring some binoculars or a camera to get a closer look.
Yes, but keep a close eye on them and make sure they stay well back from the waves.
With its unique landscapes and untamed beauty, Reynisfjara is a place that truly captures the spirit of Iceland. Whether you see it as part of a guided tour or on your own Icelandic road trip, it’s a place you definitely won’t want to miss!
