Iceland’s black sand beaches are made from basalt, a type of volcanic rock. This natural wonder is a deep ebony hue. It’s epic contrast to our vibrant blue-green oceans is an image you won’t soon forget.
What Makes the Sand Black?
The black sand beaches of Vik in Iceland are formed by volcanic activity. When volcanoes erupt, lava flows and cools when it encounters cold temperatures or the ocean, creating solid black volcanic sediment.
The volcanic sediment faced harsh winds, waves, and other weather elements for centuries, turning it into tiny pieces of black sand.
Black Sand Beach Facts
Iceland’s black sand beaches sparkle due to their mineral content. Occasionally, the presence of iron in black sand gives it a heavy, dense texture. Here are a few facts about our favorite black sand beaches in Iceland to get you triva ready:
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches. It is located near Vik and was used as a Game of Thrones filming location. The black sand is gorgeous, with black basalt cliffs and unique rock formations from the ocean.
These columns, known as Reynisdrangar, rise from the dark sand at the base of Reynisfall Mountain. This area is also a nesting site for various seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, fumars, seagulls, and guillemots.
Djupalonssandur Beach
This beach is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This location was once considered one of the most active trading posts of the island, but bustling villages have long been abandoned. Instead, centers for tourism help keep history and lore alive.
Many visitors think of Djupalonssandur Beach as a lava wonderland for those who love everything about volcanos. Its rock formations are a testament to the island’s battle with ice and fire over the ages.
Djupalonssandur Beach is also where you will find the ancient remnants called Aflraunasteinar or lifting stones. These stones were once used to measure a fisherman’s strength and eventual position on a boat crew. The larger the stone lifted, the better position and more respect you could be granted on a boat.
There are four stones.
- Fullsterkur weighs 339.5 lbs.
- Hálfsterkur weighs 220.4 lbs
- Hálfdrættingur weighs 119lb.
- Amlóði weighs 50.7 lbs.
If fishermen could not lift the Hálfdrættingur stone, they would not be accepted as oarsmen on boats.
Rusted metal from the 1948 wreck of the English trawler, Eding, can also be found in Dritvik Cove, serving as a memorial for those lost at sea.
Diamond Beach
Chances are, you’ve heard us mention Diamond Beach before. But as another one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches, there’s a good reason why we and so many visitors love it!
Diamond Beach is also just one of its many names. It is also known as Vestri-Fellsfjara, Fellsfjara Eystri, Fellsfjara, and Breiðamerkursandur. We Icelanders know the challenges foreign visitors often face when pronouncing our famous locations, so we give them many nicknames.
Whichever name you like to call it, Diamond Beach’s water, even in summer, is ice-cold. Icebergs that split away from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier become swept into the ocean. As waves break on shore, the Atlantic deposits pieces of bright or deep-blue ice onto the sand that look like diamonds, hence the name.
Are Black Sand Beaches in Iceland Dangerous?
Reynisfjara is one of our most majestic beaches, and it is our most dangerous.
Dangers of Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is dangerous because it has powerful sneaker waves. Sneaker waves can suddenly appear in a train of smaller waves, and they are fast. They can sweep a person off their feet and into the ocean in a blink of an eye.
Warning systems are in place on Reynisfjara beach, which show the areas that are safe to explore at any time.
Safety Tips for Our Black Beaches
- Never go swimming or surfing due to powerful waves and strong currents – the freezing water temps aren’t too comfortable either
- Walk a safe distance away from the water.
- Be aware if the tide is rising,
- Never let children wander the beach unsupervised.
- Never climb icebergs or mounds of ice.
- Avoid visiting the beaches during harsh weather. Stick to viewing the beach through the windshield and set up the van for the night – try again in the morning!
- Never climb the surrounding rocks—rockslides and rock falls can happen.
These guidelines ensure you can do so safely and comfortably while visiting our stunning coastlines.
Experience the Magic of Northern Lights and Black Sand Beaches in Iceland
Whether your heart is drawn to Diamond Beach, Reynisfjara, or Djupalonssandur Beach, why not heed the call? Iceland is the perfect place to lose yourself to the majesty and power of nature. You deserve the fun, freedom, and amazement of Iceland’s natural wonders!
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