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We left Sólheimajökull around 7:30 PM, the glacier fading behind us as we headed east along the South Coast of Iceland. It was pouring rain, the sky looked a uniform shade of grey, no sign of sunshine, but the landscape still felt beautiful!

As soon as we turned onto Route 1 from Route 221, we spotted the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. It’s a famous spot, featured in many music videos and movies, of which one we remembered: King Khan’s Bollywood film Dilwale. Even if it hadn’t been raining, we decided to skip the long walk (4 miles round trip). Instead we pulled over at the designated spot and tried our best to grab a few photos from the roadside. We wish we had a little bit of sunshine!

It was still raining and getting close to 8 pm, but we decided to take a chance and head to Dyrhólaey. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side, the site was closed outside its visiting hours during bird‑nesting season, and the famous black arch and towering cliffs were just out of reach. 

Next, we headed straight to Reynisfjara Beach, and luckily, it was open. We parked, paid the fee at the machine, and walked toward the shore, and the black sand seemed to stretch forever.

We stood in front of the huge cliff covered with green moss, which contrasted well with the dark rock. The cliff looked more unique and interesting because of the perfectly geometrically shaped basalt columns (formed by ancient lava flows) and the Hálsanefshellir Cave tucked right inside them.

It was windy, cold, raining, the waves were crashing hard, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks stood out in the distance. According to Icelandic folklore, they were trolls turned to stone by the morning sun while trying to drag a ship ashore. Farther away, we could see the Dyrhólaey sea arch appear as a dark shape against the Atlantic waves and grey sky.  

There weren’t many people around, probably because of the rain and dull weather. It felt darker than usual, especially since 8:30 pm in the summer is normally still bright thanks to the midnight sun.

We walked along the beach for a short while, careful of the strong waves. We didn’t stay long, the rain and wind made the beach chilly, but even in a short stop, Reynisfjara left a strong impression.

When we reached our stay in Vík, the rain had finally stopped, and the views from our room were so refreshing. It almost felt like we were just starting our day, even after such a long one. Soon after, we settled in, carrying the memory of one of Iceland’s most iconic beaches: wild, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Here are some photos from the evening of June 19, 2025. The rain cleared, the views opened up, and it felt like the perfect ending to a long day.

Before you plan your visit, here are some quick facts and tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Quick Facts and Tips

• Best time to visit
  • Summer (June to September): Cool and windy but mild weather, long daylight, easy road access, puffins on nearby cliffs, and expect big crowds.
  • Winter (November to March): Cold, icy, slippery, dramatic snowy scenery, moody light, possible Northern Lights, strong winds, powerful waves, very short daylight, fewer crowds.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April, May & October): Still chilly and windy, strong waves, fewer visitors, and decent daylight.
• Always check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is.
• Reynisfjara Beach is located on Iceland’s South Coast, just west of Vík, about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Reykjavík. Simply turn onto the well-maintained, paved Road 215 (Reynishverfisvegur) from Route 1 (the Ring Road), which leads directly to the parking area.
• Roads are generally good but can be snowy or icy in winter.
• No entrance fee. 
• There is a parking fee around 1,000 ISK (approx. US $7) for the lower lot or 750 ISK for the upper lot. Payment is card-only at the machine in the parking lot or via the Parka app. Cash is not accepted.
• The designated parking lot is located at the end of Road 215 (Reynishverfisvegur) and accommodates cars, campervans, and tour buses. Parking fills quickly in summer between 10 am to 4 pm.
• Restrooms and a café (Black Beach Restaurant) offering food, drinks, and souvenirs are located at the parking area.
• Safety first. Reynisfjara is known for dangerous sneaker waves and strong currents.
  • No lifeguards or safety staff, follow all yellow warning signs and keep a safe distance from the water.
  • Stay far behind the wet sand line, waves can surge much farther than expected, keep alert.
  • Never turn your back on the ocean.
  • Keep children close at all times.
  • Don’t climb basalt columns when waves are high.
  • Winter winds are strong, so avoid standing near edges or cliffs.
  • Winds can be intense, avoid opening car doors wide to prevent damage.
  • Avoid entering Hálsanefshellir Cave during high waves.
• The main attractions – the black sand, basalt columns, and caves are immediately accessible from the parking lot. The walking surface is uneven black sand and small pebbles/rocks, and it is not wheelchair-friendly.
• Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour to take a stroll on the black sand, explore the basalt columns and cave, watch the roaring waves, and enjoy distant views of the Dyrhólaey arch.
• Dress in warm layers, bring waterproof and windproof jackets, wear comfortable sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat.
• Sunrise and sunset are perfect times to visit for best light and better photos, with fewer people around.
• Drone use is not allowed. 
• What to see and do 
  • Basalt Columns (Garðar): Striking wall of geometrically shaped basalt columns formed by cooling lava, resembling a natural pyramid or staircase.
  • Hálsanefshellir Cave: Beautiful shallow cave formed within the basalt column wall.
  • Dyrhólaey Arch: Visible in the distance to the west, this massive rock arch and headland is a stunning photo opportunity.
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks: Sharp basalt pillars just offshore, believed to be trolls turned to stone by the morning sun while trying to drag a ship ashore.
  • Birdwatching: During the summer months, the cliffs and stacks are home to nesting seabirds, including Puffins, Guillemots, and Fulmars. Bring binoculars!
• Nearby Attractions
  • Dyrhólaey Promontory: Massive rock arch, just west of Reynisfjara, offers a 360-degree view of the coastline, the best spots to see Puffins nesting in the cliffs during the summer months.
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier: A Walk Into Iceland’s Frozen Wild.
  • Solheimasandur Plane Wreck.
  • Skógafoss waterfall: Towering Beauty on the South Coast.
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall –Walking Behind the Waterfall.
  • Vik Town.

Conclusion

Despite the rain and wind, Reynisfjara stood out as one of the most striking places we visited. The wild waves, black sand, and towering cliffs made it truly memorable. Ending the evening in Vík felt peaceful and refreshing.