The Beautiful Black Beaches of Iceland & Where to Find Them

Black beaches Iceland, Jokulsarlon

This might be a bit controversial, but since I’ve discovered the black beaches of Iceland, all the white ones look a bit boring to me.

I know, I know, how can I say that when there are so many beautiful white beaches in the world? You might be thinking that I’ve probably not set eyes on some of the beautiful beaches around the world, but I’ve been to a fair few that fill the pages of glossy magazine.

I’ve walked along to endless beaches of Antigua, stood up on the soft white sands of St Lucia and peered up on at the almighty Pitons, and I’ve watched the sun setting over the Gold Coast in Australia.

Undoubtedly, these are special places and have reserved a place in my heart. And yet, there’s something about the black beaches of Iceland that fill me with wanderlust. Maybe it has to do with the volcanic activity that created them, or maybe there’s something in my personality that is naturally drawn to things that appear more rare.

Personally for me, black is the new white.

(The funny this is, I’m going to S E Asia next month so I’ll probably be eating my words and wax lyrical about all the ‘dazzling-white beaches’ I’m going to be sprawled out on like a starfish. If I do, I apologise. Feel free to refer back to this post and call me a hypocrite. I’m ready for it :)).

How are black beaches formed?

You’ll find black beaches on the coast of volcanic islands, and they’re usually created in either two ways.

One way is when lava from a volcano hits the cold ocean and causes the lava to explode, forming small glass-like shards which become rounded as the ocean waves erode them.

The other way is similar to how white sand beaches are formed through erosion. The beating from the ocean cuts through the black volcanic rock (balsalt) and breaks it up before it is formed into small eroded sediments by the time it reaches the ocean.

Vik, black beach, Iceland
The further away that rocks, pebbles and sediments are away from the ocean the larger they are.

Black beaches aren’t exclusive to Iceland, there’s a fair share of them that can be seen around the world, perhaps most famously in Hawaii. Two islands each known especially for their volcanoes.

In 2010 Iceland shot into news headlines all around the world when one of its volcanoes, the one which nobody can pronounce – Eyjafjallajökull – erupted and caused major air travel disruption that led to people being unable to travel or left stranded overseas for days.

And just recently, another of its volcanoes, Bárðarbunga erupted and it was feared that similar travel disruptions would arise but luckily this hasn’t been the case.

Instead some Icelandic excursion companies have cleverly marketed the erupting volcano as a must-see phenomenon, so if you have a wad of cash to burn then why not hop in a helicopter to see the spectacle for yourself? If I had the money, I’d allow myself to be frivolous for that.

Where to find Iceland's black beaches

Conveniently many of Iceland’s black beaches can be found along the coast in South Iceland.

You’ll also find them on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. Sometimes this area gets overlooked, but I really recommend visiting if you have time.

1. Vík - Reynisfjara beach

Vik, beach, Iceland

Iceland’s most famous black beach is Reynisfjara located at Vík, Iceland’s southernmost town. On the beach you’ll discover beautiful columnar caves made from basalt rock but the most recognisable feature are the eerie basalt fingers jutting out from the sea.

In Icelandic folklore these bizarre stacks are thought to be the remnants of trolls who were turned to stone when they were surprised by sunrise (you’ve got to love Iceland for its not-so-believable but extremely entertaining tales found in folklore).

Vik, town, South Iceland

The unique rock formations can be seen from all over Vík, including the from the lovely vantage point at Vík i Myrdal Church. 

 Vík is one of the most picturesque towns in the whole of Iceland, and I definitely recommend factoring a night here during a trip to Iceland. If you’re looking for more inspiration on the best way to explore Iceland, take a look at my 2- week Iceland guide. 

2. Dyrhólaey

Located close to Vík you’ll find Dyrhólaey, which means ‘the hill island with the door hole’. The most unique landmark is the huge stone arch surrounded by black sand that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Dyrholaey, Iceland

During my visit the weather went from being super sunny to overcast in a matter of moments. This is so often the case with Iceland, all the seasons can emerge and disappear in a single hour. 

Dyrholaey, Iceland

After you’ve walked out onto Dyrhólaey to admire the view from the cliff tops, make sure to walk down to the black beach.

If the weather is bad, I suggest saying at the top from where to enjoy the big waves coming straight from the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I’ve already written about Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so I won’t say too much here, but the thing to remember is that Diamond beach can be found opposite the glacier lagoon.

I could have stayed here for days just listening to the gentle sound of the waters as they collided with the ice floes.

There are fewer visions more mesmerising than the stark contrast of the white and blue ice floes against the black sand.

4. Stokksnes

Iceland black beach - Stokksnes

A little more off-the-beaten-track than the other beaches in South Iceland is Stokksnes. After Jokulsarlon, drive further east to Höfn, and close by you will be greeted by a vast black sand beach nestled beneath a jagged wall of the Vestrahorn mountain. 

If you enjoy being away from the crowds and feeling small against nature, this is the beach for you. 

5. Djúpalónssandur

Djupalonssandur-Snæfellsnes-Iceland

I love the wildness of Djúpalónssandur that can be found on the northern shores of the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland.

Here you’ll find the wreckage of a fishing vessel which has been there since 1948, and like Vík and Dyrhólaey, you’ll find some quirky rock formations.

This place affected me in a way that few other places have done before, even now as I’m thinking about I remember the feeling of pure joy from looking out at the waves.

While it wasn’t the most beautiful, or the most eye-popping place that I visited in Iceland, it was so atmospheric. There was ‘something’ about it that just made me feel really, really, alive.

After seeing more and more of Iceland you begin to see why it’s known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, there isn’t a better description… is there?

You might also enjoy reading: 14 unique rock formations from around the world.

Practical information for getting around Iceland

The best way to travelling around Iceland is definitely by car. Hiring a car provides you the freedom to explore at your own pace and leisure. Furthermore, it enables you to pull over at anything that catches your eye (which happens a lot in Iceland).

You can compare prices and book via Rentalcars.com.

However, if you’re not able or don’t wish to use a car, then public buses are another option but outside of Reykjavik they run less frequently. In this case, I recommend booking day tours. You can check out a wide range via Tiqets.com

Have you been to a black beach in Iceland or anywhere else in the world?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

25 Responses

    1. Haha I take it you’ve experienced this Silva?! I can imagine it must be unbearable! Yeah, Iceland ain’t known for it’s hot weather…. quite the opposite 😉

  1. Hi, I love your posts. I was in the Solomon Islands in 1986. My weekend beach escape (I was there working not a holiday) was to a black beach. Sitting on black gritty sand was a strange experience at first.

    1. Hi Nigel, I’m really happy to read that you enjoy reading my posts. Wow, the Solomon Islands – you must have some stories to share! Glad this post triggered some memories for you, I’ve never spoken to anyone who’s been there, I’m so curious to know more!

      1. The memories are still there Shing. How about giving a lift to an old islander who had a huge machete and was recalling the days when cannibalism was still legal? Or conducting rice research work in plots that were supposed to be 5 x 5 metre squares but turned out to be diamonds. Why? Because the guy that organised the planting a month before my arrival had been smoking dope all day and thought diamonds were prettier than squares. Or my visit to my favourite black sand beach and losing the car keys in the sand. I’m trying to find the time to write a book on my adventures in exotic places. But the day job keeps getting in the way.

        1. “The memories are still there Shing. How about giving a lift to an old islander who had a huge machete and was recalling the days when cannibalism was still legal?”

          Ok, where’s the camp fire and the marshmallows? It’s storytelling time!

  2. Well, there will be no bitch slapping from on you but that totally made me bust out laughing! So, can you pronounce Eyjafjallajökull?? Wow, good look with that, huh? These beaches are beautiful and what an absolutely incredible post. I loved your videos and that first one is stunning with the crystal clear ice, black and waves crashing down on them. We’ve still got to get YOU into one of these Vlog’s!! 🙂 Many years ago I got engaged in Maui and we stayed at the southwest part of the island in Makena and went to the (black) Oneuli Beach which was just a mile from our white sand beach in front of our hotel. Craziness! I hope all is well with you, Shing 🙂

  3. Amazing photos and videos! Would love to go and visit these beaches. Well I’d love to visit Iceland fullstop.

    Have been to black beaches before 🙂 I’ve been to Santorini so many times (5th time coming up in a few months!) and it’s blacks and there – volcanic of course. Though there’s also White Island which has white sand (well, more pebbly and greyish) and also Red Beach. The black beaches are amazing and when you hold a handful of the tiny stones they’re actually all sorts of colours including bright greens, yellows and pinks!

    Are the tiny pebbles in Iceland actually multi coloured close up?

    1. Hi Clare! I’d LOVE to go to Santorini, heard so many glowing comments and seen so many beautiful photos but never really thought of it for its black beaches so now I’m even more tempted to go! Wow, 5 times? You’re quite the poster girl 😉

      Hmmm you ask a good question, to me the tiny pebbles looked black, but I bet if I had really, really looked I would find all sorts of colours – next time I’m in Iceland I’m going to address this question properly!!

  4. ahhh i love a good black sand beach. there is something so mysterious about it. i think a ladies trip to hawaii needs to be in the works at some point haha 😉 or perhaps the faroe islands.

  5. Those are amazing. I’ve never set foot in Iceland so appreciate these pics.

    Have you ever flown over Iceland? You get a whole different perspective. Especially from military aircraft which fly 20,000 feet higher and you can see the whole island (Springtime is best) – an incredible sight.

    1. I’ve never seen Iceland from above like that but of course I would love to! Really want to go over Bárðarbunga whilst it’s still erupting!

      Hope you make it there!

  6. Vik looks stunning – is there much there to make the long trip from Reykjavik worthwhile? Enjoy SE Asiia, and I expect to see a future post from you raving about the white beaches!

    1. Hi Richard, I’m going to send you a more detailed response! It’s fantastic to hear that you’re going to Iceland whoop whoop! Vik is stunning but better appreciated in summer when you have more time to relax and the valley is really lush and green. It also acts as a great place to stop between Reykjavik and Jokulsarlon which you’re not going to so I wouldn’t recommend Vik on this occasion but maybe your 2nd trip to Iceland hehe 😉

      If you’re not hiring a car, then I suggest the Blue Lagoon (your wife will love it!), and the Golden Circle Route, and perhaps a Northern Lights excursion because you’re going in March, right?

      1. Yep, we’re going in March so definitely fancy a Golden Circle daytrip and a look at the Northern Lights. I take it it’s not possible to see them from Reykjavik itself? Got a bit of warm-clothes, woolly hat and glove shopping to do with my Christmas cash! Any black beaches within reach of the capital?

  7. Iceland is one of my favourite countries! And your photos really do it justice – so beautiful. I remember the first time I saw the black beach at Vik I just watched the white sea foam coming and going and leaving those beautiful traced patterns on the coal black sand for hours. It really is magical. Liked the explanation of how they are formed too! I think Iceland is somewhere that is still slightly underated, although that’s starting to change, so blogs like yours are so great for sharing the beauty of this enchanting country. Everyone should go to Iceland!

    1. Glad to read we share a love of Iceland Bonnie! That’s exactly what I did – watch the movements of the waves. I love the white trace of foam the ocean leaves on the black beach, and you can hear it sizzling away. So beautiful.

      I agree, although Iceland is still underrated it is becoming more and more popular. Once you’ve been it’s difficult to get this place out of your head.

  8. Hi Shing
    I’ve only just found your brilliant blog and I’m loving hearing your tales from Iceland. I’m going there in May for a week and can’t wait. I’ll be going down the south coast – Skogar, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, Vik and then Reykjavik. Looking forward to all the waterfalls, the glacier lagoon and the black beaches.
    Keep up the good work

    1. Hey Damian, so pleased to hear you’ve enjoyed reading my Icelandic tales! 🙂

      May is a fabulous time to go, it’s out of touristy season and the days are much lighter and longer after winter’s dark period. It sounds like you have your itinerary planned, and you’re heading to some super spots so all I should say is enjoy yourself! Which, of course you will!

      However, let me know if you do have any questions and I’ll gladly try and answer them! Or feel free to get in touch after your trip. Would like to hear your thoughts about this country I like so much!

  9. We are going on may to Iceland and will rent a car. Staying in the Hilton at Reykjavik. It’s only a stay for three days…..what would you recommend ?

    1. Glad to hear you’re heading to Iceland Mariana! If you’re spending three days around Reykjavik, I would suggest the following places and activities:

      1. The Golden Circle (one full day) http://www.theculturemap.com/expect-icelands-golden-circle-tour/

      2. Explore the Reykjanes peninsula including Seltun and Gunnuhver. http://www.theculturemap.com/seltun-walking-mars-iceland/
      Afterwards is a good time to visit the Blue Lagoon, it closes between 8pm and 10pm depending on the time of year. The early evening is the perfect time to arrive after most of the crowds have dwindled away.

      3. After seeing a lot of the natural landscape of southeast Iceland, I think a final day in Reykjavik will be a nice and enjoyable way to finish your holiday. There are lots of quirky cafes and restaurants as well as few museums that might pique your fancy. I wrote a Top 10 post about things to do in Reykjavik which might give you some inspiration: http://www.theculturemap.com/10-things-you-should-do-reykjavik/ From the list you shouldn’t miss the Harpa Concert Hall, the architecture is really spectacular, and the view from the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church is quite a view!

      Please let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll try my best to help, otherwise have a fabulous time!!

      Shing

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