Black Sand Beach
Black Sand Beach
4.5
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Top ways to experience Black Sand Beach
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
13 within 5 kms
Attractions
10 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,077 reviews
Excellent
2,984
Very good
907
Average
166
Poor
13
Terrible
7
Ben Lyons
12 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Amazing definitely worth a visit. Don’t go near the waters edge though the waves are deceptive. It was windy and wet when we visited but if your in vic or passing through a must see. You won’t see scenery like it anywhere else
Written January 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK5,628 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
The tide was in when we were there and so there wasn't a great amount of beach showing. That said it was still impressive with the snow coming down behind to meet the beach.
The waves were immense, our guide said they were amongst the biggest he'd seen. Very dangerous to be near and yet beautiful to see.
The waves were immense, our guide said they were amongst the biggest he'd seen. Very dangerous to be near and yet beautiful to see.
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heather D
Ottawa, Canada9 contributions
Jan. 2023
Absolutely gorgeous. The black sand provided a beautiful contrast to the water set against the really interesting volcanic rock side.
The current is strong, so there won't be any swimming, but you'll get some amazing photos!
The current is strong, so there won't be any swimming, but you'll get some amazing photos!
Written January 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
C A
Leicester, UK109 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Family
Definitely worth visiting but only if you’re in the area
I especially loved the basalt columns and you can climb up the lower ones
I especially loved the basalt columns and you can climb up the lower ones
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Travel Couple - Chathu & Ishanka
Kalutara, Sri Lanka985 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
One thing Iceland is famous for is the black sand beaches. There are quite a few such beaches all around Iceland and this one in Vik is the most famous. Its really beautiful when sun is setting. Sometimes the waves can be very rough so be carefull when going inside the caves around this place.
Written December 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marybeth Gasman
Philadelphia, PA20 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
We love the black sand beach. Stunning views, great for photos, and lovely for a walk. Remember to be careful of the waves as they are sneaker waves.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
delagioventu
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg1,212 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
Very nice beach for a walk, sights are spectacular, black vulcanic sand, really something to do, when in Vik. Easily reachable by car.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
senglish0410
Milwaukee, WI50 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
We rode horses on this beach and it's absolutely beautiful!! Can be cold so definitely layer up in case it rains or is windy.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rozebudzz
North Carolina1,012 contributions
Oct. 2022
Such a beautiful place. We went when it was cold and very windy but it certainly detract from us enjoying the place. The basalt columns are impressive. There are a couple of shallow caves nearby. The scenery is just beautiful, surreal and mystical even. This is so worth a visit when you come to Iceland.
Parking lot was pretty full. There’s clean toilets and a small cafe. The walk to the beach is short and relatively flat.
Parking lot was pretty full. There’s clean toilets and a small cafe. The walk to the beach is short and relatively flat.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Becky N
Burke, VA4 contributions
Oct. 2022
This is an otherworldly location that deserves some time for exploration and contemplation. Take your time exploring the sand, caves, and other basalt structures. We avoided the surf as it was fall and very cold. Our guide had several stories of agressive tides. Theres plenty of other sites to see and appreciate.
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicole W
1 contribution
We are hoping to visit the black sand beach on our visit in November. We are renting a car and will be driving from Reykjavik. Does anyone know how long it takes to get there from the main city? Also, while in that area, are there any must do things/attratctions? Thank you.
antomik2014
Brescia, Italy1,141 contributions
Driving straight from Rejkyavik may take up to 3 hrs depending on the weather with no stops along the way.
I'd suggest to spend a couple of days along the south coast to get the chance to visit other attractions such as waterfalls, geothermal plants, Lava center etc... it all depends on whats kind of attractions you're looking for.
In this area Vik is the biggest center.
Take your time and enjoy your trip! you won't be disapponted! if you're intrested i can share my drive on mymaps :-)
wanderlustnaples
Naples, FL7 contributions
Going to Iceland March 18,2019 We want to see the Black sand beach, northern lights (hopefully) and drive the golden circle, so this is probably a dumb question but is the ring road and golden circle the same? We have tickets for the blue lagoon the last night of our tour and wondered if there was an ice cave or adventure tour close to Reykjavik since that is where we are staying. All info welcome....
Toscano88
Sao Paulo, SP104 contributions
Hi there! They are not. Golden Circle "it's a common route between 3 beautiful natural attractions in Iceland; Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Instead of driving back and forth the same way, people normally drive a short circle, that's just under 230km (140 miles)." (source: guidetoiceland.is) .
The Ring Road in the other hand it's the series of roads (total 1332 km (828 miles)) that goes round the major part of the island, excluding the northwest portion of land.
While the Golden Circle can be done in 1-2 days (if the weather is ok), the ring road takes at minimum 7-8 days, if the weather helps.
This site below is the main source of information about touring in IS: guidetoiceland.is Besides, always check the weather before taking the road. this other link is a must check (even for short distances) road.is Enjoy Iceland!
1010simone
East Providence, RI36 contributions
Planning on touring Black sand beach and other spots this weekend. Is it still possible to enjoy these tours in the rain? Looking like rain for much of our stay.
Lawrence S
Northampton, UK218 contributions
Simonemelo24,
As some have already mentioned the wind is more of an issue than the rain. It's quite open, but well worth a visit, just dress appropriately.
I notice in this thread the recommendation to visit Vik, which is also a great spot, but you would miss seeing a great display of Columnar basalt formation. If time permits, I would suggest you visit both.
danyahejazeh
Ridgewood, NJ
How long is the ride, and is this good for kids? Two boys, ages 7 and 8. Thanks!
Luvdssrt
San Francisco, CA37 contributions
The drive from the main road isn’t long at all, great for family however stay far away from the water!
dhainya85
Belfast, UK19 contributions
is there a tour that includes the golden circle AND the beach at Reynisfjara?
Traveler T
Los Angeles, CA150 contributions
I was with a pre booked group tour for the whole Island. There may be but you will have to use this site and google.
dhainya85
Belfast, UK19 contributions
is there a tour that takes in the golden circle and the beach at reynisfjara
GorjesTravel
Calabasas, CA54 contributions
We hired a private driver/guide. A local guy through a company. He was great! Very very knowledgeable. Takes a couple days to see all the “must see” sites at least.
Hi everyone, I lost my gopro Hero 6 with handle on the beach. I beg anyone who found it please contact me and return the gopro back to me. It means so much for me as it is my first trip to Iceland.
Samit Bhattacharya
Dubai, United Arab Emirates256 contributions
Suggest you get in touch with
safetravel.is website people
MamaPearl
Sayre, PA176 contributions
Are Black Sand Beach and Reynisfjara Beach the same place? both talk about the same things....if not the same, which do you recommend? Traveling next week!
RAD10977
Spring Valley, NY250 contributions
Yes...the same.
.Reynisfjara is the beach with the huge basalt columns. While facing the water, the sea stacks will be on your left. It is incredibly dramatic and not to be missed.
BUT...There is another Black Sand Beach to the left of those. You cannot walk there but you can drive around the huge cliff and then follow the signs to the Black Sand Beach. This less impressive but worth walking about. Less dramatic only relative to the basalt columns.
This is the one that is actually named “ Black Sand Beach”. It is below the Icelandair Hotel Vik.
Laura L
London, UK31 contributions
Is it free to visit?
AdventurousRetirees
Lone Tree, CO656 contributions
No charge, just park in the (also free) large parking lot and walk.
BLACK SAND BEACH (Vik) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Sand Beach
- We recommend booking Black Sand Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 22 Black Sand Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Black Sand Beach:
- Southern Iceland Waterfalls, Black Beaches and Snowmobile Adventure (From C$4,196.43)
- Private Southshore adventure (From C$1,430.97)
- Two Days of Magnificent South Coast With Ice Caves and Northern Lights (From C$1,118.88)
- Golden Circle & South Coast. Private Day Tour (From C$957.09)
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Black Sand Beaches, Waterfalls & more (From C$2,355.89)
- Hotels near Black Sand Beach:
- (0.01 km) Dream Guesthouse Vik
- (0.07 km) Guesthouse Galleri Vik
- (0.27 km) Guesthouse Carina
- (0.26 km) Kosy Vik Guesthouse
- (0.24 km) Puffin Hotel Vík
- Restaurants near Black Sand Beach:
- (0.04 km) The Soup Company
- (0.20 km) Smidjan Brugghus
- (0.27 km) Halldorskaffi
- (0.36 km) Black Crust Pizzeria
- (0.41 km) Sudur Vik
- Attractions near Black Sand Beach:
- (0.06 km) Gallerí Leirbrot og Gler
- (0.06 km) Lava Show
- (0.06 km) Zipline
- (0.36 km) Katlatrack Adventure Tours
- (0.22 km) Vik Swimming Pool