Reynisfjara, located in southern Iceland, is a stunning black sand beach situated beneath the mountain Reynisfjall, near the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. Renowned as one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in the world, it is characterized by its dramatic landscape, including basalt sea stacks and volcanic spires. The area was named after the first settler, a Norwegian Viking named Reynir, with Reynisfjara translating to “Reynir’s beach” and Reynisfjall to “Reynir’s mountain.” The distinctive Reynisdrangar, or Reynir’s pillars, are also found here.
In 1991, Reynisfjara was ranked as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. However, it is also one of Iceland’s most dangerous tourist destinations. Over the past ten years, three people have drowned due to powerful sneaker waves. Despite the dangers, the black sand is noted for its skin-purifying and detoxifying properties, making it a natural beauty treatment.
The black sand of Reynisfjara is formed from volcanic activity, where lava flows into the ocean and cools rapidly upon contact with the water. This interaction creates volcanic ash and debris that contribute to the beach’s unique black coloration. The dominant mineral in the sand is iron, found in basalt, andesite, and volcanic glass. Occasionally, valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and platinum can be found in the black sands.
Reynisfjara is located 180 kilometers from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and can be reached via the Ring Road and Route 215, a drive that takes approximately 2.5 hours. The beach is a popular filming location and has appeared in notable productions such as “Game of Thrones,” “Noah,” “Star Trek,” and “Star Wars.”
Weather in Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara experiences Iceland’s typical cool and windy weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Summers are mild, and springs are wet with occasional rain. January is the coldest month. The best months to visit Reynisfjara are July, August, February, March, September, and October.
Beaches in Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara’s beaches are renowned for their unique black sand, created by volcanic lava cooling rapidly upon entering the ocean. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful and photogenic in the world, often featured in travel magazines such as National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveller.
The beach is characterized by smooth black pebbles, towering basalt stacks, hexagonal basalt columns, basalt caves, and breathtaking stone arches. The most famous stretch of black sand beach extends from the Dyrhólaey stone arches through Reynisfjara to the village of Vík. However, visitors are advised to exercise caution due to the dangerous tides and sneaker waves.
Driving on these beaches is illegal to prevent damage to the delicate ecosystem. Reynisfjara stands out as a natural masterpiece, offering stunning views and geological formations that have made it a favored site for tourists and photographers alike.
