South IcelandBlack sand
Reynisfjara
Iceland's most famous black sand beach near Vík. Basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Extremely dangerous sneaker waves; never turn your back to the ocean.
Beaches
Beaches of Iceland: Black Sand, Red Sand & Glacier Ice
Black sand, red sand, and icebergs on shore. Iceland's beaches look like nowhere else, and they demand respect for the ocean's power.
Safety warning
Watch for sneaker waves
Never turn your back to the ocean at Reynisfjara or any south coast beach.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Sneaker waves at south coast beaches have caused fatalities; always keep a safe distance from the waterline and follow on-site warnings.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
SnæfellsnesBlack pebble
Djúpalónssandur
Black pebble beach on the Snæfellsnes peninsula with remnants of a shipwreck. Four lifting stones once used to test fishermen's strength.
WestfjordsRed/golden sand
Rauðasandur
A 10 km stretch of red-golden sand in the remote Westfjords. One of Iceland's most unusual beaches. Seals rest on the shore.
South IcelandBlack sand + icebergs
Breiðamerkursandur (Diamond Beach)
Jet-black sand scattered with glistening ice chunks from Jökulsárlón lagoon. Constantly changing as new icebergs wash ashore.
East IcelandBlack sand
Stokksnes
Black sand beach with Vestrahorn mountain as a backdrop. Popular photography location. Small entrance fee required.
SnæfellsnesBlack sand cove
Dritvík
Historic cove that was once one of Iceland's largest fishing stations. Surrounded by lava formations. Lifting stones (áþreystingarsteinar) remain on the beach.
ReykjavíkGeothermally heated
Nautholsvík
Geothermally heated beach in Reykjavík. Warm water pumped into the lagoon makes it swimmable in summer. Free access with changing facilities.
South IcelandBlack sand + plane wreck
Sólheimasandur
Vast black sand plain home to the famous DC-3 plane wreck from 1973. 4 km walk each way from the parking area; no driving on the beach.
Dritvík Beach: A Historic Fishing Station
Dritvík is a black sand cove on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, set between lava formations. From the 16th to 19th century, it was one of Iceland's busiest seasonal fishing stations, with up to 600 fishermen working from the shore during spring fishing seasons.
Today, the remains of stone shelters and boat landings are still visible. The lifting stones (áþreystingarsteinar) sit on the beach: four stones of increasing weight that fishermen used to prove their strength and determine their share of the catch. The lightest, Amlóði (Useless), weighs 23 kg; the heaviest, Fullsterkur (Full Strength), weighs 154 kg.
The cove is reached via a short walk from the Djúpalónssandur parking area. The trail passes through twisted lava formations, with views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Combine with a visit to Djúpalónssandur and its shipwreck remains for a half-day outing.
Planning help
Iceland beaches FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.