If you’re visiting the South of Iceland, Reynisfjara Beach NEEDS to be on your itinerary!
What makes it so special, you ask?
Well, if you’re drawn to Iceland because of its dramatic landscapes, this black sand beach seriously delivers.
Known for its distinct rock formations, it’s actually the most famous black sand beach in Iceland!
Whether you’re there to snap epic photos, watch the adorable puffins, or just take in the wild beauty of Iceland’s south coast, Reynisfjara Beach is a must-see.
Curious about what other unforgettable sights are nearby?
I’ve got you covered.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Where is Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland?
- Best Time of Year to Visit
- Reynisfjara Beach Parking + Restrooms
- Is Reynisfjara Beach Dangerous?
- Reynisfjara Beach Hotels + Accommodation
- Dining Near Reynisfjara
- Main Attractions
- Tours + Activities
- Get Your Iceland Maps + Guidebook
Where is Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland?
So, where is the black sand beach in Iceland?
Reynisfjara Beach is located on the South Coast of Iceland, about 116 miles (187 km) from the capital.
Right in one of the most popular areas of the country!
The South Coast is packed with iconic sites, from waterfalls and glaciers to hidden hot springs and, of course, this black sand beach.
With so much to see, it can be difficult to prioritize, especially if you’re short on time or hoping to explore more than one region.
With my 👉 West + South Iceland Map + Guidebook you can plan a stress-free trip and know that you’re not missing out on any must-see spots.
The guide includes planning checklists and region-specific attractions in the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, South Iceland. And the very underrated Reykjanes Peninsula.
Plus, they’re all pinned on a digital map so you can easily find them!
Don’t travel to the Highlands without this.
Ideal for travelers who want to tick off all the top sights on their Iceland bucket list without straying too far from Reykjavík.
How to Get to Reynisfjara Beach from Reykjavík
Getting to Reynisfjara from Reykjavík is very straightforward. The drive takes about 2.5 hours along Route 1 (a.k.a the Ring Road).
Just head south on the Ring Road until you see the turnoff for Route 215.
From there, it’s another 10 minutes or so until you reach the beach parking lot.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The great news is that you can visit Iceland’s black sand beach, Reynisfjara, all year round.
Summer (June to August) in Iceland is the most popular time to go, with long daylight hours, milder weather, and even a chance to spot puffins. It does get busy, but if you go early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll get a bit more breathing room!
In winter, the beach takes on a dramatic, moody feel. It’s usually less crowded, but also colder and darker, so you’ll want to plan ahead — and bring warm layers if you’re hoping to stay out and take photos. 📸
Reynisfjara Beach Parking + Restrooms
This spot is so popular that there are actually two parking lots at Reynisfjara.
There’s a large parking lot closer to the beach that costs around 1,000 ISK.
The one a bit further away is slightly cheaper, at about 750 ISK. This parking fee includes access to the toilet facilities and is valid for three hours.
Is Reynisfjara Beach Dangerous?
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is absolutely stunning, but it’s also one of the most dangerous spots in Iceland.
The biggest risk here is the sneaker waves.
What are Sneaker Waves?
The waves at Reynisfjara beach are extremely powerful and are known as sneaker waves.
It’s said that about every fifth wave is a sneaker wave — one that unexpectedly rushes much farther inland than the rest.
They can suddenly surge up the shore without warning and easily knock you off your feet, ruin your photography equipment, and even worse, pull you out to sea in the strong current!
Tragically, there have been several Reynisfjara Beach deaths where visitors were caught off guard.
How to Stay Safe
Thankfully, there’s a warning system in place to help keep visitors safe.
If you see a yellow light, it means you can’t enter the yellow zone, and if there’s a red light, stay out of the red zone.
Please don’t ignore them!
Swimming here is also prohibited because the currents are so strong.
Here are a few ways you can stay safe when you’re visiting this black sand beach in Iceland.
- Keep a safe distance: Even though the water looks calm, it can change without notice. Enjoy the beautiful views from a distance.
- Don’t turn your back on the water: Always stay alert and be ready to move if a sudden sneaker wave comes your way. Never turn your back on the water, not even to snap a quick photo.
*Important note: This black sand beach offers great photo opportunities, but keep in mind that while flying a drone in Iceland is allowed, some areas, like Reynisfjara Beach, are strictly off-limits.
- Obey the warnings: Make sure you follow the warnings closely. Ignoring them is a massive risk.
I always believe in safety first, so I’m not saying all this to discourage you from going, I just want you to stay safe when you visit.
Find out more about crucial travel warnings in Iceland here.👇
➡️ READ: 3 Crucial Iceland Travel Warnings + Top Tips for a Safe Trip
Reynisfjara Beach Hotels + Accommodation
Need a place to stay near Reynisfjara Beach?
Whether you want luxury, something cozy, or a more laid-back camping vibe, there are some great options in or near Vík!
Black Beach Suites: These studio apartments are conveniently located only a 5-minute drive from Vík. The views are spectacular, and there’s a bar onsite that serves drinks and snacks. The Black Beach Suites is a great option for luxury accommodation.
Farmhouse lodge: This comfortable guest house in Vík is close to local attractions. I love that the Farmhouse Lodge serves a continental breakfast buffet daily, so you don’t have to worry about finding breakfast elsewhere especially when you want to start your day exploring early! (Breakfast in Iceland, especially in smaller towns, can be notoriously hard to come by!).
Reynisfjara Beach camping: While camping on the beach isn’t allowed, the closest spot is the Vik campsite. It has restrooms, hot and cold water, electricity, and most of the essentials campers need.
That said, one of my favorite ways to explore Iceland is by renting a camper van.
It’s a fantastic way to experience the raw beauty of the country, and honestly… It’s way more comfortable than regular camping!
If you’re considering the camper van route, check out Happy Campers – the first camper van company in Iceland.
I’ve used them countless times and they’ve never let me down!
💥 Sign up for FREE to my email list and get an exclusive VIP discount when you book with Happy Campers!
See why I’m obsessed with camper van road tripping in Iceland here.👇
Dining Near Reynisfjara
Exploring epic sights all day can definitely leave you hungry! Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in the area.
Black Beach Restaurant: Located at Reynisfjara Beach, you’ll be able to experience beautiful views of Dyrhólaey while you dine. It’s a great place to warm up with a bowl of soup or enjoy a cup of coffee and cake. The restaurant also serves traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb and fish.
Suður-Vík: This renovated farmhouse is a family-owned restaurant with a seriously delicious menu! You’ll find everything from steak sandwiches to Asian-inspired bites, pizzas and homemade ice cream.
Pro tip: Make sure you make a reservation, especially if you’re visiting in peak season!
Halldórskaffi : Expect classic Icelandic dishes like lamb and fish, along with crowd-pleasers like pizza and beer!
Sigh… Don’t you just love discovering local favorites?! 😊
Want to get more of my top dining picks along the Ring Road?
➡️ READ MORE: Best Restaurants in Iceland Along Ring Road: Indulge at These Top 16 Dining Spots!
Main Attractions
From stunning natural wonders to charming villages, there’s no shortage of incredible sights to discover near Reynisfjara Beach.
Hálsanefshellir Cave
This cave is incredibly unique.
As you approach Gardar Cliff on Reynisfjara Beach, you’ll see impressive octagonal dark basalt pillars that look a bit like organ pipes.
The entrance to Hálsanefshellir is also lined with these pillars.
Again, it’s important to follow the warning signs and safety guidelines when you visit the cave because sometimes the tide is higher and the cave isn’t accessible OR if there are sneaker waves that are coming up.
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
These dramatic basalt stacks rising from the ocean make for the ultimate backdrop for your black sand beach photo!
Legend has it that these stacks are trolls turned to stone.
You can see them from the beach, Hálsanefshellir cave, or from Vik. Another option is to hike to the cliffs of Reynisfjall for another great vantage point.
Visit the Village of Vík
The tiny village of Vík is a must-see if you’re visiting Reynisfjara Beach, and it’s only 12 minutes away!
Look for the iconic red-roofed church perched on the hillside.
With quaint restaurants serving Icelandic comfort food and cute shops for authentic wool souvenirs, this little town of fewer than 800 locals is a must on your itinerary.
Vík also makes a great overnight base if you’re exploring South Iceland, with some accommodations even offering Northern Lights wake-up calls!
Find out everything you need to know about Vík here.👇
➡️ READ: Vík, Iceland: Your Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Most Charming Town
Dyrhólaey
If you’ve ever seen that famous arch rising from the ocean by the black sand beach, that’s Dyrhólaey.
You’ll get one view of it from the beach but the best views are if you take a more rugged path up to the top.
It’s also a great spot to spot Puffins in Iceland.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This gorgeous canyon is just under an hour’s drive away and is one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland!
If you’re visiting during the summer months, I cannot recommend it enough.
For die-hard fans of the show, Game of Thrones, then good news! Fjaðrárgljúfur , along with Reynisfjara Beach, were filming locations for the show.
Take a look! 👇
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach
Trust me…if you make it to Vík, it’s worth driving a little further to see what might be my favorite spot in all of Iceland: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
And right across the road from Jökulsárlón is another black sand beach called Diamond Beach. It gets its name from the big chunks of ice that wash up on the shore.
They look like glittering diamonds scattered across the black sand.
And who doesn’t like diamonds!?
It’s absolutely stunning!
The icebergs drifting on the lagoon are so spectacular, trust me, you won’t regret the drive from Reynisfjara.
➡️ READ: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Explore this Breathtaking Gem in South Iceland
Tours + Activities
Whether you’re up for a private tour, a photo shoot, or chasing the Northern Lights, I’ve got you covered with some awesome tour options! These are some of the best activities in the area.
Reynisfjara Beach Tour
You can opt for a private tour to the highlights of the South Coast if you don’t want to drive yourself,
This one is really convenient with a pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Tour to the South Coast and Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara Photoshoot
If you’re not too confident about your photo-taking abilities and prefer that a professional does it for you, Reynisfjara is a beautiful backdrop for a photo shoot.
Get a one-hour photo shoot with a local photographer.
Check out the details here.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Reynisfjara Photoshoot
Reynisfjall Sea Cliff Hike
This moderately difficult hike is about 4.4 miles (7.1km) long.
It’s a great Reynisfjara Beach viewpoint and you’ll also get amazing views of the sea stacks, Vík, and Dyrhólaey.
Katla Ice Cave
This ice cave is in Kötlujökull Glacier, roughly a 40-minute drive from Reynisfjara.
To reach the ice cave, you need to be accompanied by a skilled guide. Your guide will keep it fun and share stories about Katla volcano along the way!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Katla Ice Cave South Coast – Day Tour from Reykjavík
Looking for the best stops along the South Coast of Iceland? You don’t want to miss this!👇
➡️ READ: South Coast Of Iceland Travel Guide: 8 Stops You Can’t Miss!
Waterfalls in the Area
Some of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls are just a short drive away!
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the hidden gem Gljúfrabúi (just a 10-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss) are all less than an hour from Reynisfjara.
Waterfalls feel magical, don’t they? And Iceland’s are nothing short of spectacular.
Learn more about my favorites right here.👇
➡️ READ: Chasing Waterfalls in Iceland: Discover The Top 10 Breathtaking Waterfalls In Iceland
Northern Lights
Reynisfjara Beach is a great place to see the Northern Lights.
Instead of organizing everything yourself, you can combine the Sólheimajökull Glacier hike, waterfall visits, and chase the Northern Lights – all in one tour!👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Sensational Iceland – Waterfalls, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights
These tours make it super easy to turn your Reynisfjara Beach visit into a smooth and easy trip with everything taken care of.
Get Your Iceland Maps + Guidebooks
The moment you step onto the black sand and see those towering sea stacks, it becomes clear why this place is so iconic.
But Reynisfjara Beach is just one of the many incredible spots on Iceland’s Ring Road.
The trick is knowing how to link them all together.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to fit everything into a short stay in Iceland, I totally get it.
That’s why I created my Iceland Maps + Guidebooks.
They include everything from where to stay to the main attractions in the area, like Reynisfjara Beach.
I’ve included practical details like where to find the grocery stores, clinics and gas stations, and little-known gems that don’t always make it to other travel guides.
Here’s what you’ll find:
✅ Over 500 pinned locations on a digital map, including hidden gems and must-see stops.
✅ Pro tips, seasonal checklists, and packing guides from a local expert – (that’s me!😃)
✅ Restaurant and hotel recommendations, plus exclusive discounts to save on your trip.
So, if you want to skip the stress and make sure you don’t miss any must-sees, check out my Iceland Maps + Guidebooks.
From black sand beaches to hidden waterfalls, I’ll help you make the most of every incredible stop.
Happy planning,
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