Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is an epic must-see in Iceland

Are you wondering how to visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach? Based on my recent trip, I’ve included everything you need to know.

White sandy beaches? Yes, they’re nice. But what if I told you there’s a lava beach in Iceland that has risen from the ashes?

Actually, Iceland has several volcanic beaches, but Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is hands down the coolest with its black sand, insane basalt columns, lava formations, towering cliffs, and caves.

Here is a travel guide to the best black lava beach in Iceland and how you can visit it.

Read next: 2 days in South Iceland – must-see sights

REYNIS… WHAT?

What is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach?

I’ll be honest with you: the Icelandic words for this black sand beach seriously confused me.

So far I’ve heard people calling it Reynisfjara, Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjell, and Reynisfjöru, so for us mere mortals that don’t speak Icelandic.. I googled around a bit and this is what I learned:

• Reynisfjara is the black sand beach
• Reynisfjöru is the local word for Reynisfjara
• Reynishverfi is the village and area next to the black sand beach
• Reynisdrangar is the 66 m high rock pillar that sticks out of the sea
• Reynisfjell is the 340 m high mountain with hexagonal-shaped basalt columns at the bottom

How to get to Reynisfjara and Dyrholaey

Reynisfjara is some 180 kilometers from Reykjavik (2.5 hours) and it’s an easy drive on the Ring Road. Just head for Vik, Iceland.

When you get close, there’s a sign from the Ring Road so you can’t miss it.

On the way from Reykjavik, you’ll pass two major waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. They’re pretty epic so you should stop to see them.

Drive yourself

You can spend the night in Vik if you’re on a road trip or don’t want to return to Reykjavik.

Vik only has about 300 residents, but it’s still the biggest village in the southernmost part of Iceland. Make sure to check out the church while you’re there.

A self-drive tour is how I prefer to get around in Iceland because there’s so much to see off the path. You can rent a car in Reykjavik and other major cities in Iceland.

Read next: The ultimate guide to Iceland car rental in winter

Join a tour

An equally convenient way to explore Reynisfjara is with an organized day trip.

This way you’ll see most of the highlights on Iceland’s South coast, including the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara and Dyrholaey, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skogafoss waterfall, and Sólheimajökull glacier.

Check rates and availability here: Black Sand Beach Iceland Tour

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is made of lava

Reynisfjara black volcano beach on Iceland’s South Coast is one of the most unique black sand beaches in the world.

It’s not a tanning kind of beach. More look than touch, it was created by lava flowing into the ocean which cooled almost instantly as it touched the water.

Reynisfjara surprised me a little.

For some reason, I expected fine black sand, but the beach was actually various sizes of shiny black pebbles and stones. It was rugged and wild – very different from the white sand beaches I usually visit.

Read next: How to plan an Iceland road trip in winter

Reynisfjall and Gardar Basalt Columns

The black sand isn’t the only lava creation on Reynisfjara.

Opposite of the sea is an enormous natural pyramid made of basalt columns that looks like a staircase to the sky.

This basalt cliff is called Gardar.

Notice how perfectly shaped these basalt rocks are. It’s hard to imagine that nature did this.

The symmetrical columns were shaped when, once upon a time, lava flowed out, cooled, and contracted. The slow speed at which the lava cooled made it crack and create these hexagonal forms. This process is known as columnar jointing, which is explained in the link.

You’ll find basalt columns all around Iceland, for instance at Svartifoss waterfall or Dettifoss waterfall.

Reynisdrangar aka the Sea Trolls in Iceland

Do you see those basalt cliffs that rise from the sea? They’re called Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Legend has it that the Reynisdrangar formations are actually two trolls.

One night when they were trying to pull a three-masted ship out of the sea, the sun began to rise.

And, as all of us fairy tale fans know, trolls caught in daylight are turned to stone, so these two guys got stuck with this craggy rock form for time and eternity.

Dyrholaey and the lighthouse

If the black lava sand wasn’t already an attraction for most visitors, add the massive 120 m high Dyrhólaey promontory to that list.

Dyrhólaey is located at the southernmost tip of Iceland and if you visit during summer, you might see puffins here.

In Icelandic, Dyrhólaey means “doorhole island,” although it’s not really an island.

The name stems from the 120 m high archway that was created by a volcano eruption thousands of years ago and formed by the erosion of the ocean’s currents.

The arch in the cliff is so big that ships and even small airplanes can pass through it – hence the name.

A short walk from the parking lot is the Dyrhólaey lighthouse from 1927. From the top, I got a full view of the area and the gorgeous coastline. 

To the north, I saw Mýrdalsjökull glacier, to the east the beautiful Reynisdrangar, to the west the endless black coastline and behind me was the massive lava peninsula in the sea.

It was really windy up there, but totally worth it for the views!

At this end of Reynisfjara’s black sand beach was a high lava rock called Arnardrangur or “Eagle Rock”. The name comes from the eagles that nested there until 1850.

Should you visit the Black Sand Beach in Vik?

Absolutely, yes!

We spent a couple of hours watching the sunrise and the apocalyptic-looking landscape – most of it looked like another planet!

I had an amazing trip to Reynisfjara black sand beach and it’s seriously one of the coolest places. A MUST-see in Iceland for anyone doing a South Iceland drive or looking for a day trip from Reykjavik. 

I highly recommend it.

Safety at Black Rock Beach Iceland

I totally understand that people want their photos taken with the waves in the background (I did it, too), but the beach can be dangerous.

In this Iceland article by a local, you can see a video that shows exactly how dangerous those Iceland sneaker waves are – and you’ll see how they got their name. It’s scary.

The waves at Reynisfjara sand beach can be extremely powerful and deadly – and yes, by this I mean that the seemingly calm ocean could send a sneaker wave high up on the beach without warning and suck you out to sea where you are helpless to fight against the strong current.

Don’t go too close to the waves, and never turn your back to the water.

The cave under the basalt rocks, also known as Hálsanefshellir, is pretty cool, but if you go inside, make sure it’s during low tide. You don’t want to get trapped inside when the tide is high.

Where to stay near Reynisfjara Basalt Beach

Reykjavik

The Capital Inn is a budget hotel at a great value. I’ve stayed there twice and had a great experience both times. Click here to see the latest prices.

Vik

Puffin Hotel Vik is a cute, little hotel near the beach. The rooms are lovely, the breakfast is really great and the staff is so helpful and welcoming. Loved this hotel and it’s a great base for exploring South Iceland. Click here to see the latest prices.

What to wear to Reynisfjara Black Lava Beach Iceland

In Iceland, the weather can change very quickly no matter what time of year you visit, so packing layers is always a smart option.

Also, in the winter, the most important things to bring are waterproof outerwear and sturdy boots. After all, there’s nothing worse than freezing and having cold feet.

Here’s my packing list for Iceland:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Sturdy waterproof boots 
• Ski Pants
• A warm hat
• A scarf
• Waterproof Gloves
• Fleece-Lined Leggings

Get the full list – Packing list for Iceland

Tips for visiting Reynisfjara Volcanic Beach

• Entrance and parking is free
• Dress warmly and in layers. It’s very cold and windy.
• Wear sturdy shoes. The pebbles aren’t particularly easy to walk on.
• Try to go early in the morning. That way you’ll avoid the tour busses and crowds, and you’ll be there for sunrise.

FAQ – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Can you swim in Reynisfjara beach?

No, swimming at Reynisfjara beach is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and sneaker waves. You should stay well away from the water’s edge.

Is Black Sand Beach safe to swim?

No, Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara) in Iceland is not safe to swim due to strong currents and unpredictable sneaker waves.

What is special about Black Sand Beach?

Black Sand Beach, also known as Reynisfjara, is famous for its stunning black volcanic sand, basalt columns, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks off its coast.

Read more from Iceland

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• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is seriously world-class
• 2 days in South Iceland: The most awesome sights
• An adventurer’s guide to driving The Golden Circle in Iceland
• How to plan an Iceland road trip in winter
• 5 best private Northern Lights tours in Iceland
• How to visit Diamond Beach Iceland in winter
• 16 epic Iceland nature landscapes to your bucket list

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