Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Guide
Where Legends Meet the Sea: Reynisfjara Beach Guide
Reynisfjara is a world-renowned black sand beach located on the south coast of Iceland, near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Famous for its dramatic basalt columns, powerful Atlantic waves, and towering sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjara is a must-see destination for any visitor to Iceland. The beach's otherworldly beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including Game of Thrones. According to Icelandic folklore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks were once trolls trying to pull a ship to shore. As dawn broke, they were turned to stone by the sunlight, forever frozen in the ocean. The basalt columns, known as Garðar, are a natural wonder formed by the cooling and contraction of lava. The beach itself is composed of black volcanic sand, created by the erosion of volcanic rock over thousands of years. Visitors can explore the basalt columns, admire the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and marvel at the power of the Atlantic waves. However, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution near the water's edge, as Reynisfjara is known for its unpredictable "sneaker waves" that can suddenly surge far up the beach. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with Reynisfjara, the nearby village of Vík offers restaurants serving traditional Icelandic cuisine, including fresh seafood and lamb dishes.
Transportation
Reynisfjara is easily accessible by car. From Vík, follow Route 1 (the Ring Road) west for a short distance and then turn south onto the road leading to Reynisfjara. Several tour companies also offer day trips to Reynisfjara from Reykjavik. Bus 212 from Reykjavik to Vik stops at Vik i Myrdal, from there you can take a taxi to Reynisfjara.