Planning a trip to Iceland and looking to explore its most beautiful beaches? You’re in the right place!
In this article, you’ll discover three of Iceland’s most breathtaking beaches – from black sand to rock formations and ice blocks ashore, each beach in Iceland offers its own unique experience. Whether you’re looking to spot birds along the coast, walk on black sand, discover the famous diamond ice rocks, or simply soak in these natural wonders, there’s a beach here for everyone!
I did write a little warning section at the end regarding one of the most dangerous beach in the world.
Let’s dive in and find your perfect Icelandic beach!
First up: Dyrhólaey. Located near Vík on the South Coast, this viewpoint offers views of different back beaches and a beautiful sea arch. In summer, you can even see many puffins here.
Wal : From the parking, 5 minutes to the sea arch, 20 minutes to the cliffs on the 4th picture above but the trail continue for a long time.
Parking Fee : 800 ISK (6,3€)
The way to the viewpoint is pretty amazing already :
Once you pass the lighthouse, you will see the sea arch and you can continue down on that trail to discover the other cliffs along this coast:
Located in the East of Iceland, Stokksnes is another black-sand beach, but with a pretty unique feature. There is a fine layer of water offering a perfect reflection of the stunning Vestrahorn mountain on the beach. Once you pay your entrance ticket at the café counter, you will also have access to a small Viking village film set nearby.
Walk : You can park right near the Viking village and the beach. From there it’s a 5-10 minute walk.
Parking Fee : Technically, the parking is free, but to enter the road to the beach (by car or on foot), you have to pay a ticket at the café counter, of 1000 ISK (7€)
Last but not least, the famous Diamond Beach. Because it’s located right across from Jökulsárlón glacier, many ice chunks wash ashore on this beach. Scattered on the black sand, these ice blocks look like glistening diamonds. We went a little bit after sunset, you can see the blue hour settling in on the pictures below, but if the sky is clear it will be as stunning with the sun!
Walk : 5 minutes from the parking lot.
Parking Fee : 1000 ISK (7€)
I did not put Reynisfjara Beach in this top because of two main reasons.
First, despite being a famous beach – hence sadly more crowded – it doesn’t come near the three I just mentioned. Sure, it has basalt columns and black sand, but people climbing on the columns everywhere just ruin this nature wonder.
Second, Reynisfjara is known to be very dangerous because of sneaker waves, which are extremely strong and unpredictable waves. People who get too close to the water can be dragged into the sea and the Atlantic Ocean being very cold here, survival is more difficult. There have been several deaths over the years due to people underestimating the waves on this beach.
IF you still want to discover Reynisfjara Beach : Stay at least 15-20 meters from the ocean, never turn your back on the ocean and pay attention to the warning signs in front of the beach. In short: watch the beach from behind the fence, don’t go on the sand.
And that wraps up the best beaches to see in Iceland !
Make sure to visit some of these beaches (if not all!) as it is an unforgettable experience and remarkable landscape.
It was truly a magical and wonderful trip, if you plan on going there check out my article about the 10 best waterfalls or this one about the 4 best glaciers in Iceland.
If you need a personalized itinerary, you can fill this form and I’ll find you the best accommodations, flights and itinerary !
