Iceland has so many places to see and experience, it makes the newcomer spoiled with choices. There are, of course, the obvious choices while driving around Iceland in your camper van: the must sees like many of the gorgeous waterfalls we have here, the wonderful hot springs spread all around the country, and the big, open landscapes not limited by forests.
Black sand beaches
Black sand beaches are very rare — there aren’t that many in the world — making them a must-see when you’re in Iceland. The most famous one is of course Reynisfjara just outside Vík in south Iceland. With the Atlantic rolling in over this stunning Iceland black beach, together with the rock formations Reynisdrangar just outside the beach and with the stunning basalt columns behind you, it makes a lasting impression for anyone visiting the beach.
Many of our CamperStories contestants have gone there and sent in some stunning images. You can see a few below and if you click on the picture, you will be taken to their CamperStories entry.
What are Black Sand Beaches?
Black sand beaches are one of the most unique and breathtaking sights in the natural world, and Iceland has some of the most beautiful ones. In fact, in recent years, countless movies and TV shows have been filmed in these idyllic locations. If you’ve seen a mystical-looking black sand beach, Iceland is where it was probably filmed. Fun fact: Reynisfjara black sand beach served as the shooting location for Eastwatch-by-the-sea for season 7 of Game of Thrones!
For thousands of years, Iceland has been teeming with volcanic activity, which is why many of its beaches have jet-black sand. When lava cools down and solidifies, it forms dark-colored, iron-rich volcanic rock, which eventually erodes away into black sand after hundreds of years of crashing waves.
Reynisfjara is probably the most popular black sand beach in Iceland — and for good reason. It’s a sight to behold, with miles of coastline and even the ocean floor carpeted in inky black sand. The ebony sand in this particular beach was formed by the eruption of the Katla volcano centuries ago, when the molten lava from the volcano met the cold North Atlantic ocean and formed the black rock you see today.
6 Top Black Sand Beaches in Iceland
So, where is the black sand beach in Iceland? Reynisfjara is certainly the most famous one, but with its extensive volcanic activity, it isn’t hard to find more breathtaking black sand beaches peppering the Icelandic coastline.
While we highly recommend visiting Reynisfjara, here are six other great beaches to check out:
1. Sólheimasandur
Sólheimasandur, positioned on the south coast of Iceland, in the town of Vík, is a breathtaking black sand beach that’s sure to leave you in awe. The expansive beach stretches for miles and is edged by rugged cliffs and basalt formations, creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape. The most notable feature of Sólheimasandur is the wreckage of a US Navy DC-3 plane that crashed on the beach in 1973. The haunting remains of the plane add to the mystique of the beach and make it a popular destination for photographers and adventurers.
2. Diamond Beach
Located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in southeastern Iceland, Diamond Beach is one of Iceland’s most stunning attractions, known for its striking black sand sprinkled with glistening icebergs. These small-ish icebergs are pieces that have broken off from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift towards the ocean before washing up on the black volcanic sand of the beach. The contrast between the sparkling ice and the dark sand is truly mesmerizing, living up to its name “Diamond Beach.”
3. Djúpalónssandur
Nestled in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of western Iceland, Djúpalónssandur is a rugged black beach bursting with history and local folklore. The coastline, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and erosion, is adorned with smooth black pebbles and rocky terrains. In its heyday, Djúpalónssandur was a thriving fishing village, and relics of its maritime past can still be seen along the shore, including the rusting remains of a shipwreck. The beach is also known for the iconic lifting stones of Djúpalón, used by fishermen to test their strength. These four stones, weighing between 23 kg and 154 kg, were a measure of a fisherman’s skill and continue to be a popular attraction among visitors seeking to test their own strength.
4. Stokksnes
If you’re into nature photography, Stokksnes is a location that you just can’t miss. The stark contrast between the dark volcanic sand and the snow-capped peaks of Vestrahorn creates an unmatched natural beauty that’ll leave you speechless. The black sand of Stokksnes is rich in minerals, giving it a deep ebony hue that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Photographers flock to Stokksnes to capture the dramatic interaction of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
5. Mývatn
Located in northern Iceland, the Mývatn lake is known for its unique geological features, including volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and diverse wildlife. Although not a black sand beach itself, the surrounding areas feature volcanic craters, lava formations, and dark volcanic rock formations, creating an enchanting atmosphere. When visiting this area, you can also enjoy the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can soak in geothermally heated waters while taking in the volcanic scenery.
6. Héraðssandar
Another stunning black sand beach Iceland has to offer is Héraðssandar in East Iceland. If you are driving on road nr:94, coming from the south, this magnificent, truly stunning view below will greet you (weather permitting).
If you decide to drive to the north side, you will have to go into this huge valley and turn east again onto road nr:917. Not only will you get this amazing view below, you will also get to drive on a fantastic road leading up a mountain pass, taking you to Vopnafjörður.
There are also black beaches in Reykjanes & Snæfellsnes peninsula. Wherever you choose to go to enjoy the black sand beaches of Iceland, put safety first and enjoyment second.
Reynisfjara Warnings
Unfortunately, Reynisfjara has had several dangerous accidents where visitors underestimate the surge of the waves and undertows and go too far out on the beach, only to get caught by a big wave which tries to pull the person back to the ocean. Not only is the ocean water around Iceland very cold, the currents on the south side very strong.
Read more: Be safe in Iceland
Luckily, these types of accidents are very easy to avoid. Think before you act, heed warning signs and take your pictures from a safe distance. Even smaller accidents like “only” getting soaked might mean you can destroy your camera, phone, electronic car keys or just getting wet and cold puts a damper on your Iceland trip.
Iceland Black Sand Beach Safety
While there are a few black beaches in Iceland where you can take a (very cold) dip, most of them (including the famous Iceland black beach, Reynisfjara) should be admired from a distance.
These beaches, known for their impressive black sand and towering basalt columns, are also notorious for powerful and unpredictable waves, strong currents, and sneaker waves that can catch even experienced beachgoers off guard. These waves have tragically claimed lives in the past, reminding us of the importance of understanding and respecting the dangers of any Iceland beach with black sand.
Sneaker waves, also known as rogue, king, or sleeper waves, are sudden and powerful surges of water that can rush far up the beach without warning, posing a serious risk to anyone nearby. Along Iceland’s black beaches, where the ocean is known for its strong currents and unpredictable nature, sneaker waves are a big hazard. To stay safe, always maintain a secure distance from the water’s edge, heed warning signs, and never turn your back on the ocean.
In addition to the potential dangers posed by the ocean, Iceland’s black sand beaches are often bordered by steep cliffs and unstable terrain. Rockfalls and landslides are somewhat common, especially after heavy rainfall or seismic activity, posing a significant risk to anyone venturing too close to the cliffs. So when it comes to any black sand beach, Iceland adventurers like you must stay on designated paths and viewing areas and avoid the temptation to explore restricted areas or climb on unstable rock formations.
Explore Iceland’s Black Sand Beaches with Rent.is
If your dream is to visit a black sand beach, Iceland is the place to go. And here at Rent.is we can help you make that happen with a wide range of campervan rentals, including small campervans and family-sized motorhomes, which are one of the best and most affordable ways of exploring this one-of-a-kind country.
Located conveniently near Keflavik Airport, we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and ensure that you have a smooth trip. Plus, with our “Book now – Pay later” policy, you can secure your camper rental without any upfront payments, making it easier for you to plan your upcoming Icelandic adventure.
So, whether you’re chasing the northern lights, exploring an amazing black beach in Iceland, or taking in the scenery from a magnificent volcano, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to visit your first black beach? Iceland awaits! Contact us to start planning your adventure today!
Happy Camping! #WohoCamper
Iceland Travel Guides
If you like what you see, please subscribe to our YouTube channel!
