The 5 most beautiful beaches in Iceland

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When you think of Iceland, the magical waterfalls, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, spewing geysers, and incredible ice caves probably come to mind. However, it definitely pays to make a stop or two at one of Iceland's beaches. As an island on the edge of the Arctic, Iceland has a multitude of enchanting beaches stretching along its coastline.

In Iceland you won't find miles of white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees, but you will experience unique, untamed nature. Besides the coasts covered mainly with black sand due to the volcanic nature, you will also find white, yellow and golden sand beaches, especially on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and in the lonely Westfjords. Here you can find our 5 favorites.

Rauðasandur

Brown And White Mountains Near Body Of Water During Daytime

To discover a golden blanket of sand, head to Rauðasandur on the remote southern edge of Iceland's Westfjords. Powdered shells give this enchanting beach its velvety colors, which contrast starkly with the black cliffs and blue ocean waves.

The beach stretches ten kilometers from Látrabjarg - a steep sea cliff where puffins nest seasonally and one of the most visited sights in the Westfjords. In fine weather, the view from here is breathtaking, reaching as far as the Snæfellsnes peninsula and its glacier volcano Snæfellsjökull. 

Sandvík

One Of The Most Amazing Beaches In The World: Sandvík In Iceland

On the southwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula lies the black sand beach of Sandvík, which is characterized by the crashing and merciless waves of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to surf in Iceland, this is the place to be.

Surfing in Iceland, however, means facing the icy cold water and wild winds. Even if surfing isn't your thing, the area is still worth a visit for its beauty and geographical charms. In Sandvík, there is a small wooden bridge over two lava rocks that straddles the two continents, as the peninsula is a continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Breiðamerkursandur

Ice Bergs On Shore

When traversing the south coast of Iceland, all roads lead to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The vast expanse of sand that stretches from the lagoon about 18 kilometers west to the foot of the Kvíárjökull glacier is Breiðamerkursandur, a glacial alluvial plain in the municipality of Hornafjörður. Also known as the Diamond Beach, due to the magical backdrop of small icebergs of Jökulsárlón on a strip of black sand, glittering like gems. The icebergs in Jökulsárlón lagoon are broken off from Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in the country. The beach is also home to a variety of birds, including the skua and Arctic tern, as well as seals and Arctic foxes.

Sólheimasandur

Plane On Brown Soil

This desert of black sand was formed during a massive glacial eruption just a few centuries ago, triggered by the eruptions of the infamous Katla volcano. The sand is also home to a U.S. Navy DC-3 aircraft that crashed in 1973. The crew members survived but abandoned their plane, leaving behind a random monument of post-apocalyptic appeal.

Because the soft sand and vegetation are very fragile, driving on the wreck is not only dangerous, but also strictly prohibited to protect the landscape from irreversible traces.

Breiðavík

White And Black Bird On Brown Tree Trunk

In the southern Westfjords, on the way to Europe's largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg, lies the idyllic bay of Breiðavík with its golden sand. Steep mountains surround the beach on both sides, and an old farmhouse by the sea provides the most beautiful views. A visit to this area makes you feel a bit like you were in Iceland decades ago: a quaint country hotel, a campsite, and a trout-rich river provide the perfect spot for those seeking peace and quiet.

Although the scenery should be reason enough to make your way over the dirt mountain roads to Breiðavík, most people visit this beach because of the puffins. Every year, from April to September, the puffin returns from the open sea to breed at its favorite spot, Látrabjarg Mountain.

You want to experience Iceland's most beautiful beaches live?

Then check out our 9 days round trip through Iceland an. Discover not only lonely, untouched beaches, but also be inspired by the breathtaking landscapes in the interior. The steaming volcanic springs are certainly more pleasant to swim in than the Arctic sea!

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