Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach
4.5
About
This stunning black sand beach along the South Coast of Iceland is located beside the small fishing village of Vik i Myrdal. It's known for its dramatic natural landscapes: hexagonal basalt columns, the Halsanefshellir Sea Cave, and large rock formations that rise out of the sea. But be careful when visiting though—the spot is prone to sneaker waves that can crash ashore unexpectedly. Try to keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet from the shoreline, and avoid turning your back towards the waves.
This spot is often included as a stop on a full-day tour of the South Coast.
– Tripadvisor
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Top ways to experience Reynisfjara Beach
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
13 within 5 kms
Attractions
10 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,040 reviews
Excellent
1,508
Very good
453
Average
69
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Mdc979
Boston, MA43 contributions
Mar 2023
Visiting this beach was an amazing experience. The surf is wild! If you start facing the ocean and turn counterclockwise you'll see:
- Huge ocean waves
- Rock formations of Reynisdrangar
- Basalt columns looming over the beach
- Halsanefshellier Cave
- Snow-capped mountains
- Black sand beach stretching out
- Dyrholaey promonade
It's one of the wildest, awe-inspiring locations I've ever seen.
- Huge ocean waves
- Rock formations of Reynisdrangar
- Basalt columns looming over the beach
- Halsanefshellier Cave
- Snow-capped mountains
- Black sand beach stretching out
- Dyrholaey promonade
It's one of the wildest, awe-inspiring locations I've ever seen.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul S
Portimao, Portugal3 contributions
Mar 2023
We love the sea and the coast but weren’t prepared for this! Black volcanic sand and huge waves make it a unique experience. It was worth the 3 hour drive from Reykjavík as part of the South Island tour.
Don’t bring your trunks as it is unsafe to swim in.
Don’t bring your trunks as it is unsafe to swim in.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Iceland923453
6 contributions
Feb 2023
From the beach to the little church it was perfect. We went on a day after 95 mile an hour winds the waves were so powerful
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Galina M
Sofia, Bulgaria152 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Stunning beach. Breathtaking views. If the weather is bad and cloudy, the beach is even more beautiful. Don’t miss this unique beach!
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lauren V
2 contributions
Jan 2023
Even though it was very windy the day we went, it was so beautiful! Great views. Great cafe as well on the beach.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WannaBeObjective
Switzerland545 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Captivating view and rock formations…
Just like any beautiful spots, there are lots of tourists — very difficult to take shots without having to pixelize them. The waves can be rough, and some tourists who went too close did get quite wet. Be wary please.
Just like any beautiful spots, there are lots of tourists — very difficult to take shots without having to pixelize them. The waves can be rough, and some tourists who went too close did get quite wet. Be wary please.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacey S
Sandy Springs, GA206 contributions
Jan 2023
Like most of the beaches in Iceland, the sand is black. The views from this one are great. You MUST be careful. About one in every 15 waves is much larger than the rest and if you happen to be close to the water when they hit, not only will you get wet, but you risk getting pulled out to sea as the undertow is very strong. There are signs warning people, but we saw several people getting very wet.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy O
Swampscott, MA29 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
This is a stop that won’t take long but not to be missed. It is so dramatic and beautiful. We were there after a tremendous snowfall so the contrasts were out of this world. White snow. Black sand. Grey basalt columns. Blue sky. Roaring waves. There were lots of people so it wasn’t as peaceful as I would have liked while seaside but amazing nonetheless. The crowds helped to usher us along to our next stop. Sooo beautiful.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jesse S
Highland, NY48 contributions
Nov 2022
We woke up to pouring rain and hurricane like winds. Our ice climbing excursion was cancelled and we were left scrambling. When the rain (but not wind) let up, we decided to drive to Reynisfjara. While it was hardly empty, I'm guessing the weather kept most away this day. There's so many caves and rock formations to explore and climb (and escape the wind!). My favorite spot was just past the large cave. There's a tricky scramble to get to what can best be described as a natural throne (view in pic). Sitting here on my own (completely blocked from wind with no one else in sight) was one of the highlights of the whole Iceland trip.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Uniqueoutlook
Toronto, Canada167 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Stunning landscape that warranted two stops (late afternoon and early morning) and neither time was a disappointment
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marilina Balsi
Athens, Greece8 contributions
Is it possible to walk from the town of Vik to reynisfjara beach?
Did you drive up from the "Cave" side of the cliffs or from the Vik side? Can anyone drive or hike up above the sea stacks? Where does this road/trail begin?
Stefan Helgi V
Husafell, Iceland339 contributions
It is possible to hike up on the west side of Reynifsfjall mountain, and east side.
There is a road on the east side (where the village is). The road is closed to traffic but you can hike up. The road links to the Ring road.
There is a narrow road on the western side (closer to Reykjavik), this path goes up near near the church.
Be careful at the top!
Carolyn S
Gainesville, FL6 contributions
Any hotels on the beach near here?
tandmindiana
Indiana80 contributions
Hello! I didn’t see any hotels nearby, and when we were planning our trip, every hotel in Vik was booked! We headed back west that evening and stayed in a charming bed and breakfast in Stokkseyri called Heba Guesthouse. I highly recommend it! The traditional Icelandic breakfast is phenomenal, and the guesthouse is on the ocean. Stunning view!
Laura M
3 contributions
Hello! How much time would you say you need to explore the beach? How far is it from the parking lot? Just want to make sure we plan accordingly!
Thanks!!
johncrnkovic
Austin, TX133 contributions
Sorry, but it’s not letting me answer
Overwhelmed0610
Dallas, TX52 contributions
You mention going at "off times," but do you know when that would be. Since we'll be staying near there overnight, I'm wondering if we're better going late in the evening (since still light)?
Maeve R
113 contributions
Anytime before 10am and after 6pm are great. Mostly day tours come from Reykjavik so they get there during peak hours
rebeccasomerville
Stornoway, UK10 contributions
How far away is this location from Reykjavik? Is it possible to drive here in a car?
TampaTina
Tampa, FL85 contributions
It’s about 3-31/2 hours from Reykjavík depending on the weather. You can drive right up to the beach which is near Vik.
Westlandia
Palo Alto, CA83 contributions
Is it possible to walk to Reynisfjara Beach from the beach at Vik or what is the best way to get here? We will have a 2 WD. Thank you.
Steve F
Bellevue, WA1,037 contributions
The two beaches are separated by water, so you have to drive. The road is fine for all vehicles.
Travel_BugMARGARET
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
Are there washroom and restaurant facilities at the beach?
gypsyedmonton
Sherwood Park, Canada65 contributions
There is a bathroom. You put your credit card into a machine and it charges you and gives you a ticket with a bar code to use to open the bathroom door. Some bathrooms are cheap, some are expensive and some are very expensive.This bathroom was very expensive, I cannot remember the exact amount but it was well up in dollars. We were however happy that it was available.
There was a restaurant but it was not yet open as we were there about 10am. This area is close to the town of Vik where there are also restaurants.Generally if you are using the store or restaurantin town you are not charged at these places to use the bathroom.This is great if you are driving.(:
REYNISFJARA BEACH (Vik) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Reynisfjara Beach
- We recommend booking Reynisfjara Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 168 Reynisfjara Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Reynisfjara Beach:
- South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik (From S$151.21)
- Full-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik (From S$219.73)
- South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik (From S$133.66)
- South Coast: Fire & Ice - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Icelandic Lava Show in Vík (From S$252.47)
- South Coast Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik with Guide and Touchscreen Audio (From S$146.49)
- Hotels near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (3.40 km) Black Beach Suites
- (3.84 km) Vik Apartments
- (4.99 km) Grand Guesthouse Gardakot
- (3.84 km) Hotel Vik i Myrdal
- (3.56 km) The Barn Hostel
- Restaurants near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (3.70 km) Black Crust Pizzeria
- (3.32 km) Smidjan Brugghus
- (3.41 km) The Soup Company
- (3.90 km) Skool Beans
- (3.67 km) Sudur Vik
- Attractions near Reynisfjara Beach:
- (1.57 km) Dyrholaey
- (1.52 km) Reynisdrangar
- (3.41 km) Lava Show
- (3.40 km) Zipline
- (3.71 km) True Adventure