
Top 10 Best Beaches in Iceland
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Tid til at læse 13 min
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Tid til at læse 13 min
Iceland’s beaches are unlike any in the world—dramatic, windswept, and carved by volcanic forces and glacial rivers. From black sand expanses and ice-strewn shores to red volcanic beaches and geothermal lagoons, Iceland offers an otherworldly coastal experience. Whether you’re looking to marvel at basalt columns, stroll past diamond-like ice chunks, or soak in a natural hot pool with an ocean view, this guide to the best beaches in Iceland will take you to the wildest, most unforgettable stretches of sand on the island.
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Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most iconic black sand beach—and one of the most striking in the world. Located near the village of Vík, this volcanic beach is framed by towering basalt columns, massive sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), and thunderous waves crashing against the shore. The contrast of black sand, white foam, and misty cliffs creates a powerful and unforgettable coastal experience. It’s popular for photography, nature walks, and witnessing Iceland’s raw elemental beauty.
The cliffside basalt columns at Reynisfjara resemble giant organ pipes and make you feel as though you’re walking through a natural cathedral. They’re popular for photos and offer a bit of wind shelter for those lingering by the shore.
Local legends say the Reynisdrangar sea stacks were trolls turned to stone by sunlight. Whether you believe the tale or not, these formations stand as eerie monuments to Iceland’s volcanic origins.
Due to deadly currents and unpredictable waves, Reynisfjara is strictly for admiration—not for bathing. But for atmosphere, intensity, and visual impact, it tops the list of the best beaches in Iceland.
Diamond Beach, located across from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, is a magical stretch of black sand where chunks of glacial ice wash ashore and sparkle like diamonds in the sun. Constantly reshaped by the melting glacier, the beach is never the same twice. The contrast between jet-black sand and glowing blue or crystal-clear icebergs creates one of the most visually stunning scenes in all of Iceland—making it a must-see destination for photographers, nature lovers, and dreamers alike.
Every tide brings a new collection of glacier ice to the shore, ranging from tiny polished pebbles to towering, jagged chunks. The ice glows in different hues depending on the light—some translucent, some a deep glacial blue.
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking colors as the light bounces off the ice and dark sand. It’s a peaceful, almost otherworldly scene that changes with the weather and tide.
Diamond Beach shows the stark beauty of Iceland—fire and ice, darkness and light, stillness and movement. It’s one of the best beaches in Iceland for pure visual wonder.
Rauðasandur, meaning “Red Sand,” is a remote and expansive beach in the Westfjords known for its unique coppery-pink sand that shifts color with the light and weather. Unlike Iceland’s typical black sand beaches, Rauðasandur glows with warm tones of red, gold, and beige, stretching for nearly 10 kilometers. With dramatic cliffs on one side and views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier across the bay, this tranquil haven is perfect for long walks, solitude, and reflection in untouched Icelandic nature.
Depending on the time of day and weather, the sand at Rauðasandur can look deep red, golden, or even pink. It’s a beach that changes mood constantly—no two visits are ever quite the same.
You won’t find crowds here—just the sound of seabirds, the rustle of wind, and endless space to think or breathe. It’s wild swimming territory for the brave, and meditation ground for the rest.
If you're looking for the best beaches in Iceland with seclusion, beauty, and a rare color palette, Rauðasandur is an otherworldly treasure in the far northwest corner of the country.
Djúpalónssandur is a hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach located at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Unlike soft sand beaches, its shore is made of smooth, jet-black lava pebbles known as “pearls of the deep.” The beach is steeped in local legend and history, featuring remnants of a shipwreck from 1948 and dramatic rock formations rising from the sea. It’s a place where Iceland’s mythic atmosphere meets powerful natural forces.
The entire beach is covered in shiny black lava pebbles shaped by centuries of ocean currents. They create an eerie, musical sound as waves retreat—like thousands of tiny stones whispering stories.
Explore the scattered remains of the Epine GY7, a British trawler that ran aground here in 1948. Near the shore, you’ll also find ancient lifting stones once used to test the strength of local fishermen.
Djúpalónssandur is one of the best beaches in Iceland for atmosphere—raw, rugged, and steeped in lore. Just don’t swim here: the waves are powerful and unpredictable.
Nauthólsvík is Reykjavík’s most accessible and unique beach, offering a man-made blend of cold Atlantic seawater and geothermal hot water. This golden sand beach, just a short walk from the city center, features a lagoon heated to comfortable temperatures in summer, a hot tub overlooking the sea, and changing facilities. It’s a favorite spot for locals who enjoy wild swimming with a bit of comfort—and an excellent introduction for visitors curious about Iceland’s outdoor bathing culture.
Start your visit with a dip in the sea—then warm up instantly in the beachside hot tub. The mix of cold and hot is energizing and very Icelandic. It’s popular year-round, especially with cold-water swimmers in winter.
Despite being man-made, Nauthólsvík offers real coastal charm and amazing views across the Faxaflói Bay. On sunny days, it feels like a mini seaside escape right in the capital.
If you're new to wild swimming in Iceland, Nauthólsvík is the perfect starting point. It’s one of the best beaches in Iceland to test the waters—literally and figuratively.
Stokksnes Beach is a cinematic black sand beach located beneath the dramatic peaks of Vestrahorn, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. This southeastern gem offers windswept dunes, mirror-like tidal pools, and uninterrupted views of jagged peaks rising from the shoreline. The beach is part of private land, so there’s a small entrance fee—but the visual payoff is extraordinary. Stokksnes is a paradise for landscape photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking Iceland’s raw coastal magic.
The tidal pools on Stokksnes Beach create perfect reflections of Vestrahorn on calm days. Photographers often visit at sunrise or sunset for dreamy, surreal shots that capture Iceland’s mystic appeal.
Unlike many of Iceland’s flat beaches, Stokksnes features sweeping black sand dunes covered in tufts of hardy grass. The terrain feels untouched, eerie, and cinematic.
Even if you’re not planning to swim, Stokksnes deserves a spot on any list of the best beaches in Iceland. The views alone are worth the journey—and the entry fee.
Ytri Tunga Beach offers a rare sight in Iceland: golden sand instead of black, and regular visits from a local seal colony. Located on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this beach is a favorite for wildlife watchers and peaceful seaside strolls. During low tide, you can spot seals lounging on the rocks just offshore, and the surrounding views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier and open sea make this a tranquil and scenic stop on your Icelandic adventure.
The rocky offshore areas at Ytri Tunga are a natural seal hangout, especially in summer. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for a respectful and memorable wildlife encounter.
With golden sand and gentle waves, Ytri Tunga stands out among Iceland’s typically rugged, black beaches. It’s a lovely spot for kids to play and adults to unwind.
This may not be one of the most dramatic beaches, but it’s one of the best beaches in Iceland for a peaceful break—complete with charming wildlife and glacier vistas in the distance.
Grótta Lighthouse Beach is a local favorite in Reykjavík, located on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. This tidal beach combines natural beauty with easy access, offering views of distant mountains, seabird colonies, and a picturesque lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. The area is a popular spot for sunset strolls, arctic dips, and even northern lights viewing in winter. When the tide is low, you can walk right out to the lighthouse—just make sure to return before the tide rises.
At low tide, the beach reveals a narrow pathway leading out to Grótta Lighthouse. It's a magical walk surrounded by sea on both sides. Just be sure to check the tide times so you don’t get stranded.
In summer, Grótta is a serene sunset spot. In winter, it’s one of the best places within Reykjavík to catch the aurora borealis dancing over the sea. Locals bring hot drinks and watch the sky light up.
Though it’s close to the city center, Grótta feels wild and open. For travelers without time to reach remote beaches, it’s one of the best beaches in Iceland to breathe in the Arctic air and reset.
Breiðavík Beach is a wide, sweeping bay of golden-yellow sand nestled near the towering cliffs of Látrabjarg in the remote Westfjords. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and grassy fields, this peaceful beach feels like a well-kept secret—especially when shared only with puffins flying overhead. The bay’s gentle curve and soft sand make it ideal for long, contemplative walks. Though far from the tourist crowds, it’s one of the best beaches in Iceland for wild beauty and complete silence.
Breiðavík feels like the last stop before the edge of Iceland. The beach opens up into the Atlantic with a vastness that invites silence, thought, and connection to nature. Bring a picnic and stay a while.
Just minutes away, Látrabjarg cliffs are famous for puffin watching. After a hike along the edge, Breiðavík offers the perfect place to relax and let the sea breeze carry your thoughts away.
Breiðavík is a quiet climax to any Westfjords road trip. If you're looking for the best beaches in Iceland where you’ll find solitude and soul-stirring scenery, this one’s a golden winner.
While not a classic beach in the lounging sense, the shoreline at Krossneslaug in the remote Strandir region offers one of the most surreal oceanfront experiences in Iceland. The beach here is a rugged mix of rocks and driftwood, sitting right next to a steaming geothermal pool perched on the edge of the sea. As you soak in the naturally heated water, waves crash just meters away and seals sometimes bob by in the surf. It’s one of the most remote bathing spots in Iceland—and among the best coastal experiences the country has to offer.
Krossneslaug isn’t just a beach—it’s an experience. Soak in hot geothermal waters while watching icy waves crash on the rugged Strandir coastline. Few places offer this contrast of heat and cold.
Seals often appear in the surf just offshore, curious about bathers in the nearby pool. It’s quiet, peaceful, and entirely off the typical tourist trail.
For travelers who want to earn their beach experience, Krossneslaug delivers. The drive is long, the road is rough—but the reward is unforgettable. One of the best beaches in Iceland? It’s a yes from anyone who's made it there.
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