Tallest Stack
66 m (217 ft)
The tallest of the Reynisdrangar pillars rises 66 meters above sea level.
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks – Basalt Columns in Iceland
Legendary basalt pillars rising from the North Atlantic, where trolls were turned to stone at sunrise
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland
Near Vík í Mýrdal, off Reynisfjara beach
Reynisdrangar are a cluster of basalt sea stacks that jut dramatically from the churning Atlantic waters near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Rising up to 66 meters tall, these dark, jagged pillars are among Iceland's most photographed natural landmarks. Icelandic legend holds that they are two trolls who attempted to haul a three-masted ship to shore but were caught by the dawn and petrified into stone. The stacks are best appreciated from the jet-black sands of Reynisfjara or the sweeping clifftop vantage at Dyrhólaey.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.
Sources to check
Distance from Reykjavík
~180 km
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive east along Route 1 (Ring Road).
Annual Visitors
500,000+
Reynisfjara and the sea stacks are among Iceland's most visited natural attractions.
What to Expect
Basalt Sea Stacks
Three towering rock pillars of columnar basalt standing in the surf, shaped by millennia of erosion and volcanic activity.
Troll Legend
According to folklore, two trolls and their ship were petrified by sunlight while trying to reach shore, creating the stacks and nearby formations.
Reynisfjara Beach Views
Walk the famous black sand beach for close-up views of the stacks alongside the columnar basalt cliffs of Hálsanefshellir cave.
Dyrhólaey Panorama
Drive to the Dyrhólaey promontory west of Vík for an elevated view encompassing the sea stacks, the arch, and the entire coastline.
Birdlife
In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs of Dyrhólaey and fulmars soar around the stacks, adding wildlife interest to the scenery.
Photography Opportunities
The contrast of dark basalt against white surf and moody skies makes Reynisdrangar one of Iceland's most photogenic locations in any season.
Getting There
Reynisdrangar are located just off the coast near Vík í Mýrdal in South Iceland. From Reykjavík, drive approximately 180 km east on Route 1 (Ring Road). To reach Reynisfjara beach, turn south onto Route 215 about 5 km before Vík. The parking area is well-signed. For Dyrhólaey viewpoint, take Route 218 off Route 1. Both access roads are paved and suitable for all vehicles. In winter, check road conditions at road.is as ice and wind can affect coastal roads.
Best Time to Visit
Reynisdrangar can be visited year-round. Summer (June-August) offers the longest daylight hours and the calmest weather, plus puffin nesting season at nearby Dyrhólaey. Winter brings dramatic storm waves and moody lighting favored by photographers, but wave danger increases significantly. Regardless of season, always exercise extreme caution near the waterline at Reynisfjara due to powerful sneaker waves. Early morning or late afternoon light in any season creates the most dramatic photographs of the stacks.
Planning help
Reynisdrangar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.