Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach
4.7
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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4.7
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Charlotte E
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I visited Reynisfjara Beach in Vik this year, and it was one of the most stunning places I've ever experienced! The contrast of the black sand against the ocean, along with the towering basalt columns, created a truly magical atmosphere. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks were breathtaking, and I loved learning about the local legends surrounding them.
While the beach can get crowded at times, it’s easy to find a spot to soak in the beauty and take photos. Just a friendly reminder to be cautious of the waves—they can be surprisingly strong, so it’s best to keep a safe distance.
Overall, Reynisfjara is a must-see in Iceland. It left me in awe, and I can’t recommend it enough!
While the beach can get crowded at times, it’s easy to find a spot to soak in the beauty and take photos. Just a friendly reminder to be cautious of the waves—they can be surprisingly strong, so it’s best to keep a safe distance.
Overall, Reynisfjara is a must-see in Iceland. It left me in awe, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
317 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Witnessing this stunning black sand beach along Iceland’s South Coast was absolutely mesmerizing, the beach is known for its natural hexagonal basalt columns, the Halsanefshellir Sea Cave, and the large rock formations that rise from the sea. I’ve never seen anything quite like this breathtaking natural landscape.
However, be cautious when visiting! The area is known for sneaker waves that can crash ashore unexpectedly as shown in the signs. I experienced one myself it didn’t knock me over, or drag me, but it did soak my wellies! So, my advice is to keep a safe distance from the shoreline to stay dry and safe. I would highly recommend visiting here while in Iceland.
PS: If accessing by car you will have to pay for parking there, there wasn't many signs indicating that so something to bare in mind.
However, be cautious when visiting! The area is known for sneaker waves that can crash ashore unexpectedly as shown in the signs. I experienced one myself it didn’t knock me over, or drag me, but it did soak my wellies! So, my advice is to keep a safe distance from the shoreline to stay dry and safe. I would highly recommend visiting here while in Iceland.
PS: If accessing by car you will have to pay for parking there, there wasn't many signs indicating that so something to bare in mind.
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid5515
Bangi, Malaysia1,206 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Reynisfjara situated 10km toward west from small town of Vik, with entrance fee of ISK1000/ car/ day. It also features basalt columns, the hexagonal rock formations which are formed by cooling lava and create an impressive backdrop for the beach. The other prominent element there is Reynisdrangar sea stacks that rise dramatically from the ocean, which can also be seen from Vik.
As stunning place, it also one of most dangerous sites due to the unpredictable sneaker waves, that can appear suddenly, reaching much farther up than expected. Some incidents there led to accidents, fatalities and lost. Warning signs & indicators erected throughout the area, explaining risks of sneaker waves and urge people to keep a safe distance from the shoreline.
As stunning place, it also one of most dangerous sites due to the unpredictable sneaker waves, that can appear suddenly, reaching much farther up than expected. Some incidents there led to accidents, fatalities and lost. Warning signs & indicators erected throughout the area, explaining risks of sneaker waves and urge people to keep a safe distance from the shoreline.
Written 19 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonio J
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The contrast between the jet black, soft sand and the foaming ocean waves is very dramatic. When we went the ocean waves were raging which added to the experience. It was very crowded but most people hang out near the rock face and don't venture too close to the water so if you step out, get near the incoming waves, you have more space to yourself. Easy drive from Vik.
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tibor V
Dunajska Streda, Slovakia237 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Black beach, not sand, white foamy waves, amazing sculptures made of stone. Just beautiful. However, one must be very cautious about the sneaker waves warning system before entering the beach. Those waves are really dangerous!
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanQQQ
Braunschweig, Germany1,733 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
... because there is no other solution to the tourist crowd.
Oneself - myself included - is part of the phenomenon when one shows up there.
If you get there before 10 a.m. during the week, it goes and you can also find one or the other 10-second window to take a photo of the basalt formations without tourists on it. With a bit of shouting and the request to wait a moment longer with the climbing it is also possible.
Parking costs (of course) another thousand.
If you walk about 200 meters east or west you are alone. Interesting phenomenon, because everyone apparently just wants to take a crawl photo in the basalt and then disappear again.
Good restaurant & cafe and you can sit wonderfully outside on the terrace.
When I was there it was windless and no sign of waves, let alone anything with killer waves. But the danger seems real and the problem is the low water temperature of the North Atlantic. Even in summer, in 5 degrees cold in the water, your strength leaves after 15-20 minutes.
Oneself - myself included - is part of the phenomenon when one shows up there.
If you get there before 10 a.m. during the week, it goes and you can also find one or the other 10-second window to take a photo of the basalt formations without tourists on it. With a bit of shouting and the request to wait a moment longer with the climbing it is also possible.
Parking costs (of course) another thousand.
If you walk about 200 meters east or west you are alone. Interesting phenomenon, because everyone apparently just wants to take a crawl photo in the basalt and then disappear again.
Good restaurant & cafe and you can sit wonderfully outside on the terrace.
When I was there it was windless and no sign of waves, let alone anything with killer waves. But the danger seems real and the problem is the low water temperature of the North Atlantic. Even in summer, in 5 degrees cold in the water, your strength leaves after 15-20 minutes.
Automatically translated
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjluke
Calgary, Canada2,046 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This is a popular beach with black sand and a neat cave with rock formations over to the side. Quick tips: there is a cost to park here, so be sure to factor that in. There is food nearby but it is not cheap. This place can get very busy relative to other spots. Be aware of the dangerous waves when on the beach and exercise caution unlike others who go onto the rocks waiting to be swept in. We barely spent 15 min here which wasn't worth it for us with the paid parking and there are much better things to see, so the second time around we can skip it. Please kindly indicate if you found this review to be helpful!
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blondevoyage94
507 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Ring Road stage: one of my favourite stages.
Immense basalt columns. Very black beach. We were there during a bad rainy day unfortunately, but it made everything more suggestive. Parking is charged with the Parka app. Check the traffic lights before going down to the beach! Look up too, despite the rain was full of Puffins!
Immense basalt columns. Very black beach. We were there during a bad rainy day unfortunately, but it made everything more suggestive. Parking is charged with the Parka app. Check the traffic lights before going down to the beach! Look up too, despite the rain was full of Puffins!
Automatically translated
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManuCdelaE
Pasto, Colombia100 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The black beach is a truly stunning place, where you can admire majestic basalt columns, volcanic rocks and a dark colored sand that gives a special touch to the landscape. This natural environment is a wonderful one as you can see ducks, seals and seagulls that live in the area. The panoramic views it offers are amazing.
Automatically translated
Written 27 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneyPerla
Sydney656 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Yes, there are warnings. Yes, there are dangerous sneaker waves. Yes, there are even traffic lights showing the intensity of danger.
And what do a lot of tourists? They ignore it and get wer or - die in the current. So the warnings not to turn your back to the ocean is true. For the time we were there (which was about an hour so) three people got very wet, one was fully covered by the wave.
Nevertheless the beach is simply beautiful: black pebbles and a stunning stone cave. Maybe you try to avoid the tourist buses which is not easy. But even with them you can find a spot for yourself.
You need to pay a parking fee of 1000 ISK, which is about 8 Euros. There are toilets and a restaurant.
Maybe Bring some clothes in case you get wet.
And what do a lot of tourists? They ignore it and get wer or - die in the current. So the warnings not to turn your back to the ocean is true. For the time we were there (which was about an hour so) three people got very wet, one was fully covered by the wave.
Nevertheless the beach is simply beautiful: black pebbles and a stunning stone cave. Maybe you try to avoid the tourist buses which is not easy. But even with them you can find a spot for yourself.
You need to pay a parking fee of 1000 ISK, which is about 8 Euros. There are toilets and a restaurant.
Maybe Bring some clothes in case you get wet.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to walk from the town of Vik to reynisfjara beach?
Written 27 December 2020
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?
Written 17 April 2019
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!
Written 18 April 2019
Any hotels on the beach near here?
Written 18 November 2018
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!
Written 18 November 2018
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!!
Written 29 August 2018
Sorry, but it’s not letting me answer
Written 31 August 2018
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)?
Written 21 July 2018
Anytime before 10am and after 6pm are great. Mostly day tours come from Reykjavik so they get there during peak hours
Written 24 August 2018
How far away is this location from Reykjavik? Is it possible to drive here in a car?
Written 28 February 2018
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.
Written 3 March 2018
What is considered "early" morning to have the best chance to see puffins? 0600? 0700? 0800? etc.?
Written 28 July 2017
Local people said that 7 a.m. should be OK. Or between 20-21 evening Puffins come back from fishing
Written 29 July 2017
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.
Written 1 July 2017
The two beaches are separated by water, so you have to drive. The road is fine for all vehicles.
Written 1 July 2017
Are there washroom and restaurant facilities at the beach?
Written 20 March 2017
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.(:
Written 21 March 2017
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