Getting to the Black Sand Beach
The Black Sand Beach is about 2.5 hours driving from Reykjavik. The capital city has many tour operators that you can book through, such as the Day Trip from Reykjavik of Iceland’s Southern Coast. Many travelers also visit by rental car while traveling the Ring Road. If you prefer to stay in the area, Vík is a small fishing town where the Black Sand Beach is located and has a few hotel or apartment options.
Black Sand Beach Safety Tips
It is incredibly important that anyone visiting the Black Sand Beach in Iceland be made aware of the dangerous sneaker waves that crash upon the shore. Even on a calm day, these waves can push further up the beach than anticipated. Visitors are warned by a sign on the entrance to never turn their back to the water and to keep ~100 feet distance from the water (30 meters).
The rip currents here are particularly strong so once someone is knocked down by a sneaker wave, they may be dragged out into the freezing cold water. Many fatal accidents for tourists have occurred here in the past so it’s important to heed the warnings and steer clear of the water.
Geological History
The reason you visit Black Sand Beach though is not for seeing the Atlantic Ocean, but rather the geological marvels the Ocean & Lava have built together! When you first arrive at the beach, you can see large sea stacks called Reynisdrangar out in the water. Legend has it that these basalt columns used to be trolls who went out at night to try to pull ships to shore but stayed out too long and the sun turned them to stone!
On the left-hand side of the beach, you can see hexagonal shaped basalt stacks that look like large steps. They climb the entire side of a cliff and are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before!
There are also some caves on the beach which offer an extraordinary glimpse into how perfectly all the basalt pieces fit together to make the walls & roof of the caves. Be mindful of the tides when visiting a cave so you don’t get stuck inside one!
Black Sand Beach Origin
Katla is one of Iceland’s 130 volcanos, that last erupted ~100 years ago. The Black Sand Beach in Iceland was formed during one of Katla’s major eruptions. When molten lava met cold Ocean water it created these basalt columns and rocks. The sand is black on the beach due to broken down volcanic lava.
Seeing Puffins
The Black Sand Beach is a great spot for bird watchers, especially those seeking to see Puffins. In the Summer months (July/August), hundreds are flying between the Ocean and the nests up in the cliffs trying to catch food. You can recognize the ones that are puffins from their bright orange beaks or by the way they quickly flap their wings to fly.
While you can spot puffins at the Black Sand Beach, it often takes binoculars or a large camera lens to really see them. The best place to get up close and personal with puffins is Dyrhólaey rock arch and cliffs. These cliffs are located 10 minutes down the road from the Black Sand Beach and make a perfect stop along Ring Road if traveling from Reykjavik.
Fun Facts
Due to its otherworldly feel, the Black Sand Beach in Iceland was used a filming location in Season 7 Game of Thrones for some scenes at Eastwatch (beyond the wall). It was also the inspiration for architect Guðjón Samúelsson who designed Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik to look like the basalt columns on the Black Sand Beach. Can you see the resemblance?
Overall, the Black Sand Beach was one of our favorite stops during our Iceland road trip. We were blown away by the power of nature and what it can create. This is a can’t miss stop along the Ring Road!
