Reynisfjara
★ 4.8🇮🇸 VikSuggested visit 1-2 hoursBest season May to September, with better roads and weather
Natural wonderCoastBlack sand
Black volcanic sand and basalt sea stacks — the most dramatic shoreline in Iceland.
Overview
Near the village of Vík, Reynisfjara is made of black volcanic basalt. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise in five columns, in legend trolls caught by sunrise. The cliff behind shows regular columnar basalt like a pipe organ, with a sea cave nearby. The waves here are powerful, with dangerous sneaker waves and rip currents.
History
Shaped by eruptions and wave erosion, it sits near Iceland's southernmost point at Dyrhólaey and the village of Vík, a fixture on the south coast drive.
Highlights
- •The columnar basalt cliffs
- •The Reynisdrangar sea stacks
- •The black sand and surf
- •Dyrhólaey and its sea arch
Practical tips
- •Never turn your back on the water — sneaker waves are lethal
- •The wind is fierce; mind your footing and your belongings
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- Free
- Opening hours
- All day
- Local food
- Icelandic lamb soup, grilled cod, skyr
- Getting around
- About 2.5 hours by car from Reykjavík along Route 1.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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