Stokksnes

South Coast, Iceland
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Video

Stokksnesʼ rugged terrain has been shaped by natural forces over millions of years, resulting in a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Vestrahorn, a towering scree mountain, dominates the skyline, while the Atlantic Oceanʼs crashing waves provide a beautiful contrast to the vast black sand field in front. Stokksnes is a popular location for photographers and filmmakers due to its breathtaking beauty, accessibility, and diversity. From the gravel road that runs parallel to the expansive beach, there are numerous captivating viewpoints. Beautiful sand dunes can be used as a foreground, or you can travel further down the beach to find a vast and desolate scene. The landowners have turned a small Viking village set constructed for a film into a tourist attraction at the base of Mount Vestrahorn. Overall, a fantastic location for filming. Further down the peninsula lies a radar station for the Icelandic coast guard and that area is closed to the public.

Climate

The weather in the South East Coast is known for its unpredictability and harshness. The region experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The temperature can drop as low as -10°C during winter months at low altitudes. The region is also known for its strong winds and heavy rainfall.
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

4.6 kilometer from the main road. After you have got permission to go through the gates to this location you drive 1.6 kilometers along the peninsula, choosing your viewpoint as you like. There is an easy hike with equipment from the road to the beach and within the sand dunes.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
Car recommended
Unchallenging terrain accessible by car
Excellent phone coverage
Great phone coverage without interruptions
Not needed
Guide is not needed

Permits

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You need a two-way permit. A landowner manages the café and this location. All commercial photoshoots and filming are forbidden without permission.
Shooting requires both the permission from the property owner and the local government permit

Basecamp and facilities

4.6 kilometers from the main road is the Viking Café that manages this location. There is a small medium parking lot and basic facilities. After you have got permission to enter the location you drive 1 kilometer further and turn left to access a medium/large parking lot for a basecamp. The road lies 1.6 kilometers along the peninsula to the radar station and could be used as a basecamp. At the entrance there is also a farm with fields that could be used. Phone coverage is excellent.

Risk factors

Working in the sand can be tiresome and slow. The mountain is a loose scree mountain and very steep. The waves are treacherous, and the area is notorious for strong southerly and westerly winds.

Visitors

Stokksnes is a popular tourist destination on Iceland’s most travelled route, the south coast. The landowners here run the coffee house and manage this location. You must have a permission to enter, and the location is guarded by a gate.

Where does our information come from?

In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information. We provide photos and videos and all other location information.

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