Rauðisandur, "Red Sand," takes its name from the reddish scallops’ on the beach at this location. Above it lies a fertile and lush area with numerous farms and fields, ensconced and sheltered beneath a beautiful mountain range. Although Iceland is known for its many black sand beaches, Rauðisandur is the most famous of the lighter sand beaches. Depending on the weather and the light, it varies in colour from golden to pink, reddish, and yellow. The beach is 10 kilometres long and offers a unique and serene atmosphere and landscape like no other in Iceland. It is a stretch of land that locks in Bæjarvaðall, a large sea lagoon. The colourful beach in contrast with the deep blue Atlantic Ocean is truly a magnificent sight on a sunny day, making this location nothing less than a paradise.
Rauðisandur
Westfjords, Iceland
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Climate
The weather in the Westfjords is highly variable and very unpredictable. Winters are frigid and snowy, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing, whereas summers are moderately cool, with average temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Coastal regions are prone to powerful winds and fog, and rainfall is common throughout the year. The region's fjords, mountains, and coastal cliffs can amplify weather patterns, making Westfjords a place where, within a brief period of time, one can experience everything from calm, sunny days to stormy, foggy conditions.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
The beach is approx 19 km off the main road and the road is a gravel road with steep hills, and hazardous. There is no organized winter service for the road that leads to this location.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
At the eastern part of the beach lies a camping ground suitable for large basecamps. Adjacent to the beach lie several farms with fields which also could be utilised with special permission. There are options to drive closer to the beach, but those roads are private, and you would need permission to do so. Phone coverage is average.
Risk factors
Working on the sandy beach can be exhausting and slow down the progress and the workflow. The waves can be treacherous. The road leading to the beach is a very steep gravel road.
Visitors
Not a popular tourist attraction but very popular with locals and tourists who drive specialized vehicles. A popular camping ground is at this location.
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