Discover Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. Near Vik, Reynisfjara in winter is an enchanting place to admire the work of nature!
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Why visit Reynisfjara
Is Reynisfjara worth a visit? Our opinion:
Reynisfjara is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty and unique geological features.
This black sand beach impresses with its basalt cliffs, sea pillars and powerful waves crashing onto the shore.
In winter, the contrast between black sand and white snow is spellbinding.
It’s one of the must-see spots on the south coast.
Our favorite moments
- the intensity of the black color and the contrast with the white
- basalt columns, because we’re geology fans
- And if you move away from the cliff, the sea pillars appear.
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- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 115 photos to help you choose
How to get to Reynisfjara in winter: access and map
Where is Reynisfjara?
- On Iceland’s south coast
- Just west of Vik
- Not to be confused with the beach in the town of Vik, which is Vikurfjara.
- A short detour from Route 1
- Driving time from Reykjavik: 2h25 drive
- Driving time from Skogafoss: 30min drive
- Driving time from Vik: 15min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
By car
To reach the beach, turn onto Route 215 from Route 1. It’s 6 km to the parking lot.
In winter, the road is usually cleared fairly quickly.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
On an organized tour
Most organized tours of Iceland’s dusky coast from Reykjavik include a stop at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
See options.
Parking
There is a flat parking lot, easy to park.
You have to pay to park here, and it is 1000 ISK per car. However, you don’t have to pay to visit, you participate in paying for maintenance.
It is a popular place, so the parking fills up, but people don’t stay very long so there is frequent turn over.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting at the beginning or end of the day.
To look at cliffs or rock formations, you look east.
But remember that days can be short in winter!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow at least 20min, but more when you’re mesmerized by the view.
Access to the beach from the parking lot is easy and fairly flat.
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
The likelihood of needing crampons at this beach is easier, but for safety’s sake, we’ll mention it.
Visiting with children
Be careful, the waves can be dangerous. We’ll tell you more, plus pas!
Keep an eye on your children, and your most distracted adults!
Catering
There’s a café/snack bar right next to the parking lot.
Alternatively, the city of Vik is only 15 minutes away.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Beware the waves
Before showing you the beauty of the place, let’s start by warning you of the danger.
If you stay away from the water line, don’t worry, there’s no danger. Follow the instructions!
Not like the person in the photo below, who got his feet very wet.
No matter how many times you warn people, they just won’t listen…
The waves on Reynisfjara’s black sand beach represent a major and potentially fatal hazard (causing drowning) due to the phenomenon known as “sneaker waves”. These are disproportionate waves that appear without warning after a series of smaller waves.
What’s more, the steep slope of the beach creates a powerful undertow, further amplifying the force of the waves.
So stay well away from the water’s edge, even if the waves don’t seem to get any higher for a while!
If the sand is so black, it’s because it’s frequently wet!
Reynifjara black sand beach
Now you have all the cards to enjoy the place.
Formed by the erosion of volcanic rock and cooled lava, the sand takes on a deep black hue.
The beach is 3 km long
In winter, black stands out even more with the contrast of white snow.
Reynisfjara is a place of immense power, where waves crash against the shore with thunderous force, shooting plumes of white spray into the air. And yet, in the midst of all this force, the black sand beach offers moments of calm and serenity.
The cave and basalt columns
In addition to the black sand found on other Icelandic beaches, Reynsifjara is also a magnet for visitors with its Hálsanefshellir cave and remarkable basalt column formations on the cliffs.
You find yourself at the foot of an imposing wall of hexagonal basalt columns, perfectly formed by the cooling of lava flows from ancient volcanic eruptions. Some are over 20m high.
They lean in different directions, shaped by nature.
Marine pillars
The rock formations in the water off Reynisfjara beach are also a sight to behold. Overlooking the breaking waves, these columns, Reynisdrangar, the tallest reaches 66 metres and has 3 peaks.
These rocks were once part of the coastal cliffs before being sculpted by the relentless force of the Atlantic waves over millions of years.
These rock formations are not only visually fascinating, they are also surrounded by legends in Icelandic folklore. They tell tales of trolls turned to stone by the rising sun.
Reyniskirkja Church
Along the access road to the beach, note the small Reyniskirkja church. The design is simple yet elegant, typical of Iceland.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the church’s white exterior and red-tiled roof are a lovely focal point in a black-and-white landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t you swim at Reynisfjara?
Swimming or even paddling on Reynisfjara beach is extremely dangerous and forbidden due to the powerful waves that can suddenly rise very high on the shore and carry people out to sea.
What precautions should I take in Reynisfjara?
The main precautions to take are to stay well clear of the waterline, never climb on rocks close to shore, and obey all warning signs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
