Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach
4.5
About
This stunning black sand beach along the South Coast of Iceland is located beside the small fishing village of Vik i Myrdal. It's known for its dramatic natural landscapes: hexagonal basalt columns, the Halsanefshellir Sea Cave, and large rock formations that rise out of the sea. But be careful when visiting though—the spot is prone to sneaker waves that can crash ashore unexpectedly. Try to keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet from the shoreline, and avoid turning your back towards the waves.
This spot is often included as a stop on a full-day tour of the South Coast.
– Tripadvisor
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Best nearby
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13 within 3 miles
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10 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,043 reviews
Excellent
1,511
Very good
453
Average
69
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Natalie K
San Jose, CA37 contributions
Jun 2022
If you are comparing black sand beaches in Iceland, this one is better than the one in Vik. It has everything: black sand, sneaker waves, basalt columns, plenty of parking. There is a restaurant there (we didn't go in) with a pay toilet attached that appeared to take only coins. Was a little crowded in mid-June, so I'm sure it gets worse as the summer progresses.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rudi Rudi
Washington DC, DC2,286 contributions
Aug 2021
How often can you see something you had never imagined?
These black towering basalt formations will inspire the feeling of awe and wonder.
Driving from the main road follow the sign along a curvy side road, past a picture perfect church, which will lead you to a crowded parking lot. There is a cafe and bathrooms. The restaurant requests you pay for the restrooms if you are not a patron.
It is a short walk to the black sand beach. Crawl onto the columns. Attempt self-ies. No need to hurry in August.
Reynisfjara is not Reynisdrangur or Reynisfjall or the geothermal river named Reykjadalur. Be careful when programing GPS in your rental. Or double check your entry on your cell phone. An auto-fill feature can be disastrous.
It is a 2.5 hour drive from Reykjavik. However, it actually took me 4 hours to arrive because I stopped at Dryholaey and several waterfalls on my way. After visiting these grand natural temples, I was disappointed visiting the beach at Vik. Dryholaey, Vik and Reynisfjara are all different, yet, very close together. They seem to share the same shore on the south of Iceland.
The hardest part of this adventure is trying to take a picture to truly capture its magnificence.
These black towering basalt formations will inspire the feeling of awe and wonder.
Driving from the main road follow the sign along a curvy side road, past a picture perfect church, which will lead you to a crowded parking lot. There is a cafe and bathrooms. The restaurant requests you pay for the restrooms if you are not a patron.
It is a short walk to the black sand beach. Crawl onto the columns. Attempt self-ies. No need to hurry in August.
Reynisfjara is not Reynisdrangur or Reynisfjall or the geothermal river named Reykjadalur. Be careful when programing GPS in your rental. Or double check your entry on your cell phone. An auto-fill feature can be disastrous.
It is a 2.5 hour drive from Reykjavik. However, it actually took me 4 hours to arrive because I stopped at Dryholaey and several waterfalls on my way. After visiting these grand natural temples, I was disappointed visiting the beach at Vik. Dryholaey, Vik and Reynisfjara are all different, yet, very close together. They seem to share the same shore on the south of Iceland.
The hardest part of this adventure is trying to take a picture to truly capture its magnificence.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
atravelingvegan
Provo, UT241 contributions
Sep 2021
As the saying goes, the earlier you can stop by, the less crowded it will be. Unfortunately we didn't roll through until around noon, so we were competing for photos with several other tourists and a full parking lot. This did take away slightly from the experience, but Reynisfjara is so beautiful that it didn't matter, it was still an amazing stop and we got some amazing photos! The majestic earth shooting from the powerful waves, the ominous and breathtaking basalt columns, and the dark and piercing black sand... It was well worth the stop! There is a restaurant here (didn't eat at it) as well as well as restrooms, but there is a small fee for the restrooms.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris M
41 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Came to this beach at the end of the Iceland winter. There was still plenty of snow it can be quite cold and windy. I strongly recommend that you come early between the hours of 6am-10am (the latest) this place has a restaurant close to the beach and attracts massive amounts of tourist and tourist busses. If you’re into any kind of photography, I highly recommend you get to the car park at first light. Also the beach is drone friendly so feel free to throw your drone up and get a different perspective. However, keep an eye on the wind and the basalt columns which can cause a magnetic interference to your drones GPS if you get too close. Also keep an eye on the ocean, the waves can catch you out if you’re not carful.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rich S
Mukilteo, WA310 contributions
Sep 2022
Honestly, this beach is beautiful. The basalt columns, the black sand, and the crashing waves make for some epic scenery. And I would have loved to have taken some better photos here... if it weren't for the absolute hoards of people there. Granted, I was one of them so I probably shouldn't complain. But just be aware that it's nearly impossible to take any pictures without hundreds of other people in them, even in late-September.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve D
Divonne-les-Bains, France742 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
2 magic things not to miss here…. First the Puffins living on the side of the cliffs. Magical how there launch into to see with wings flapping wildly😀
We lucky because of guide told they should have migrated by now (late August). I guess the amazing warm weather persuaded them to stay while.
Secondly the rock columns formations are fascinating.
Great place to visit with a decent restaurant on site.
We lucky because of guide told they should have migrated by now (late August). I guess the amazing warm weather persuaded them to stay while.
Secondly the rock columns formations are fascinating.
Great place to visit with a decent restaurant on site.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Britney B
9 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
This plane was once a beautiful, serene spot in nature but over the years it’s been heavily commercialized, a restaurant put in, and is now teeming with hundreds of people. Sad to see what it’s become. Be prepared for masses of tourists coming here.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jesse S
Highland, NY48 contributions
Nov 2022
We woke up to pouring rain and hurricane like winds. Our ice climbing excursion was cancelled and we were left scrambling. When the rain (but not wind) let up, we decided to drive to Reynisfjara. While it was hardly empty, I'm guessing the weather kept most away this day. There's so many caves and rock formations to explore and climb (and escape the wind!). My favorite spot was just past the large cave. There's a tricky scramble to get to what can best be described as a natural throne (view in pic). Sitting here on my own (completely blocked from wind with no one else in sight) was one of the highlights of the whole Iceland trip.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AdmiralGanteaume
Wilmette, IL128 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Along with Dyrholeay on 218 off route 1, this is the other “come on, you really have to see this” in South Iceland. We drove past 218 to start here, where in the distance you can indeed find a gorgeous view of the Dyrholeay arch and islands. But Lord. Do mind the signs—the waves even on an incredibly calm and windless day we’re very strong—but the basalt formations here are simply mind blowing, from 200 yards or 2 inches. We even saw some puffins swimming a hundred yards off shore. Yes yes there are people milling around here, but it is worth the crowd. The little restaurant there supplies a WC if you need one, and the sandwiches were really very good.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
danni1309
Taunton, UK31 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
If you are driving along the south coast I’d highly recommend turning off for Vik, and driving down to this beach. We went just as it was starting to get dark, there wasn’t as many tourists as I was expecting. I couldn’t believe the colour of the sand, I had read reviews but I didn’t expect the sand and pebble stones to be pure black!
The sea can be very unpredictable on this beach though so I would be very careful. We saw a few people get soaked feet unexpectedly.
In my photos it shows the contrast between the sand and the sea foam.
The sea can be very unpredictable on this beach though so I would be very careful. We saw a few people get soaked feet unexpectedly.
In my photos it shows the contrast between the sand and the sea foam.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marilina Balsi
Athens, Greece8 contributions
Is it possible to walk from the town of Vik to reynisfjara beach?
Did you drive up from the "Cave" side of the cliffs or from the Vik side? Can anyone drive or hike up above the sea stacks? Where does this road/trail begin?
Stefan Helgi V
Husafell, Iceland339 contributions
It is possible to hike up on the west side of Reynifsfjall mountain, and east side.
There is a road on the east side (where the village is). The road is closed to traffic but you can hike up. The road links to the Ring road.
There is a narrow road on the western side (closer to Reykjavik), this path goes up near near the church.
Be careful at the top!
Carolyn S
Gainesville, FL6 contributions
Any hotels on the beach near here?
tandmindiana
Indiana80 contributions
Hello! I didn’t see any hotels nearby, and when we were planning our trip, every hotel in Vik was booked! We headed back west that evening and stayed in a charming bed and breakfast in Stokkseyri called Heba Guesthouse. I highly recommend it! The traditional Icelandic breakfast is phenomenal, and the guesthouse is on the ocean. Stunning view!
Laura M
3 contributions
Hello! How much time would you say you need to explore the beach? How far is it from the parking lot? Just want to make sure we plan accordingly!
Thanks!!
johncrnkovic
Austin, TX133 contributions
Sorry, but it’s not letting me answer
Overwhelmed0610
Dallas, TX52 contributions
You mention going at "off times," but do you know when that would be. Since we'll be staying near there overnight, I'm wondering if we're better going late in the evening (since still light)?
Maeve R
113 contributions
Anytime before 10am and after 6pm are great. Mostly day tours come from Reykjavik so they get there during peak hours
rebeccasomerville
Stornoway, UK10 contributions
How far away is this location from Reykjavik? Is it possible to drive here in a car?
TampaTina
Tampa, FL85 contributions
It’s about 3-31/2 hours from Reykjavík depending on the weather. You can drive right up to the beach which is near Vik.
Westlandia
Palo Alto, CA83 contributions
Is it possible to walk to Reynisfjara Beach from the beach at Vik or what is the best way to get here? We will have a 2 WD. Thank you.
Steve F
Bellevue, WA1,037 contributions
The two beaches are separated by water, so you have to drive. The road is fine for all vehicles.
Travel_BugMARGARET
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
Are there washroom and restaurant facilities at the beach?
gypsyedmonton
Sherwood Park, Canada65 contributions
There is a bathroom. You put your credit card into a machine and it charges you and gives you a ticket with a bar code to use to open the bathroom door. Some bathrooms are cheap, some are expensive and some are very expensive.This bathroom was very expensive, I cannot remember the exact amount but it was well up in dollars. We were however happy that it was available.
There was a restaurant but it was not yet open as we were there about 10am. This area is close to the town of Vik where there are also restaurants.Generally if you are using the store or restaurantin town you are not charged at these places to use the bathroom.This is great if you are driving.(:
Reynisfjara Beach (Vik) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Reynisfjara Beach
- We recommend booking Reynisfjara Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 168 Reynisfjara Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Reynisfjara Beach:
- South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik (From $112.00)
- Full-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik (From $165.25)
- South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik (From $99.00)
- South Coast: Fire & Ice - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Icelandic Lava Show in Vík (From $187.00)
- South Coast Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik with Guide and Touchscreen Audio (From $110.17)
- Hotels near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (2.13 mi) Black Beach Suites
- (2.40 mi) Vik Apartments
- (3.12 mi) Grand Guesthouse Gardakot
- (2.40 mi) Hotel Vik i Myrdal
- (2.23 mi) The Barn Hostel
- Restaurants near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (2.31 mi) Black Crust Pizzeria
- (2.07 mi) Smidjan Brugghus
- (2.13 mi) The Soup Company
- (2.44 mi) Skool Beans
- (2.29 mi) Sudur Vik
- Attractions near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (0.98 mi) Dyrholaey
- (0.95 mi) Reynisdrangar
- (2.13 mi) Lava Show
- (2.13 mi) Zipline
- (2.32 mi) True Adventure