10 Stunning Black Sand Beaches In Iceland That Are A Must See!

 

When a person thinks about the name “Iceland,” an avid traveler would visualize a country with unique and unmatchable diversity. From Volcanoes to Fjords, Geysers, and Waterfalls, the nation is blessed with many natural phenomena. However, few selective coastal stretches offer breathtaking views. Whether you only have 3 days in Iceland or doing a longer trip exploring the Ring Road sites, you will no doubt come across stunning black sand beaches in Iceland. Below were some of my favourites as we were exploring Iceland in a campervan. 

 

 

Unbelievable Black Sand Beach Locations around the Coastal Lines of Iceland

If you are lucky to be staying in some of the cute and unique accommodation in Iceland, you may have these Icelandic beaches right on your doorstep. To help you plan the best black sand beaches to visit in Iceland, lets explore 10 of my favourites. If you are unable to get to them all some of the Golden Tours in Iceland will pass by a few of these.

 

• Langisandur Beach

Commence your Icelandic beach hunt with the famous Langisandur beach located in the Northeast of the country near Akranes. The black sandy beach is popular among the local bird-watchers as it welcomes several migratory birds as well. The beach is among the 3 major Blue Flag Beaches in Iceland. This is a popular area in Akranes and is well accessible from the capital city of Reykjavik. Visitors can take their time and visit the famous Jaorsbakkar Pool in Akranes, having an attractive open-air swimming pool facility.

Possessing a rich tradition, the renowned swimmers from Iceland highly recommend a stop during your visit. The waters from Deildartunguhver hot spring is used in warming the pool, making it pure and pristine. You also have the option of visiting a new geothermal pool of Guðlaug open to soak and view the surroundings. It is open from 4 pm to 8 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 10 am to 2 pm on the weekends.

 

 

• Skjolfjorur Beach

The breath-taking roads leading through Vopnfjordur towards the North of Coastal Iceland show up a pristine and a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are a fan of the black sand coastline, Skjolfjorur beach is sure to excite. Bearing a visual treat, Skjolfjorur beach is a famous rocky beach of Iceland boasting a picturesque sight. While strolling down the coastal lands, experience the characteristic rocky pillars and sharp cliffs.

The localities refer to them as “Fillinn,” translating to “The Elephant” as it resembles an Elephant. The whole region is nestled alongside Mountain Burid, standing on the right of Ljosastapi, adding to the aesthetics. If you are an avid trekker with a decent experience, a short hike from the route to the nearby town of Perribjorg located East of Hellisheildi Eystri is highly recommended.

 

 

• Reynisfjara Beach – AKA –  Black Beach Vik

Southern Iceland coastline is a must see when exploring Iceland. Reynisfjara Black seashore, along with the fishing village of Vik I Myrdal, is a major point of interest in this side of Iceland. Located at about 180km south of the Capital city of Reykjavik, this is a stopping point on the southern coast, offering a black sand coastline with a tinge of tropical magnificence.

Barely 2 and a half hours drive from the capital takes to the point, and the road leads to the world-famous 120-meter promenade at Dyrhola Peninsula. The iconic lighthouse offers surreal visuals of a combination of large rocks and a beautiful arch at the peninsula. To sum up, a wonderful trip, pay a short visit to Reynisdrangar to get a panoramic aerial view of the landscape. I have covered extensively tips on things to do in Vik and cool places to stay in Vik, with plenty of shots of this beautiful part of Iceland.

 

 

 

 

• Djupalonossandur Beach

Located on the famous Snaefellsnes peninsula, Djupalonssandur or the Black Lave Pearl Beach is an untouched coastal gem of Iceland. Located at a short driving distance from Djupalonssandur, this is a sandy coastline reachable by walking down the Nautastigur path. The uniqueness of the place manifests beautiful Snaefellsjokull glaciers. The bayside is filled with black sand and small black pebbles.

Apart from the volcanic deposits, visitors can notice iron debris from a famous British trawler wrecked near the coastline. Visitors can walk along the sandy beach and are not allowed for bathing since the location is infamous for high tides. Look around the popular Four Lifting Stones, backing a legend of how local fishers showcased their strength. This has been a competition among the locals for ages.

 

 

• Meleyri Beach

Meleyri Beach is a sandy shoreline near the main town of Breiodalsvik. This is well connected to the capital of Iceland by road, about 600 kilometers away. The stunning beach is known for being a host for bird watching activities drawing enthusiasts from near and far. The destination is among the must-visit spots for its tranquility and overall peacefulness, emanating in the area.

While spending a good time at the beach, the travelers can stroll towards the bay near Streiti. Observe the volcanic black sand trail for a long walk. Once you are done with the beach, explore more of the adjacent Breiddalur Valley alongside the famous East Fjords of Iceland. The panoramic views from these places offer a striking curve of the lagoon located near the end of the town.

 

 

• Sandvik Black Beach

Iceland is known for its visually compelling landscapes. Bestowing on the rich flora and fauna, Sandvik Beach is a long and black sandy shore located near Fjord. The coastline is a home for numerous birds and marine creatures. Historically, a supply shipwrecked here on October 2, 1981, and unbelievably all members were alive. Even today, one can have a mild glimpse of the wreckage during low tide.

Visitors need to be doubly careful while visiting the pristine beach because of its unpredictable tides. The Hofsa River flows along the beachside and over the sands in the spring, forming a thick layer of Quicksand. Once your trip is done, a short 17km drive would take you to the renowned Bustafell Museum, known for preserving Icelandic relics.

 

• Kirkjusandur Beach

The wonders of spectacular beaches in Iceland do not end in one line. Kirkjusandur beach is the one located near the East of Dyrholaey arch along the southern part of the country. When the tides are calm, this is a rocky beach with a pleasant, walkable path, and when it is not, it can get lethal. The beach is wonderful in terms of views, and with sharper cliffs, the views are worth all your time.

To reach the beach, take the Ring Road number 1 and turn south towards Dyrholavegur road number 218. This takes towards the vantage points of Dyrholaey and Kirkjufjara. A short walk along the coast takes to the Reynisfjara viewpoint, offering a hilltop view of the entire coastline on one side and the southern tip of Kirkjufjara. It is wise to know the climatic conditions before traveling anywhere in Coastal Iceland, owing to the risks of thunderstorms and landslides.

 

 

• Austurfjorur Beach

There is something very special about Iceland while considering black beaches. The entire Atlantic Coastline with primitive points such as Austurfjorur beach with black sandy confluence ups the ante for travelers. While you travel further South East of the country, there is a long stretch of the lagoon with minimal vegetation and willed rocky and black sand confluence.

Everything is natural on this beach and is about 8km away from the breathtaking Stokksnes summit point. Unlike other coastal points, Austurfjorur beach is located over a long lagoon, a place separated from a larger water body along 3 sides. This is abundant in rich deposits of rocks and sands. The path from Stokksnes leads to the iconic Viking Village, a must-see spot when you are traveling to Iceland. You can learn a lot about the ways of life of the Vikings and their glorious past.

 

• Faukasandur Beach

Iceland is a country known for having a postcard-worthy location at every small juncture. One of the iconic beaches of the country is Faukasandur beach located alongside the Ring Road Number 1 on the South Eastern Coast. From Hofn village, the beach is about 60 kilometers and takes 53 minutes to reach. The place is well equipped for tourism and has a separate parking lot where you can keep your car and enjoy the breathtaking view of the beach alongside. It is possible to walk down the beach stretch as well.

The black sand beach has a background of a black volcanic cliff on one side, appearing to rise on the horizon. Spend your time exploring the rocky regions and visiting Illiskuti point, offering a magnificent hilltop view of the beach. In the end, explore the rocky coastline from Styrmisnes Point, a locale popular for photography, located near the coastline. Make sure to have your camera ready for capturing some of the most awe-inspiring backdrops in nature, ever!

 

 

• Fjorur Beach

The landscape, with its hallmark diversity, is a perfect location for avid travelers and nature lovers. Fjorur beach in Iceland is one of the hidden gems located on the South East Coast road going towards Hornafijorour and Hofn. The scenic black sand coast brings the beach with little to no vegetation alongside.

The beach is a perfect location for those who prefer spending time looking at the endless tides and walking around the coastline for miles. While in Fjorur beach, look out for the black rock deposit, as the main attraction in this coastal lagoon. Keep an eye on the weather conditions while visiting the beach, known for some notorious thunderstorms. Visitors traveling to the beach should not miss the famous Skutafoss Waterfall, closer to the highway. This is a point where after a good short hike, offers even more breathtaking views for any photographer.

 

Important Things To Note About Beaches Of Iceland

 

While many of the beaches of Iceland are stunning be cautious when venturing out. Particularly those where it seems as if there is a low tide. Some people have been trapped as they realised that the tide has come in and closed off their existing as they had ventured out too far. Some beaches do have warnings and some don’t so just be careful. Another thing is going too close to the waves and knowing that beach waves in Iceland can sometimes be unpredictable as you will see in the video below. Just don’t be reckless and if visiting Iceland with kids be extra vigilant. 

 

 

 

Iceland is a nation with breathtaking visuals and landmark destinations unique in its sense. Visiting the black sand beaches of Iceland is an experience all on its own and one not to miss out on while visiting Iceland.

 

Visiting Iceland? Also Read:

• 11 Must-See Waterfalls In Iceland
• The Best Cafes In Reykjavik Iceland
• Top Quotes About Iceland To Inspire Your Visit
• Ultimate To Guide To Icelandic Beer
• Must-Have Souvenirs From Iceland
• Comprehensive Guide To Best Area To Stay In Iceland

 

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