Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara, located close to Vik on the South Coast of Iceland, is the most famous black sand beach in the country. Growing up going to the beach meant 100 degree weather, boogie boarding in the salty waves, and walking along the sandy shore in a bathing suit. Well, when it comes to Reynisfjara black sand beach, it's almost the exact opposite. It's more like 30 degree weather, gusts of wind, bundled up with gloves and a beanie, and don't you dare go near the water.
No, really. Right in the parking lot, there is a massive "caution" sign with a flashing light warning you to not turn your back to the water due to sneaky waves and dangerous riptides. Don't have to tell me twice. I was freezing, my nose was running, and it took my fingers probably a solid 20 min to defrost once I got back to the car. I wasn't going near that water. But the cold didn't stop me from enjoying the beach. I had never seen a black sand beach. I mean how chic and classy.
So why is the sand at Reynisfjara black? It's all created from volcanic activity. Basically a volcano erupted and the lava hit the cold, crisp ocean, which created a black chunk. Then due to the rain, snow, wind, and waves the chunk started to break down and overtime became sand.
Besides the black sand, what makes this beach unique are the basalt rock formations. They're also formed in a similar way as the sand and they're so massive, you feel like a little speck as you climb all over.
While it was chilly, I definitely recommend going to the beach first thing in the morning. We had the whole place to ourselves, minus a few photographers, which made it more enjoyable.
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