Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is a popular stretch of black sand along the Southern Iceland stretch of the Ring Road located just west of the town of Vik. Regarded as one of Iceland's most beautiful black sand beaches and one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world by National Geographic, Reynisfjara sees a lot of visitors—though stepping onto its black sand clearly reveals why.

Visitors to the beach should be aware that Reynisfjara receives occasional large sneaker waves due to there being no barriers between the beach and the continent of Antarctica, allowing waves to travel across the Atlantic Ocean before landing onshore. Visitors should remain vigilant and remain back from the sea. A small restaurant is adjacent to the beach parking area.

Just offshore from the beach's east edge are the Reynisdrangar, black basalt rock stacks towering into the air from a time past, when volcanic basalt cliffs stretched farther out to sea. Those wanting to get a different view of Reynisdrangar can hike a trail beginning in the west side of the town of Vik to an overlook point. Within view from the beach is Dyrhólaey rock arch, home to thousands of nesting puffins during the summer months.