5 stunning black sand beaches in Iceland and how to find them

Skip the tropical white sand beaches and bask on the otherworldly black sand beaches of Iceland instead. The lava from the island’s volcanic activity results in this incredible phenomenon. Iceland’s black sand beaches can be found all around the island, alongside beaches with white, gold, and even red sand.

In addition to this list of our favorite black sand beaches in Iceland, we've rounded up some essential tips you'll want to know when visiting these cool spots.

Most of Iceland’s black sand beaches are not ideal for swimming as the waves can be very strong. There are often sneaker waves—silent, violent waves that sneak farther up the shore even when the sea looks perfectly calm. Pay close attention to the safety signages, stay a good distance from the water’s edge and never turn your back on the waves.

Black sand beaches are stunning in any season—a stark contrast against blue skies in summer or dusted with white snow during winter. However, these beaches should be avoided during bad weather. Strong winds can whip up the black sand that has been on the ground over time from cooled lava fragments—this can really sting and hurt your skin. Wear windproof and waterproof layers to protect yourself from the cold, gusty winds.

Reynisfjara Beach is the most well-known and impressive black sand beach in Iceland; it was even featured in the Game of Thrones. Located on the south coast near Vik, Reynisfjara’s main draw is its majestic basalt rock formations, with stunning hexagonal columns carved into the side of the cliff. The basalt caves here are only exposed during low tide.

Of note is Reynisdrangar, several towers of basalt that protrude from the sea just off the coast that make for a perfect postcard shot. According to local legend, these sea stacks were once trolls, petrified by sunlight while trying to drag ships into shore. These days, they are mostly home to seabirds.

Be warned that Reynisfjara Beach is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Unsuspecting visitors ambushed by sneaker waves have been dragged out into the sea.

Reynisfjara is about 2.5 hours away from the capital by car. The beach is a popular stop for those driving the famous Ring Road or taking a day trip to see nearby popular sights like Dyrholaey’s arch and Dyrhólaeyjarviti lighthouse. Take a tour to maximize your time in this area—there are many options that cover the sights along the scenic south coast.

One of the more unusual sights in Iceland is this plane wreck at Sólheimasandur, a patch of black sand desert along Iceland’s south coast. This US Navy DC-3 plane made an emergency landing in 1973 while heading back to the NATO base in Keflavík and was too damaged to fly again and thus abandoned.

There are no settlements around this area as it’s prone to glacial flooding when volcanic activity takes place—the nearby Katla volcano is the most active and unpredictable volcano in Iceland. The plane wreckage is expected to be washed away by the floodwaters eventually.

Getting to the plane wreck requires about an hour’s hike across the vast empty plain. While there’s nothing else in the vicinity, the wreckage still attracts a good number of visitors wanting to get that Instagram shot. You can also take a shuttle bus from the carpark to the plane for a small fee to save yourself the walk.

For more scenic hikes nearby, check out Skógafoss Waterfall.

Diamond Beach is a part of the Breiðamerkursandur glacial plain on the southeastern coast of Iceland. It’s perpetually covered with glittering chunks of white, clear or blue ice scattered along its black sand shores, giving this beach its poetic name.

The ice comes from the fragments of icebergs that have broken off from glaciers in Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Wildlife lovers may also spot birds like the great skua and animals like arctic foxes and seals along this beach. It’s also one of the better places to spot orcas from the shoreline.

While there are no sneaker waves here, the currents are still strong and the water is freezing cold so you’re not allowed to swim. Don’t climb on top of the larger icebergs as they are slippery and can cut and flip over easily.

Diamond Beach is a convenient stop along the Ring Road and most travelers visit the beach after checking out the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon nearby.

Djúpalónssandur Beach is a lovely black pebble beach located on the west coast of Iceland in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, an area known for its diverse landscapes. It’s home to several unusual lava coastal rock formations, but its most scenic features are the two freshwater lagoons hidden behind the rocks called Djúpulón and Svörtulón—locals believe that the latter has been blessed and has healing properties.

Though uninhabited today, this area was once a prominent fishing village and trading hub of Iceland. On the beach there are four lifting stones of different weights that were used to test the strength of the fishermen back in the day—try lifting them to see how you square up. The remains of a British shipwreck from 1948 can also be found on the beach.

Look out for the sneaker waves at Djúpalónssandur Beach. Also, the pearl-like pebbles that make up this picturesque beach are protected by law and should not be removed.

It takes under three hours to drive from Reykjavik to Djúpalónssandur Beach. The beach is part of Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of Iceland’s three national parks and home to sights like Buðahraun lava field, Lóndrangar basalt cliffs and the twin peaks of Snæfellsjökull volcano.

The Stokksnes headland on the southeast coast of Iceland is one of the country’s most picturesque spots, with the lofty Vestrahorn peaks in the distance. The black sand beaches here come with small sand dunes that are covered in grass in summer and blanketed in snow during the winter. When the winds are calm, a mirror-like reflection of the peaks can be seen in the waters.

The East Fjords are some of the wilder parts of Iceland and historically where the Irish settled in pre-Viking times. This beach is located on private land so you’ll need to pay an entrance fee at the Viking Cafe by the carpark. From there, you can see some abandoned structures in various states of decay: a Viking village film set, a NATO radio station, and a lighthouse.

Avoid walking on the grass here as it’s essential for the sand dunes. This area tends to get quite foggy, so check the weather before coming out here to ensure a good view.

Stokksnes is located near Hofn, about an hour’s drive from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

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