Reynisfjara is a black beach, just 6 km from the main ring road. It lies between the peninsula of Dyrhólaey and Mount Reynisfjall. It is different from other sand beaches in Iceland because of its stunning basalt columns that line the towering rock cliff beside it. A huge hole in the basalt column forms a cave-like opening just by powerful waves that crash and pound against the rock formation. Reynisdrangar stacks lie just ahead out in the ocean as a jagged marvellous backdrop, making this location one of a kind. The unique landscape of Reynisfjara provides an otherworldly background for any production. The black beach contrasts beautifully with the white foam of the waves and green, moss-covered hills above the basalt.
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Accessibility
The area is on route no 1. Off-road driving is strictly forbidden in Iceland, especially on the famous black sands.
Services nearby
There are many hotels and lodgings possibilities within 30 km radius of Reynisfjara. The village of Vík is only 11 km away with shops, hotels, restaurants and other basic services. Nearest hospital is in Selfoss, 130 km away.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
As a popular filming location, there are many places within 5 km radius that can be used as basecamps. Numerous farms are along the road to the beach where you could get a permission to set up camps of various sizes in their fields. 2 km away lies a community centre that can be leased. At the location, there is a big parking lot and service centre with basic facilities and a canteen. Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
Rock falls can suddenly occur in the caves, so caution is advised. This beach is famous for very dangerous sneaker waves. Those are huge coastal waves that can suddenly appear in a train of smaller waves. They are larger and reach way further. The waves rise very fast before hitting the shore because the ocean floor drops rapidly away from the coast. In addition, the ocean currents are very powerful and add to the danger.
The cliffs are steep and unstable, with chance of rockfall and rockslides.
It can get strenuous to work in the sand.
Visitors
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most visited places, as it is a part of the highly popular south coast route. The beauty of this place is alluring for tourists and locals alike. You would have to get a permission and a permit to close this location as visitors wander about and the size of the location makes it hard to manage while open.
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