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By Monika

How to Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (+ Must-Know Safety Tips)

Reynisfjara is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland – if not THE most famous black sand beach in Iceland!

Some even call it “the queen of black beaches in Iceland”. Beyond its beauty, it’s also known for the signature basalt stacks and the potentially dangerous “sneaker waves”.

This guide will give you all you need to know about this stunning stretch of the Icelandic coast and how to visit it safely.

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Where is Reynisfjara Beach?

Reynisfjara Beach is located along the South Coast of Iceland, near its southernmost village, called Vik.

It takes about 2 hours 20 minutes (186 km) to reach it from Reykjavik and only 15 minutes (10 km) from Vik.

How to get to Reynisfjara Beach?

By car

The easiest way to reach this amazing beach is by car. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop in your Ring Road itinerary.

Parking

Due to its popularity, there are now two parking areas for Reynisfjara: P1 and P2.

The lower lot is located at the entrance to the beach, where the main (and only) parking area used to be, and the upper lot is about a 5-minute walk away.

You can pay for both using the Parka.is app. The fee for a car is 1000 ISK. It is based on a 3-hour stay at the beach.

With a guided tour

You can also visit Reynisfjara Bech by joining a day- or a multi-day tour.

Here are some recommended South Iceland day tours with Reynisfjara included as a stop in their itinerary:

• From Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand & Ice tour – includes the South Coast waterfalls, a visit to Sólheimajökull glacier and a stop in Vik.
• From Reykjavík: Waterfalls, Black Beach & Glacier Day Trip – this tour has an option of a glacier hike.
• From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour – with this tour you’ll also visit the Sólheimasandur plane crash site and have a thrilling ATV ride on a black beach.

What is Reynisfjara Beach famous for?

Basalt columns

Besides being famous for its black sand, Reynisfjara Beach is equally well known for a wall of unique columnar basalt stacks that line the Reynisfjall cliffs. It’s a very unique feature, often compared to a huge church organ.

These large basalt columns were formed as a result of hot lava from the nearby Katla’s volcanic eruptions cooling rapidly and forming the distinct hexagonal shaped stacks

That same volcanic activity is also the cause of the Reynisjara’s black sand formation – the cooled-off lava eroded over time and broke down into smaller rocks, eventually taking the shape of small black grains, known today as the black sand.

UPDATE: Due to severe erosion, a large portion of the cliff has recently collapsed and changed the landscape of this iconic spot. You can still visit Reynisfjara, just pay attention to barriers, closures, and warning signs! You can learn more here.

Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks

Standing tall in the ocean waters are the stunning basalt sea stacks, called Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks.

According to Icelandic folklore, these unique rock formations are the masts of a ship that the trolls were stealing before they got caught in the daylight sun. 

Some local folk tales also say they are actually the trolls that tried to pull the ships to shore – who knows?

You can admire these famous structures right from the shore of Reynisfjara beach itself, but also from the top of Reynisfjall Mountain, nearby Dyrhólaey Cliffs, or the hill with the iconic church in Vik.

Hálsanefshellir Cave

Another magnificent feature of Reynisfjara Beach is the Hálsanefshellir Cave – a large cavern made of twisted basalt columns, creating a one-of-a-kind wall.

It’s just a few steps away from the basalt columns wall. Please know that you should only go inside the cave at low tide! The cavern fills with water at high tide which makes it inaccessible and unsafe to be inside. More about safety on Reynisfjara beach later in this post.

You can check the tides here.

Puffin watching

If you walk along the beach during summer months, especially early in the morning or later in the evening, you may be able to spot some puffins nesting in the nooks and crannies of the cliffs. 

Sneaker waves

As I mentioned earlier, Reynisfjara Beach is famous for its beauty but also for being dangerous at times. In fact, it’s considered the most dangerous beach in Iceland. 

Why is Reynisfjara Beach dangerous?

It’s here that you may encounter the so-called “sneaker waves” – sudden, fast-rising powerful waves that can cover the beach quickly and sweep you into the ocean. 

They often follow a period of time with seemingly clam seas and then come on fast and strong.

They have unfortunately claimed some lives so do not take them lightly – you can still visit the beach safely and enjoy the stunning scenery but be very careful and follow the safety rules outlined below.

Safety tips for visiting Reynisfjara

Read the safety information sign

It explains the possible dangers of the beach and outlines the basic safety rules. It also shows you the zones of the beach corresponding with the warning lights (read more about the lights below) – make sure you stay within the safe zones.

Pay attention to the warning lights

Both the information sign and the warning lights are located right at the entrance to the beach. Make sure you stop to read the information and look at the flashing lights on top of the sign. Only enter the areas within the safe zone.

I was there a few times and during my most recent trip we had both the high tide and a yellow light was lit up on the warning sign. It was very windy!

Watch a short video of the waves we saw – from a safe distance of course!

Only enter the Hálsanefshellir Cave at low tide

Even with the green light, it is unsafe to be inside the cave at high tide.

Never turn your back on the ocean

You always want to have your eyes on the water – as you now know, sneaker waves can appear at any time, so you don’t want to be caught by surprise.

Stay away from the edge of the water

Watch the water line on the black sand – stand well away from it for your safety!

Don’t risk your life for a photo!

Please be careful and follow the rules, both for your sake and the rescue team’s. 

If you see someone in trouble 

Call Iceland’s emergency phone number (112) immediately.

If you know how to use the rescue belt attached to the signpost at the entrance to the beach, utilize it, staying extremely careful yourself.

Can you swim at Reynisfjara Beach?

The short answer is no! You already know about the sneaker waves, there are also strong currents that may carry you out into the ocean AND the water is freezing!

These safety measures are in place for your protection – please get familiar with the warning signs and follow the rules!

How much time do I need at Reynisfjara Beach?

It all depends on what you plan to do but allowing 1-2 hours to walk around and take in the incredible views should give you enough time to fully experience this amazing beach.

Is Reynisfjara Beach worth it?

Without a doubt! Despite all the potential dangers, it is definitely a not-to-miss destination during your Iceland trip.

Good to know: Reynisjara was named one of the top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world by the National Geographic.

Fun fact: Reynisfjara Beach was a filming location for an episode of The Game of Thrones, season 7.

Wondering how to work it into your Iceland travel plan? Check out this 6-days in Iceland guide or our Ring Road itinerary for ideas!

Best time of year to visit

Reynisfjara black sand beach is accessible year-round and it’s beautiful in any season.

If you travel in the winter, just make sure to check the most up-to-date weather forecast and road conditions before you head out.

In the winter months it can be a great Northern Lights viewing location.  

Where to eat near Reynisfjara Beach?

You’re in luck! At the edge of the lower parking lot there is “Black Beach Restaurant”, a very nice, low key, cafeteria-style place serving burgers, salads, soups, fish’n’chips and a daily choice of dessert. The food is really good and they have free restrooms for customers! As we know, it’s a hot commodity in Iceland!

You can also try the Black Crust Pizza, the Soup Company or Smiðjan Brugghús (a brewery with great burgers!) in the nearby village of Vik.

🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!

Where to stay near Reynisfjara Beach?

The closest town to the beach is Vik, with plenty of options for accommodations, depending on your travel style and needs. 

For a bit of luxury, you have Hotel Katla with breakfast and a hot tub. Hotel Vík í Mýrdal and Hótel Kría are also excellent.

Budget friendly? Try The Barn Hostel. Prefer to stay on a farm? Prestshús 2 Guesthouse is a wonderful place to stay in Vik. For an apartment feel check out Black Beach Suites near Reynisjfara beach.

The towns of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn are only about an hour away from Vik in opposite directions and have some nice places to stay.

Nearby attractions:

• Vik – Iceland’s southernmost town
• Dyrhólaey Cliffs – the arch with a hole
• Skogafoss waterfall
• Kvernufoss waterfall
• Solheimasandur plane wreck
• Solheimajökull – visit the glacier and/or go on a glacier hike
• Yoda Cave
• Katla Ice cave
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Seljavallalaug geothermal swimming pool

Inspired to visit? Read more about other attractions of Iceland’s South Coast.

To learn more about where to find other black sand beaches in Iceland, READ THIS GUIDE!

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

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