With dramatic, rocky cliffs and velvety black volcanic sand scattered with icebergs, the seashores of Iceland are in contrast to wherever else on the earth.
Tiptoeing across the fringe of the arctic, Iceland is outlined by its gorgeous pure magnificence, and the seashores aren’t any exception. Hearth and ice have formed Iceland’s glaciers, mountains and folks, and in addition the sandy covers that stud its indented shoreline. From black volcanic seashores backed by mysterious basalt columns to geothermal seashores dusted with blond sand, Iceland provides miles of unspoiled ocean-side magnificence.
Whether or not you’re a photographer, a lover of the nice outdoor or only a curious traveler, spending time on the coast is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Iceland. Listed below are a number of the nation’s unmissable seashores.
1. Reynisfjara, South Iceland
Close to the quaint fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal in South Iceland, Reynisfjara is arguably Iceland’s most well-known seashore. From its stacked geometric basalt columns to its sweep of black sand with thunderous waves crashing on the shore, the seashore is darkish and moody however stunningly lovely. It’s little marvel that Reynisfjara is such a agency favourite for vacationers and locals.
Wander all the way down to the sting of the seashore and hearken to the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean as they crash across the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, rising from the foam-like monstrous fangs. These three tall basalt rocks are mentioned to be the petrified stays of trolls that stayed out too late and have been reworked into stone at dawn. This mysterious piece of folklore solely provides to the magic of one of many best seashores in Iceland.
2. Djúpalónssandur Seashore, West Iceland
The sand and pebble-filled shores of Djúpalónssandur Seashore lie cozied on the foot of Snæfellsjökull, an historic glacier-capped volcano to the north of Reykjavík. The title means “Deep Lagoon’s Sand,” a reference to the nonetheless, silent lake that sits inshore from the sand (although the Djúpalón lagoon is definitely solely 5m/16ft deep).
Historical lava flows have created some putting rock formations, together with the spectacular Söngklettur (singing rock), which is alleged to be protected by elves. Rising from the sand are the rusted remnants of a shipwrecked British trawler, left as a monument to those that misplaced their lives within the 1948 catastrophe.
Planning tip: Come right here to walk in a fairytale-like location, however hold a secure distance from the waves; they’re extra harmful than they seem.
3. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Seashore, Reykjavík
This synthetic geothermal seashore is a perfect escape, simply a few kilometers from downtown Reykjavík. Heat waters and imported golden sand kick the summer season enjoyable up a notch at this seashore lover’s paradise. Water geothermally heated to between 15°C and 19°C (59°F and 66°F) is pumped into the lagoon in the course of the summer season months, making this one of the interesting locations to swim within the Reykjavík metropolitan space. Braver vacationers can swim out into the chilly sea for a hot-and-cold spa expertise.
Planning tip: Nauthólsvík Geothermal Seashore is supplied with public altering rooms, steam baths and simmering sizzling tubs for an entire Iceland bathing expertise. It is free to enter in summer season, however there is a price to benefit from the amenities in winter. Whether or not you are sunbathing on the seashore or lazily floating within the heat waters, that is Iceland’s most pleasant day on the seashore.
4. Diamond Seashore, South Iceland
Have you ever ever walked amongst glowing icebergs strewn throughout a stark and empty black sand seashore? If not, add Diamond Seashore to your bucket listing instantly. The icy blocks that stud the shore are fragments of icebergs that broke off the close by Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, floated throughout the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and drifted out to sea earlier than being damaged up by the waves. A treasure trove of shining, glassy items washes up each day on aptly named Diamond Seashore.
Planning tip: New icebergs are continually breaking off the glacier, however resist the temptation to climb on any of the icy blocks. The perimeters are slippery and sharp, and floating icebergs can flip over, trapping you below the water. Use your time as an alternative to create magical pictures of this unusual and surreal location; it is one of the evocative sights in South Iceland.
5. Rauðisandur Seashore, Westfjords
The title Rauðisandur interprets to “Purple Sands,” and guests will shortly see why. Stretching alongside the picturesque and distant coast of the Westfjords for over 10km (6 miles), Rauðisandur is without doubt one of the most attractive seashores in Iceland. Lush, red-toned sand meets looming cliffs and windswept grasslands on a very unspoiled stretch of Icelandic shoreline.
Planning tip: Attributable to its distant location, the journey to Rauðisandur is prolonged (a drive of 395km/246 miles in the event you set out from Reykjavík), however it’s nicely well worth the trek. Plus, there are tenting choices within the space so as to add a bit extra journey to your keep. Simply be prepared for a stressed night time: the wind whispers eerily alongside the shore, and spooky Viking burial grounds dot this lonely sweep of shoreline.
6. Vestrahorn Seashore, Southeast Iceland
The place the mountains meet the ocean, the atmospheric Vestrahorn Seashore is framed by a line of jagged peaks and dusted with charcoal-black sand. Only a 10-minute drive from the quaint city of Höfn in Southeast Iceland, this is without doubt one of the most scenic seashores in Iceland because of the distinctive sawtooth ridge of Vestrahorn mountain, which climbs to 454m (1490ft). The mountain owes its distinctive darkish coloration and spiky formation to the excessive ranges of iron and magnesium in its gabbro rock.
Planning tip: Are available winter to see the mountain coated in snow, and hang around on the sandy seashore on clear nights to look at the Aurora Borealis performing magic methods within the sky – an unforgettable Iceland expertise.
7. Grótta Island, close to Reykjavík
Sitting proper on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula and put aside as a nature reserve, this island is a bit little bit of wilderness on the sting of Iceland’s capital. Locals love the island for its charming shoreline, sprinkled with clean stones and darkish sand, and lorded over by a historic, Nineteenth-century lighthouse. At low tide, guests can simply stroll over to the lighthouse to get a greater look.
Thronged by seabirds, Grótta Island is without doubt one of the finest spots for pure encounters within the Reykjavík space, and you’ll stroll right here from downtown. You may even catch a surfer or two making an attempt out the waves of this peninsula.
Planning tip: With little gentle air pollution, Grótta Island is without doubt one of the finest locations in Reykjavík to see the northern lights in winter.
