the most beautiful BLACK SAND BEACH IN ICELAND (reynisfjara beach)
I miss the sound of the angry Arctic ocean crashing on the smoke-black sand. Most beaches are white or golden in colour but not Reynisfjara. Reynisfjara is very often referred as the most beautiful black sand beach in the world.
It is located only a smooth two and a half hour (190 km) drive away from Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. The reason of sand being here jet black is related to the volcanic nature of the island.
The darkness of the sand perfectly contrasts with the white foam of the waves and the blue ocean. You can feel here almost mystical energy. The strange marine basalt columns resembling pyramids adorn its shores. There is a naturally shaped cave in their wall. The cave is called Hálsanefshellir. If the level of water permits, explore it from inside.
The majestic sea stacks sprout up from the rough waters while fulmars, puffins and guillemots flutter over the green cliff peaks. There is no exaggeration in saying that this is a place of a wild and dramatic beauty. But it is not secret any more so to enjoy a bit of intimate moment with the nature come here at the dawn.
The unpredictable waves of the Arctic seize everything that crosses their path and drag them to the cold abyss. The ocean kidnaps the unwary to never free them again. It is a sneaky and rather dangerous place so be respectful. Never turn back to the water, keep a safe distance and do not attempt to swim in the ocean.
Pss. The spot became a natural film set for the popular HBO series - Game of Thrones. Reynisfjara is the beach at Eastwatch by the sea where the men in the night's watch were guarding the wall.
HOW TO GET TO THE BLACK SAND BEACH (reynisfjara beach)?
It is possible to visit this black beach in Iceland as a day trip from Reykjavik, many tour operators make a stop here. But I strongly recommend you try to avoid the organized package tour when visiting this place. Rent a car or a campervan instead. The parking area next to Reynisfjara black sand beach is free. There is also a restaurant where you can grab a meal. Stay here for a longer while. The fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal is located just 10 km by car from the Reynisfjara and it is where you should look for accommodation. I will tell you a little secret. The Vik black sand beach is equally beautiful as Reynisfjara, and it is not nearly as crowded.
34 km from the beach, there is also the Skógafoss Waterfall, which is one of Iceland's most majestic waterfalls, prone to create rainbows. Relatively near there is also probably one of the most photogenic plane wreck in the world - Solheimasandur Wreck. A few decades ago, a plane crashed on a black sand beach in Iceland. Everyone survived. Thanks to its surrounding black sands that create incredible visual contrast, nowadays, DC3 Plane Wreck is particularly beloved spot among the tourists and photographers.
The Crown Jewel of Iceland - Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon & diamond beach
This place is so captivating in a way you probably have not seen before. You are now at the Nature’s playground. It is here where icebergs that have broken off outlet glacier Breiðamerkurjökull and drift to make their way towards the Atlantic Ocean sculpting the scenery that is so strangely hypnotic that almost surreal. You can wander the lakeshore, breath in the sharp, crisp air, seek seals or take a boat trips on lagoon and kayak among the massive icebergs. The amphibian bout tour costs approximately 5900 ISK(36 EUR), the zodiac tour 10500 ISK (65 EUR). You can visit this place all year round but bear in mind that the boat tours are not available in winter season.
Just across the Jökulsárlón glacier, the glistening ice chunks sit on the smoky beach and sparkle like diamonds. The “Diamond Beach” never look the same. The amount of the ice chunks on this beach is directly related to the tide and how many icebergs are actually in Jökulsárlón Lagoon.The Crown Jewel of Iceland is located around 372 km from Reykjavik and if you were wondering what you absolutely cannot miss when being in Iceland, you know now.
ICE CAVE tours in iceland
When you are around, you can also board a modified monster truck and head off towards the Europe’s largest Glacier - Vatnajökull. Enter the beautiful crystal caves and get closer to incredible shades of icy blue. The tours are only available between October and March.
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND
Whales are arguably the most fascinating creature to watch in the wild. There is just something magical about seeing them in their natural habitat and Iceland is one of the most premier whale watching destinations. It is very likely that you can see dolphins, minke, and humpback whales in Iceland. If you are lucky, you can even spot the orcas (killer whales). There are multiple tour companies that organize whale watching adventures. Tours depart from Reykjavik and various other locations around Iceland all year round. But probably the best time of year to see whales in Iceland is between April and October with the peak season in summer months. Dress warm despite the season as it gets very cold on the sea. The classic whale watching tour lasts between 2,5 - 3,5h and the price varies between 10,990 ISK (approximately 70 EUR) for an adult and 5945 ISK for a child (approximately 35 EUR). I used the Elding tour operator in Reykjavik.