ICELAND’S BEST BEACHES: BEYOND THE BLACK SAND

You’ll stumble upon many unspoilt beaches as you tour Iceland either on a self-drive itinerary, a sightseeing tour or while participating in a fun, adrenaline-fuelled activity such as riding ATVs. Few will disappoint, not least any black sand beach in Iceland, but some are particularly impressive and are worth making an extra effort to seek out.

Reynisfjara has earned a reputation as one of Iceland’s most dangerous beaches, though with common sense you can visit this extraordinary beach safely. It’s a gorgeous strip of black volcanic sand, backed by a magnificent cave of columnar basalt. Just offshore, the craggy sea stacks of Reynisdrangar are clearly visible from the beach; folklore tales that dub them petrified trolls only add to their appeal.

Atlantic breakers pound the coastline here, smashing over submerged rocks before dissolving into the sand. The largest are known as sneaker waves, so called because they often follow a series of much smaller waves and take beachcombers by surprise.

These sneaker waves travel quickly up the beach and are sufficiently powerful to knock people off their feet. As a consequence, a traffic light system has been installed for public safety and warnings to stay off the beach should always be heeded.

Diamond Beach in Iceland forms part of Breiðamerkursandur, a glacial outwash plain formed of volcanic deposits crisscrossed by meandering, shallow rivers. Located close to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the icebergs that litter Diamond Beach make this one of the most popular sights on the delightful south coast. In the soft light of sunrise and sunset especially, they create a remarkable seascape deserving of its reputation as one of Iceland’s must-sees.

This strip of black sand is linked to the glacial lagoon by a narrow, tidal channel. Icebergs calve off the glacier and bob around in the lagoon for a while – watch out for playful seals in the water too – before the outgoing tide washes them out into the ocean.

As the tide turns, these icebergs are deposited onto the beach where they are eroded by the waves and sculpted into all manner of shapes. Eventually, they melt into the sand and are gone forever.

Technically, Sólheimasandur is a glacial outwash plain rather than a beach, but to all intents and purposes it closely resembles a volcanic black sand beach. It’s fun to explore, not least for the crashed DC-3 that’s been abandoned there for more than half a century since coming down in a storm.

It’s a long hike to reach the plane, so inject some fun into the proceedings and opt for an ATV tour instead. This combines a thrilling ride across one of the south coast’s black sand beaches with a trip to see the weather-beaten aircraft. Full instruction is given to participants and the guide’s commentary will give you that all-important context.

The rocky shores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula are popular with hikers and sightseers. One of the highlights of a tour of this scenic part of West Iceland is undoubtedly Djúpalónssandur. It’s sometimes dubbed the Black Lava Pearl Beach and its rugged terrain is as dramatic as it is beautiful. To reach it, walk along the Nautastígur trail which leads through the lava field towards the sea.

Stop to appreciate the reflections in the Djúpalón Lagoon, to peer through a gap in a rock through which the Snæfellsjökull glacier is perfectly framed and to absorb the jagged peaks of Aflraunasteinar. The reward, flanked by gnarly vegetated lava rock, is a jaw-dropping crescent of black sand – Djúpalónssandur itself, with its rounded pebbles that roll in the surf.

Located on the north-western tip of the coast on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Skarðsvík is another of Iceland’s most magnificent beaches, yet is often overlooked by visitors. On a sunny day, the juxtaposition of golden sand, crystal clear turquoise water and charcoal grey basalt will have you reaching for your camera.

Turn off the main coast road, Útnesvegur, onto Öndverðarnesvegur to reach Skarðsvík on a gravel track. Heed weather warnings, particularly with regards to the wind. Come at low tide when it’s safer to be on this relatively remote beach as the waves can be powerful, but also so that you can appreciate the full extent of its beauty. There are few facilities here – a car park and picnic area – so prepare accordingly.

In a country renowned for volcanic beaches, this breathtaking red sand beach in the remote Westfjords is a welcome change. Geologically, this region is the oldest part of Iceland and no longer volcanically active, which explains the absence of black sand. Rauðisandur is a good spot for wildlife-seekers as grey and harbour seals are sometimes spotted in the water just offshore. In addition, the cliffs at Látrabjarg are only a short drive away and teem with seabirds.

It’s about 10 kilometres long, reached by a winding gravel track that’s suitable for vehicles. If you can, try to visit on a sunny day as the rich colour of the sand pops against the intense blue of the sky; on a dull day, it will appear more of a brown shade. You’ll also want to time your arrival for low tide when the full effect of the red sand is apparent.

Vestrahorn is one of the gems of East Iceland and the view of this landmark mountain across the dunes and sands of Stokksnes is one of the country’s most photogenic. At high tide, the water fills the bay, creating a shallow lagoon. Keep your fingers crossed that the wind dies down as the reflections of the mountain are what entices photographers from all over the world to descend on this place and set up their tripods.

It’s equally photogenic when you step back behind the undulating dunes. Under a sky of storm clouds, the ripples in the sand supply the foreground interest to what’s already a dramatic scene. In summer, rounded tussocks of green grass inject a dash of colour; in winter, they pale to ochre yellow as long shadows and a dusting of snow amplify the topography still more.

Utilising white sand imported from Morocco and an artificial barrier to create a sheltered lagoon, this geothermal beach has been a popular visitor attraction since it opened more than two decades ago. Water in the lagoon is supplied by nearby hot springs and also the country’s abundant geothermal energy. In summer, it averages between 15° and 19°C.

This spot is possibly the only beach in the country where you might be seriously tempted to swim, though the water’s still pretty chilly. It’s also a family favourite in summer, easily reached from the city centre. There are plenty of facilities, including changing rooms, showers, steam room and hot tubs; food is also available.

Dress for inclement weather

Iceland really isn’t the kind of place where a trip to the beach is the opportunity for a swim. The North Atlantic waters are frigid, even in summer, so save your swimsuit for a dip in a geothermal bath instead. Many of Iceland’s best beaches are big enough for a lengthy stroll, so prepare to be outside for extended periods in the cold, rain and wind. Wear warm, waterproof outer layers that can keep out the weather as you take a walk. Fortunately, many of Iceland’s most popular beaches now have cafés nearby, though note that some may only open seasonally.

Carry a tripod and long lens

Iceland’s beaches are exceptionally photogenic, and although a smartphone can capture some of the colour and landforms, you won’t regret bringing a DSLR and tripod if you have one. In some cases, the use of a long lens will help you stay safe – such as at Reynisfjara where you’ll need to stay back from the shoreline yet wish to photograph Reynisdrangar. It will also help keep the camera steady for longer exposures, for instance if you’re hoping to record the Northern Lights over the icebergs on Diamond Beach.

Check tide times

Access to certain beaches is difficult or even unsafe outside of low tide; at others, their visual impact will be diminished when the sand is covered by the ocean. To avoid getting into difficulty or simply being underwhelmed with the view, it’s wise to do your homework before setting out to ensure that you reach the beach when the tide is at an optimal level for that location. If in any doubt, err on the side of caution.

Team a beach visit with another activity

There’s no rule that says Iceland’s beaches have to be reserved for walkers or picnickers. In fact, at some beaches it’s common to see groups of tourists riding out on horseback or ATVs. You’ll have a lot of fun if you combine an activity such as this with a scenic coastal location.

Capitalise on what the different seasons offer

Iceland’s beaches aren’t just for morning and afternoon excursions. Evenings too are a great time to experience them. In summer, the long hours of daylight mean you can visit late at night and still enjoy plenty of light. Meanwhile from autumn through to spring, the dark skies that come with a rural beach make them the ideal spot from which to observe the Northern Lights. If you plan to make one of Iceland’s remote beaches the focus for your aurora hunt, it’s wise to scope out the landscape during the day, particularly if you’ll need to hike over uneven ground from the car park.

Respect nature

The unspoilt beaches of Iceland are pristine – despite the number of visitors some receive. As a responsible tourist, you should ensure that you leave the beach in the condition you found it, taking away any litter and leaving beach material such as pebbles and sand in place. In protected areas it may be illegal to remove anything; for conservation reasons, this is good practice in any location that is attractive for its natural beauty. Similarly, if you encounter wildlife on or near an Icelandic beach you should keep your distance to ensure they are not disturbed by your presence.

The best beaches in iceland are diverse and fascinating, whether you have an interest in nature, scenery, history or simply having fun . Many are easily accessible by rental car or tour bus and a visit involves little walking, meaning that they also enjoy the bonus of being family-friendly destinations. Many of our tours incorporate visits to scenic beaches, whether it’s the well-trodden but captivating Diamond Beach and notorious Reynisfjara or those a little further off the beaten track in places like the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Which will you choose to investigate during your next trip?