Iceland’s black sand beaches, including Reynisfjara and Vík í Mýrdal

Edson Amorina Jr

2 years ago

Iceland's black sand beaches, including Reynisfjara and Vík í Mýrdal

Are you looking for which black sand beaches in Iceland to include in your travel and sightseeing itinerary from the capital Reykjavik? You are doing very well! They are beautiful places that deserve to be known.

On a trip to Iceland it is certain that, regardless of the weather condition, we will find the most beautiful landscapes. Mother nature has really done a great job in the country and as an example of that we have the fantastic.

Why are the sands on Iceland’s beaches black?

Scientifically, the explanation is given by its formation of fragments of basalt, a black rock, originating from volcanic activities, quite common in the region. But why not believe that, although this feature exists in other places on the planet, it was a gift to make the trip to Iceland even more unforgettable.

Even today, even if volcanoes are not active and erupting, residues of black sand are deposited on the country’s frozen coastline.

Iceland tour offers including black sand beaches

Diamond Beach in Jökulsárlón

The river that leaves the Jökulsárlón, one of the most famous glacial lakes in Iceland, flows into the sea and the nearby beach is called Diamond Beach, as you can find pieces of icebergs in its black sand.

The contrast of the white and transparency of the ice with the blackness of the basalt gives a beautiful effect.

We went in the summer, so with the highest temperature and therefore with few ice formations and we still loved it. Plus we were in place in the midnight sun! And yes, even in summer the temperatures in Iceland are pretty cold, so it’s good to be prepared.

Víkurfjara-beach in Vík í Mýrdal

The town of Vík í Mýrdal is the most popular destination for tourists who want to discover Iceland’s black sand beaches, as well as its red roof church.

The beach that is a few steps from its small center is called Praia de Víkurfjara and, in addition to its black sand, it is possible to admire the rocks and small peaks at the seaside. Another attraction are the puffins, the Puffins, characteristic of the region, but difficult to find.

Reynisfjara beach in Vík í Mýrdal

Another beach close to the town of Vík í Mýrdal is Reynisfjara Beach, probably the best example of an Icelandic black beach. It was already been nominated by National Geographic as one of the non-tropical beaches to be known.

The beach is quite extensive, with a large parking lot close by and with beautiful views from all sides.

But one of its great attractions are these walls formed of basalt piles, called Reynisdrangar. Legend has it that they are actually petrified trolls, either by the action of an unexpected sunrise or by the hands of a husband enraged at having his wife kidnapped and killed by them.

Anyway, they make a beautiful landscape.

IMPORTANT: Danger when visiting the black sand beaches from Iceland

In our podcast, we talk a lot about how dangerous it is to visit Iceland’s beaches. The sea, which is usually calmer, with no apparent waves, makes tourists not aware of the risk of drowning.

But yes, it exists.

Even the confusion caused by the contrast of the black sand with sea and ice stones helps to get lost.

So be very careful, especially with children and teenagers. Avoid standing with your back to the sea! This way you can not caught off guard by the waves that can come without warning. They are even called sneaker waves (literally, tennis waves). The combination of the strength of water with its water temperature is quite dangerous.

Important message given, be sure to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Iceland’s black beaches and take lots of pictures.

Accommodation offers in Iceland to see black sand beaches

Tips on where to stay in hotels, hostels and bed & breakfast in Iceland:

Booking.com

Where to travel next?

General international travel tips

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