Rauðisandur

Westfjords, Iceland
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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.

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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

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  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

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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.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Good phone coverage
Generally good phone coverage without any major interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Services nearby

Nearest hospital is in Ísafjörður, 154 km away in the Westfjord region. The town of Patreksfjörður lies 48 km away, with most services required.
Accommodation
< 30 km
Gas station
< 50 km
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
< 30 km
Shopping
< 50 km

Permits

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You need a two-way permit. From the government and from the farmers close to the beach.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

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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