Reynisfjara Black Beach

Iceland has numerous attractions that are relatively close together in the southern part of the island. One of these is Reynisfjara, a famous black lava beach. Which is beautiful even in bad weather. In fact, then it is ominously beautiful, just like in good weather. This is one of those places you can always visit. In fact; it was named one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world in 1991.

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From the parking lot with the restaurant, you can explore the area very well. Distances are limited, so you can see everything within an hour. You simply walk onto the beach, from where you can go in either direction. There is an information sign that warns in particular about the dangerous currents in the sea. Although not many people go swimming here, some dare to dive in. Especially in the summer when the weather is hot.

If you turn right you can stroll over the beach for more than a kilometre until you reach the river. From here you can see a rock in the sea named Arnardrangur. It is a perfect place for photos. However, most people skip this part, which is a shame.

However, most people turn left. This makes sense as you immediately see a wall of basalt, which is perfect for selfies. On some columns, you can climb and see how perfectly these stones are formed. Continue your way and you will see a cave in the basalt. The shapes here are even more impressive. Walk in and look back at the sea.

A little further on you see three rocks rising from the sea. These three (although there are actually four) are called Reynisdrangar and are among the most photographed places in Iceland. The most commonly taken photo is with the black beach, but you can also take photos of the seawater hitting the rocks. The choice is yours.

The town of Vík is literally next to Reynisfjara Black Beach. In fact, it also has a black beach that you can walk on. You also have a view of the beautiful rocks Reynisdrangar in the sea. You can follow the beach to walk between meters of high rocks. You have to watch out for the waves. This beach is often used for excursions with horses. I thought it was a lovely walk.

The black beach of Reynisfjara can be clearly seen from another famous place: Dyrhólaey. If you walk up the hills on the left, you will automatically see the elongated beach and the rock Arnardrangur looming into the sea. With a low sun, you have beautiful light here.

It can get very crowded at this beach. The parking lot can fill up with rental cars and big buses. And you see hundreds of people walking on the beach. Fortunately, you can prevent this. Especially in the summer, it is light for an unprecedentedly long time. In June even 24 hours. Then you can visit the beach in the evening, or even at night. An additional advantage is that the light is very soft. So that you can enjoy it even more.

This beach is located near Vík in the south of Iceland. Many people spend the night in this town or just outside it. In Vík you will also find a supermarket so that you can buy something to eat and drink, for example. Take it with you and enjoy the sunset, for example. It is a 2.5-hour drive from the capital Reykjavik. Yet there are day trippers who are willing to see this beach.