Iceland’s seashores defy comparability. With dramatic, rocky cliffs and velvety black volcanic sand scattered with icebergs, these seashores are not like anyplace else on the planet.
Tiptoeing across the fringe of the arctic, Iceland is outlined by its beautiful pure magnificence, and the seashores are not any exception. Fireplace and ice have formed Iceland’s glaciers, mountains and other people, and in addition the sandy covers that stud its indented shoreline. From black volcanic seashores backed by mysterious basalt columns to geothermal seashores dusted with blond sand, Iceland gives miles of unspoiled ocean-side magnificence.
Whether or not you’re a photographer, a lover of the nice outdoor or only a curious traveler, spending time on the coast is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Iceland. Listed here are among the nation’s easiest seashores.
1. The beautiful black sand of Reynisfjara makes it one among Iceland’s most well-known seashores
Close to the quaint fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal in South Iceland, Reynisfjara is arguably Iceland’s most well-known seaside. From its stacked geometric basalt columns to its sweep of black sand with thunderous waves crashing on the shore, the seaside is darkish and moody however stunningly lovely. It’s little surprise that Reynisfjara is such a agency favourite for vacationers and locals.
Wander right down to the sting of the seaside and hearken to the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean as they crash across the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, rising from the froth like monstrous fangs. These three tall basalt rocks are mentioned to be the petrified stays of trolls that stayed out too late and had been remodeled into stone at dawn. This mysterious piece of folklore solely provides to the magic of one of many easiest seashores in Iceland.
2. There are rock formations and a wreck at West Iceland’s Djúpalónssandur Seashore
The sand and pebble stuffed shores of Djúpalónssandur Seashore lie cozied on the foot of Snæfellsjökull, an historical glacier-capped volcano to the north of Reykjavík. The identify means “Deep Lagoon’s Sand,” a reference to the nonetheless, silent lake that sits inshore from the sand (although the Djúpalón lagoon is definitely solely 5m/16ft deep).
Historical lava flows have created some hanging rock formations, together with the spectacular Söngklettur (singing rock), which is alleged to be protected by elves. Rising from the sand are the rusted remnants of a shipwrecked British trawler, left as a monument to those that misplaced their lives within the 1948 catastrophe.
Planning Tip: Come right here to walk in a fairytale-like location, however maintain a secure distance from the waves; they’re extra harmful than they seem.
3. The bogus Nauthólsvík Geothermal Seashore is a best choice close to Reykjavík
This synthetic geothermal seaside is a perfect escape, only a mile and a half from downtown Reykjavík. Heat waters and imported golden sand kick the summer season enjoyable up a notch at this beachlover’s paradise. Water geothermally heated to fifteen° to 19°C (59° to 66°F) is pumped into the lagoon in the course of the summer season months, making this one of the crucial interesting locations to swim within the Reykjavík metropolitan space. Braver vacationers can swim out into the chilly sea for a hot-and-cold spa expertise.
Planning Tip: Nauthólsvík Geothermal Seashore is provided with public altering rooms, steam baths and simmering sizzling tubs for a whole Iceland bathing expertise. It is free to enter in summer season, however there is a price to benefit from the amenities in winter. Whether or not you are sunbathing on the seaside or lazily floating within the heat waters, that is Iceland’s most pleasing day on the seaside.
4. The icebergs on Diamond Seashore in South Iceland make this a surreal place to go to
Have you ever ever walked amongst glowing icebergs strewn throughout a stark and empty black sand seaside? If not, add Diamond Seashore to your bucket listing instantly. The icy blocks that stud the shore are fragments of icebergs that broke off the close by Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, floated throughout the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and drifted out to sea earlier than being damaged up by the waves. A treasure trove of shining, glassy items washes up each day on aptly named Diamond Seashore.
New icebergs are consistently breaking off the glacier, however resist the temptation to climb on any of the icy blocks. The sides are slippery and sharp and floating icebergs can flip over, trapping you beneath the water. Use your time as an alternative to create magical photographs of this unusual and surreal location; it is one of the crucial evocative sights in South Iceland.
5. Benefit from the unspoilt shoreline on the Westfjords’ Rauðisandur Seashore
The identify Rauðisandur interprets to “Crimson Sands” and guests will shortly see why. Stretching alongside the picturesque and distant coast of the Westfjords for over 10km (6 miles), Rauðisandur is without doubt one of the most beautiful seashores in Iceland. Lush, red-toned sand meets looming cliffs and windswept grasslands on a very unspoiled stretch of Icelandic shoreline.
Planning Tip: Resulting from its distant location, the journey to Rauðisandur is prolonged (a drive of 395km/246 miles if you happen to set out from Reykjavík), nevertheless it’s nicely definitely worth the trek. Plus there are tenting choices within the space so as to add a bit extra journey to your keep. Simply be prepared for a stressed night time: the wind whispers eerily alongside the shore and spooky Viking burial grounds dot this lonely sweep of shoreline.
6. Vestrahorn Seashore in southeast Iceland is without doubt one of the most scenic seashores
The place the mountains meet the ocean, the atmospheric Vestrahorn Seashore is framed by a line of jagged peaks and dusted with charcoal-black sand. Only a 10-minute drive from the quaint city of Höfn in southeast Iceland, this is without doubt one of the most scenic seashores in Iceland because of the distinctive sawtooth ridge of Vestrahorn mountain, which climbs to 454m (1490ft). The mountain owes its distinctive darkish colour and spiky formation to the excessive ranges of iron and magnesium in its gabbro rock.
Planning Tip: Are available winter to see the mountain coated in snow, and hang around on the sandy seaside on clear nights to look at the Aurora Borealis performing magic methods within the sky – an unforgettable Iceland expertise.
7. Grótta Island is a coastal nature reserve close to Reykjavík
Sitting proper on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, and put aside as a nature reserve, this island is somewhat little bit of wilderness on the sting of Iceland’s capital. Locals love the island for its charming shoreline, sprinkled with clean stones and darkish sand, and lorded over by a historic, Nineteenth-century lighthouse. At low tide, guests can simply stroll over to the lighthouse to get a greater look.
Thronged by seabirds, Grótta Island is without doubt one of the finest spots for pure encounters within the Reykjavík space, and you may stroll right here from downtown. You would possibly even catch a surfer or two making an attempt out the waves of this peninsula.
Planning Tip: With little gentle air pollution, Grótta Island is without doubt one of the finest locations in Reykjavík to see the northern lights in winter.
