When people think of Iceland, they think of glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers. However, the country is also known for its beautiful seaside. Iceland beaches are considered some of the most diverse in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
From black sand to red beaches, you can find places like no other. While it’s true that you aren’t likely to sunbathe on Icelandic beaches, there are plenty of other reasons to visit them. They offer unique scenery that is only found in this part of the world. Here are the best locations you shouldn’t miss.
1. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara, also known as the most notable black sand beach Iceland has to offer, is arguably the most famous spot on the list. The black volcanic sand at Reynisfjara Beach makes for a uniquely grim landscape.
It has gaping basalt columns that run along the beach, and columnar rock formations that take the form of natural stairs. The Hálsanefshellir Cave is located on its eastern shore. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically out of the ocean, adding to the strikingness of this beach.
How to Get There
- From Reykjavik, travel southeast on Ring Road (Route 1) for about 180 km, then turn onto Route 215, close to the village of Vík. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- There are designated parking spaces near the main viewpoint. During the peak tourist months, it can get pretty crowded, so be sure to get there early to make things easier on yourself.
- Check the forecast before heading out, as conditions can change quickly, especially during winter months in Iceland. Beware of powerful, unpredictable waves (known as “sneaker waves”) that can be fatal along the shoreline. Keep your distance from the water.
2. Diamond Beach (Breiðamerkursandur Beach)
Diamond Beach, also called Breiðamerkursandur Beach, is a beautiful black sand beach, where sparkling icebergs that have broken off from the nearby glacier scatter down the shore. The ice looks just like diamonds against the dark volcanic sand, making this a surreal and magical landscape.
The chunks of ice vary in size and shape; some are crystal transparent, while others are tinted with shades of blue or white. We recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset, as the light during this time makes the shimmer of ice even more impressive, and it puts a soft glow on the scenery.
How to Get There
- To get to Diamond Beach Iceland, drive east from Reykjavik on the Ring Road for almost 380 km (5 to 6 hours). The beach is right by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
- Other nearby attractions include the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon itself, Vatnajökull National Park with its beautiful glaciers, Svartifoss waterfall, and numerous hiking trails. Another must-see is Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
3. Rauðisandur Beach: Red Sand beach
Rauðasandur Red Sand Beach is one of the most remote and quiet places in Iceland, an area of red and golden sand deep in the Westfjords of Iceland. The clear colors of red, orange, and pink change with the light and give an outstanding contrast to the other more gloomy Iceland beaches. It is also a place where visitors can get away from the crowds, with the beach surrounded by steep cliffs and left untouched.
But due to the unpredictable weather condition in the Westfjords area, we ONLY recommend you visit this beach during SUMMER months (between June and August).
How to Get There
- Drive north on Route 1, then west onto Route 60 towards the Westfjords. Finally, take Route 614 to reach the beach. The drive is approximately 400 km (248 miles) long and takes between 6-7 hours.
- Go slow and carefully on gravel, especially when Iceland weather conditions are poor.
- Fill up on fuel and supplies in larger towns since services will be thin in remote areas.
- There is a parking lot near Rauðasandur Beach, close to the walking paths that lead down to the shore. Keep in mind, the area is pretty remote, so facilities are minimal.
4. Djúpalónssandur Beach
Djúpalónssandur Beach is well known for the black lava pebbles, or rather “black pearls,” lining the shoreline of this beach in Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The place has a historical significance as it used to be one of the main fishing villages and houses the remnants of a British trawler shipwreck scattered around the shore. Stone lifting, practiced by fishermen, is still part of this beach today. Lava rock formations that are very dramatic and a nearby glacier at Snæfellsjökull add to the mystical and rugged atmosphere of this beach.
How to Get There
- From Reykjavik, head northwest on Route 1, then further northwest by taking Route 54 to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. After passing Ólafsvík, take Route 574, which will bring you directly to the beach. The journey is about 190 km (2.5 to 3 hours).
- Be weather-aware when visiting because things can change very quickly in this area.
- Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes since the ground can be uneven and rocky.
- There is beach parking, but watch signs for no parking areas.
5. Vík í Mýrdal Beach (Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach)
Vík í Mýrdal Beach, located on the Iceland South Coast, is another black sand beach in Iceland. It features dramatic cliffs and a view of the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. It is located right next to the Vik village and the Dyrhólaey promontory, which offers great views of the coastline and birdwatching. Several hiking trails and very beautiful landscapes surround this area, including the nearby Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
How to Get There
- Go southeast on Route 1, which will take you directly to Vik. The total distance that needs to be covered is approximately 180 km (112 miles), which takes between 2.5 to 3 hours.
- This is one of the more scenic trips. However, check road and weather conditions before you head out on this drive, especially in winter months.
6. Stokksnes Beach
Stokksnes Beach is the perfect combination of elements of scenic beauty, with the impactful view of Vestrahorn mountain towering nearby in east Iceland. With black sands and striking dunes, this beach offers some beautiful photo opportunities.
In addition, it is an excellent place for wildlife lovers as the location is often visited by seals and various species of seabirds. A blend of rugged coastline and great wildlife makes Stokksnes a fascinating destination for all nature lovers and photographers.
How to Get There
- Coming from Reykjavik, drive east on Route 1 for about 330 km (205 miles), passing by the town of Höfn. At Höfn, take Route 99 south toward Stokksnes, located about 10 km (6.2 miles) away. Travel time would be roughly about 4.5 to 5 hours.
- There is a small fee for parking at the beach, and you’ll find designated parking areas close to the dunes.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in this region. Be aware of the wind and dress accordingly.
7. Dyrhólaey Beach
Dyrhólaey Beach features a number of rock formations, most notably a massive rock arch that makes for a great photography setting and is a very interesting geological feature in its own right. The cliffs around this beach are nesting sites of Iceland puffins during summer, thus making it a perfect spot for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. For the most striking views, head to the top of the Dyrhólaey promontory during the sunrise or sunset.
How to Get There
- Drive 180 km (112 miles) southeast on Route 1, until reaching Vík í Mýrdal, then take Route 218. The estimated travel time is 2.5-3 hours.
- Recommended stops en route include the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
8. Hvítserkur Beach
Hvítserkur Beach is widely recognized for its basalt rock structure, which looks like a dragon or dinosaur drinking from the ocean. Local legends state that the structure is actually a petrified troll, which was turned into stone by the sunlight. This area is loved by wildlife, and visitors can often see seals and seabirds nesting in the cliffs. This combination of a peculiar rock formation and rich marine life of Hvítserkur Beach is quite fascinating for nature lovers, as well as for photographers or history buffs.
How to Get There
- From Reykjavik, take the north direction on Route 1, then connect to Route 711 toward Vatnsnes Peninsula. The drive is some 200 km (124 miles) and takes 2.5-3 hours.
- The weather can be quite unpredictable and the roads are not easy in winter, so you’ll want to rent a 4X4. Wear comfortable shoes to walk on uneven ground.
- There is a car park close by, from which you have to hike a short distance to the famous formation of Hvítserkur.
9. Grótta Island Lighthouse Beach
Grótta Island is an island just off the coast of Reykjavik, known for its scenery and a historic lighthouse. It provides views of the surrounding sea and is an excellent bird-watching site, particularly during nesting season.
Winter visits are the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from this location. Grótta Island is very close to town. However, you can only access the lighthouse on foot during low tide, so its important to be aware of the tides so you don’t get stuck out there! You can check the tide map here.
How to Get There
- From Reykjavik, drive north on Sæbraut, following signs for Grótta. The parking lot is approximately 5 km from the city center and will take about 10 minutes by car.
- Parking spaces are available near the entrance to the Grótta area.
- The beach and lighthouse are accessible on foot via a pathway when the tide is low.
10. Ytri Tunga Beach: The Seal Beach
Ytri Tunga Beach offers a beautiful contrast to the dark volcanic beaches, featuring a sandy beach with lighter tones and fascinating wildlife. The beach is particularly famous for its colony of seals, which can often be seen lounging on the rocks or swimming near the shore.
While it’s a great spot for seal watching, visitors should maintain a safe distance from the animals to avoid disturbing them. Ytri Tunga also boasts scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including lava flows that add to its rugged charm, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers.
How to Get There
- Drive north along Route 1 from Reykjavik.
- Turn onto Route 54 west toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
- After approximately 150 km (93 miles), you’ll reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
- Ytri Tunga Beach is located about 70 km (43 miles) east of Stykkishólmur.
- The total drive from Reykjavik takes around 2 hours.
Parking is available near the beach, and it’s a short walk to reach the best seal-watching areas. Remember to keep a safe distance from the seals for their protection and yours.
Renting a Car from Hertz Iceland
To explore these Iceland beaches to the fullest, renting a car is essential. Hertz Iceland provides high-quality vehicles that are perfectly suited to handle Iceland road conditions and weather.
Why Choose Hertz Iceland
Car rentals for beach explorations give you the freedom to visit multiple scenic stops at your leisure, get to isolated beaches, and also transport equipment or supplies for a more comfortable experience. Hertz Iceland has been working to make every process smooth and hassle-free with its reliable service and a wide range of vehicles so that one can enjoy the wonderful views and beaches of Iceland. We offer a range of rental cars, including 4X4 SUVs, economy and compact cars, electric vehicles, and campervans.
Rental Tips and Recommendations
You can book your rental car online, by choosing the pick-up location and date on Hertz’s website. All that’s left to do is to choose a car of your liking and start exploring Iceland.
- Always check the weather and road conditions before heading out, especially in winter.
- Stick to marked roads, avoiding F-roads unless you are in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Be careful: Animals, sheep, and birds can be on or near the road.
- The headlights should be on at all times, even in broad daylight.
- Obey speed limits.
Hertz Iceland’s customer service and support team is always there to answer all your questions.
Visit Iceland’s Beaches
While beaches are not the first thing that come to people’s mind when they think of Iceland, they are something you definitely don’t want to miss. Iceland beaches offer unique sceneries, such as black sand, diamond-like ice formations, and even dragons made from stone.
Whether you are an explorer or just a casual visitor, they are worth visiting. Beach exploration is the most comfortable with the convenience of a rental car. This gives you the right amount of flexibility and the ability to shape your own trip. Visit Hertz Iceland’s website and book your rental car to start your beach adventure today.
