A bride and groom walk down an Iceland Black Sand Beach hand in hand as the sun rises in front of them.

Best Beaches In Iceland

The best beaches in Iceland are are a true work of beauty. Rather than warm, light and sunny, you’ll find that beaches in Iceland are black, rugged and incredibly beautiful. From the cliffs of the black sand beaches in South Iceland, to the more quaint beaches of the Fjords in the East and West, there are some truly stunning

Important Note About Beaches In Iceland

While they can be visited and appreciated, it’s not advised to get in the water – or even close to the water. Between the dangerous waves and frigid temperatures, getting into the water is not advised.

Enjoy from a safe distance!

Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach In Iceland
Reynisfjara Beach At Sunrise In South Iceland

Beaches Near Reykjavík

Valahnúkamöl

Located just 27 minutes from the airport and just over an hour from downtown Reykjavík, Valahnúkamöl is one of the most accessible beaches in Iceland. While it is a very rugged beach, it’s beauty encapsulates the jagged, volcanic beauty that Iceland offers. Just note, due to the volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula, travel to and from this location could be effected.

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach (Ylströndin Nauthólsvík)

Ylströndin Nauthólsvík is actully in Reykjavík. Unlike most beaches, it is a golden oasis that also features a manmade hot spring with access to the ocean. In addition, it’s beautiful view of the city across the bay makes it the perfect place to relax. To learn more about the beach and the resort that is attached to it, check out this link.

Alftanes Beach

While close to Reykjavik, Alftanes Beach sits on the peninsula just south of the city center. It’s golden sands and peaceful atmosphere give you a calming view of the city. In addition, it features a beautiful walking loop which is the perfect way to spend an hour or two of your afternoon and enjoy the crisp air.

Beaches Near The South Coast Of Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach

Located just opposite of the coastal town of Vik, Reynisfjara black sand beach is one of the most popular beaches in all of Iceland. It’s big, rough waves only further highlight the rugged basalt pillars and the tall cliffs directly above them. In addition, two large pillars sit in the ocean nearby – with the waves crashing into them as they make their way to land. It’s quite the beautiful sight.

The Endless Black Beach

While there is not a good place to access the endless black beach, it’s one of the prettiest sights in all of Iceland. To see this incredible beach, just drive to Dyrhólaey. From this cliff, you’ll be able to see the endless beach in one direction – face the other direction and you’ll see the beauty of Reynisfjara Beach and it’s cliffs in the near distance.

Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach

Located right on the South edge of Vik, Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach is easily accessible and not highly trafficked. While Reynisfjara Beach attracts the larger crowds and tour groups, this beach is often overlooked but offers similar views and is much less visited. If you’re staying in Vik, you can easily walk to this beach in a matter of minutes.

Beaches In Eastern Iceland

Breiðamerkursandur / Diamond Beach

While heavily trafficked by tourists, it’s popular for a very good reason. The ‘diamonds’ of diamond beach are real and incredibly beautiful. However, these diamonds are made of the ice of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. After breaking off the glacier and making it’s way through the lagoon, the ice makes it’s way to the ocean. Upon arrival to the ocean, the waves often push the ice to the shore, wearing it down over time to where the ice becomes a natural sculpture.

Stokksnes

With Stokksnes being one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland it needs little to no introduction. However, this beach (often) features a less aggressive surf – one that oftentimes slowly spreads over the sand, smoothing it to create a glass-like visual. In addition, the beautiful mountains that tower in the near distance will oftentimes be capped with snow, creating an even more magical viewing experience.

Hvalnes Nature Reserve Beach

Located just east of Stokksnes, the Hvalnes Nature Reserve Beach is very similar in nature as it’s towering cliffs are mesmerizing. In addition, there’s a cliff overlook nearby that features the views of the nature reserve with the Hvalnes Lighthouse atop the hill.

Lækjavik

While a very small beach that is oftentimes not accessible due to the tide, it offers a beautiful viewing experience from the small cape that overlooks it. As you look down the beach, you’ll see the lone pillar that sit in front of a beautiful mountain range. While incredibly beautiful on a sunny day, Lækjavik really shines on more moody days.

Beaches In North Iceland

Ólafsfjörður Beach

With plenty of mountain views and the town of Ólafsfjörður right next door, this is a beautiful beach to add to your itinerary in Northern Iceland. While not large, it’s views are unmatched and the perfect afternoon or morning stop – especially in the summer months with longer days.

Borgarsandur Beach

Located in northern Iceland just outside of Sauðárkrókur, this beautiful beach isn’t one you’d typically spend much time at. However, it’s beautiful views in the distance and of town nearby make it an incredibly beautiful place to take a break and soak in Iceland for a bit.

Flateyjardalur Beach

Just Northeast of Akureyri, Flateyjardalur Beach is one of the most remote beaches in Iceland. However, getting to this beach is a true experience. As you drive through the valley leading up to the beach you’ll experience a true vision of rural Iceland. In addition, due to it’s remote nature, it’s very unlikely that you’ll run into many people once you arrive.

Snæfellsnes Black Sand Beaches

Djúpalónssandur Beach

Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula less than three hours from Reykjavik, Djúpalónssandur beach features an incredible sight. Undoubtedly, it’s highly rugged coastline and black sands makes it imperfectly beautiful. In addition, turning in the opposite directin of the ocean will give you some stunning views of Snæfellsjökull.

Skarðsvík Beach

While just around the corner of Djúpalónssandur Beach, Skarðsvík Beach has a more calming atmosphere and a less jagged approach. In addition, it’s sands are lighter and the cliffs are less weathered. It’s an incredibly interesting beach as as you can see where the lava once flowed and suddenly stopped when it met the the ocean – a true sight to see.

Beaches In The Westfjords Of Iceland

Breiðavík Beach

Located in the mystical Westfjords, Breiðavík is one of the largest golden sand beaches in Iceland. After seeing so much black sand in Iceland, it’s quite the shock to experience sand in a more golden tone. With Innri-Barðsvogur / Tetravik being right around the corner, it’s well worth a stop on your way in or out to enjoy the cool breeze (or incredible gust).

Beautiful Beach

While not an actual named beach, ‘Beautiful Beach’ is a stunning golden sand beach in the Westfjords. With mountains in every direction, it’s scenery is stunning. However, this beach best highlights the two large mountains to the east and west of the beach, making it one of the most beautiful golden beaches in all of Iceland. See Beautiful Beach On Google Maps Here.

Önundarfjörður Pier & Beach

If you’re looking for the beach with the most unique view in the Westfjords, this award easily goes to Önundarfjörður. In addition to it’s beautiful beach, this area also has a pier that extends into the water, featuring towering mountains in the distance. Enjoy the beach, enjoy the pier, enjoy the mountains, the beauty here is truly unmatched.

Minnibakki Beach

Outside of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Minnibakki Beach is one of the few black sand beaches in the north. In addition, it’s beauty and black sands really stand out amongst the more golden beaches of the Westfjords. While very far away from Reykjavik, but not too far from Ísafjörður – which features an airport with flights from Reykjavik.

Iceland Black Sand Beach Weddings & Elopements

Wedding Photographer and Videographer

Austin Francis Sylvest is a destination wedding photographer and videographer based in Colorado with over 10 years of professional experience. His style evokes those warm, lived moments that celebrate the beauty in the ordinary. His imagery and filmmaking emphasize real moments over staged ones, garnering a true to life feel.

With a strong focus on film, he shoots both 35mm and medium format photography mixed with digital mediums. In addition, he has a focus on 16mm videography with super 8 and digital mediums available. He specializes in weddings in Colorado weddings in Aspen, Telluride, Vail, Denver and Steamboat Springs.

Notably, he also offers specialized services in New Orleans, New York City and Iceland.

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