The Black Sands of Reynisfjara
The contrast between the black sands, the basalt columns and the crashing waves is striking. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise like silent giants from the water. According to Icelandic folklore, they were once trolls turned to stone by the rising sun.
This haunting scenery has inspired filmmakers from around the world. Game of Thrones, Star Wars: Rogue One and Noah all found their backdrop here, drawn by the raw, cinematic atmosphere that defines this place.
Standing on Reynisfjara feels like stepping into a vast natural amphitheater. The roar of the ocean, the gusts of wind and the ever-changing light surround you completely. Some days it is shrouded in mist, others it glows under golden light, but always powerful and moving.
Visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance from the shoreline as the sneaker waves are unpredictable and can be dangerously strong.
Dyrhólaey, The Southern Edge of Iceland
A few kilometers west of Reynisfjara lies Dyrhólaey, the southernmost point of Iceland. Its cliffs overlook breathtaking views of the Endless Black Beach, the Dyrhólaey Arch and, in the distance, the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
At the summit stands the white Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, a quiet sentinel above the roaring sea. From here, the coastline stretches endlessly, a meeting of land, water and sky that feels almost otherworldly.
During summer, these cliffs come alive with Atlantic puffins, Iceland’s most beloved seabirds. Watching them nest and soar above the waves brings a gentle, joyful energy to this rugged landscape. Access to Dyrhólaey may be limited during the nesting season, but the area remains open to explore on foot during the day.
The Essence of Iceland’s South Coast
Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey together capture the spirit of Iceland’s South Coast. It is a landscape of silence, contrasts and wonder, where every element tells a story of fire, time and the sea.
