Iceland

Black Sand Beach

The Black Sand Beach, also known as Rejnisfjara in Icelandic, is situated in close proximity to the capital city of Reykjavik on the South Coast of Iceland.

With its stunning pitch-black sandy shore, the beach offers a captivating view that contrasts beautifully against the white foam of the waves.

The origin of this natural wonder arises from volcanic activity, even though the traditional folklore tale speaks of the trolls being transformed into stone due to their inability to drag a ship to the shore before sunrise.

Explore places to stay near the Black Sand Beach and experience the striking contrast of its pitch-black sands and white foamy waves.

This enchanting location is an absolute must-visit spot that deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful and unique black sand, stunning basalt columns and geological formations of the beach. However, visitors warn of the dangers of the waves and recommend paying attention to the warning signs as the beach is known to be dangerous. Despite the risks, visitors recommend the beach as a must-see destination in Iceland.

Where to Stay near Black Sand Beach?

Most visitors to Black Sand Beach often stay in the nearby town of Vik, which is just a short drive away and offers a range of accommodations. Others might opt to stay in Reykjavik and make a day trip to the beach, enjoying the scenic drive along Iceland's South Coast.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Black Sand Beach?

Latitude: 63.4053 / Longitude: -19.0634

Black Sand Beach is located in Iceland. The following map of Black Sand Beach shows the exact location.

Black Sand Beach: Weather Today

📅 Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Today is certainly not a day for sunbathing or a relaxing beach visit at Black Sand Beach. With persistent light rain and a thick layer of clouds, the atmosphere remains gloomy and damp throughout the day. The wind is quite strong and blustery, which will make standing on the shore uncomfortable and challenging. The sea conditions are rough with significant waves crashing against the coast, posing a serious safety risk to anyone venturing too close to the water's edge. Given the low air temperature of 11.7 °C and a chilly sea temperature of 11.6 °C, the water is dangerously cold and absolutely unsuitable for swimming. It is best to avoid the shoreline today and enjoy the rugged coastal landscape from a safe distance indoors.
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Air

Low / High10.6°C/11.7°C
Feels Like (High)10°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature11.6 °C
Wave Height2.7 m
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Rain

Rain Chance98%
Rainfall1.2 mm
Rain Duration9 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset03:42/23:02
Sunshine Hours0.0 hrs
UV Index3.5
Cloud Cover100%
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Wind

Speed37.1 km/h
Gusts53.3 km/h
DirectionSW