Reynisfjara is a black sand beach beside Vík on Iceland's south coast, and its waves are deceptive: several visitors have died in recent years, even in good weather, so stay well back from the sea (South Iceland tourism board, read 7 November 2026). Parking is ISK 1,000 per 4 hours for a car, and there is no ticket for the beach. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The basalt formations
The southern side of the mountain Reynisfjall has striking basalt columns, formed in layers of tuff, pillow lava and columnar basalt.
Reynisdrangar
Sea stacks rising about 66 m from the ocean, of the same origin as the 340 m mountain Reynisfjall.
Hálsanefshellir
A cave on the beach, described by the tourism board as exceedingly beautiful.
Black Beach restaurant
A restaurant and coffee house a short walk from the beach.
The tour
Glacier Hike, Waterfall and Black Sand Beach from Reykjavík, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,793 reviews, from €168.47 on 6 November 2026.
Practical info
Tips
- Parking is paid by licence plate through Parka (zone 8207): ISK 1,000 for up to nine seats per 4-hour period, plus an 89 ISK fee; pay within 24 hours after leaving or ISK 1,960 is added. The beach is about 11 minutes by car from the Lava Show in Vík, so the two fit one stop; see the Lava Show page and Vík. Vík offers guesthouses, camping and a swimming pool for an overnight stay. For the full set of rules, read is Iceland safe?, and for a day tour that includes this beach see South Coast day tours compared.
How to get there
Reynisfjara is near Vík, reached via Road 1. Drive from Reykjavík, or join a South Coast day tour (see how to get around Iceland).
Opening hours
Nearby
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