Everything you Need to Know About Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most notorious beach, but it’s also one of its most beautiful. With jaw-dropping basalt columns and gnarly sea stacks separated by a swathe of charcoal grey sand, it’s an unmissable stop on any tour of the country’s striking south coast. But there’s a sting in the tail too, in the form of powerful sneaker waves that can easily sweep unsuspecting tourists off their feet.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why this place is so special and how to stay safe during your visit, whether you choose one of our popular Gray Line Iceland tours or come here on your own. Here’s everything you need to know about Reynisfjara black sand beach.

What’s so special about Reynisfjara beach?

By anyone’s standards, Reynisfjara is an extraordinary beach. This wonderful place features a fat strip of charcoal grey sand that’s littered with lumps of basalt. The beach slopes gently up to a magnificent cave framed with eroded basalt columns that continue along the headland. Just offshore, you’ll see a small cluster of craggy sea stacks called Reynisdrangar.

Waves break over the rocks both offshore and at the water’s edge, adding a frill of white water to this potentially monochromatic scene. On a sunny day when the light catches on the water, it’s especially magical. On the cliffs that line the beach, grassy hollows are the ideal nesting place for seabirds such as puffins. These comical birds are seasonal visitors to Iceland and can sometimes be seen here during the summer months as they raise their chicks.

Taken in its entirety, it’s not hard to see why this part of the Icelandic coastline is such a crowd pleaser. It often features in lists of the world’s best beaches, holding its own against places with far better weather. For example, recently it was place just outside the Top Ten in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches. You don’t come here to swim – that’s not why Iceland’s beaches appeal – but in any weather it most certainly has the wow factor.

Why is Reynisfjara beach notorious?

Atlantic breakers pound the beach at Reynisfjara, some – known as sneaker waves – approach with surprising and unexpected force. Others, however, are remarkably tame. In fact, sneaker waves often follow a long series of much smaller and far less dangerous waves. It’s this unpredictability which goes some way to explaining why visitors to Reynisfjara should be so cautious near the shore.

It’s often wild and windy here. But even on a fine day when the sea is calm, large sneaker waves (you’ll also hear people refer to them as sleeper, king or rogue waves) can hit the beach with precious little warning. The tallest ever waves measured here were 40 metres high, equivalent to the height of a ten-storey tower block. But even those that don’t come anywhere close to that size are a potential hazard.

Anyone standing too close to the shore when a sneaker wave barrels in can be swept off their feet in an instant. The strong currents and submerged rocks in the water mean that it can be almost impossible to regain your footing if you take a tumble. Rescue attempts are fraught with danger, which is one of the reasons why there’s no lifeguard on the beach to watch over those who visit.

Staying safe at Reynisfjara beach

After several fatalities, the Icelandic authorities have worked hard to educate visitors about how they can stay safe here. The dangers of Reynisfjara beach are well-documented but if you’re sensible, you can have a safe visit here, particularly if you’ve opted for a guided tour such as those operated by Gray Line Iceland.

Because of the hazardous sneaker waves, there’s clear signage as you enter the beach to remind people to be careful. By following this advice, you won’t put yourself or others at risk. A traffic light system is in operation here; you’ll see it as you walk from the car park along the short path to the beach.

It’s vital that all those who come here should heed its warning. If the light is red, stepping onto the sand is considered unsafe. Amber means proceed with extreme caution; don’t stand near the water’s edge and never turn your back on the sea. Even when it’s green, be aware that conditions can change during the time you’re here.

It’s also a good idea to pay close attention to tide times as it’s easy to become trapped close to the unstable cliffs or in the cave if you’re caught out by the incoming tide. The tidal range here can be as much as four metres, so things can change quickly and there’s a big difference between what the beach looks like at high and low tide.   

How to photograph Reynisfjara

So long as you pay attention to where you are on the beach and what the ocean is doing, you can have a trouble free visit here. The drama makes it a wonderful place to photograph, so be sure to charge up your batteries and have your camera ready to capture the moment those breakers crash over the rocks and dissolve into the beach.

The rocks themselves add interest to your images, but as it’s not advisable to stand at the water’s edge, make sure you zoom in to capture the detail from a safe distance. Whether you’re taking a selfie or a picture of others, make sure everyone can see what the sea is doing while you compose your shot.

The soft light here is fantastic at sunrise or sunset but dark clouds can also be a photographer’s friend so don’t rule out a trip here if the weather’s threatening to deliver a downpour. On a windy or wet day, so long as you are wearing clothes that are designed for such conditions, you’ll still enjoy your visit.

How to get to Reynisfjara 

Reynisfjara is located on the western side of a headland that separates the village of Vik y Myrdal from the Dyrhólaey peninsula. To reach Reynisfjara on a self-drive itinerary, you’re looking at about a two and a half hour drive from Reykjavik, though few tourists make it all the way here without stopping along the way at landmarks such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. The beach is just a few kilometres from the centre of Vik where you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Gray Line’s guided tours of the south coast depart year-round. The South Iceland, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach tour covers the highlights of this extraordinary part of the country. Alternatively, from August until April, team a visit to Reynisfjara with a chance to see the aurora borealis on the South Coast of Iceland and Northern Lights tour. You might also consider getting a bird’s eye perspective on this stretch of coastline on a paragliding adventure from Vik.

Taking a guided tour to Reynisfjara with Gray Line Iceland means you can sit back and enjoy the scenery without the need to concentrate on the road. Insightful commentary will enhance the experience and provide useful context about the geology, nature and cultural heritage of the beach and its surroundings. Why not take a look and reserve your place today?