Iceland’s capital sees plenty of visitors wanting to see the country’s distinctive natural beauty, coming from all corners of the world come to see its geothermal landscape showcasing magnificent landscape shaped by the roaring volcano that is still very much alive to this day. With beautiful blue glaciers to breathtaking mountain ranges, Iceland is the perfect getaway for those who love the outdoors.
Reykjavik is the country’s gateway to its rugged interior with a growing tourism sector infrastructure and a modern airport just outside of the city. Due to its relatively small size in scale, the country being a perfect place for an ultimate road trip with seemingly never-ending natural wonders with every turn.
While people visit the hot springs and erupting geysers, there are lesser known gems along the coasts that often get overlooked in favor of the landmarks inland. The mostly black-sand beaches in Iceland are the most unique in the world. They're generally not considered to be ideal spots to relax and take a dip (though there are a hardy few who do brave the chilly waters of the North Atlantic!), but they do offer the most stunning, sometimes otherworldly backdrops on the planet, and travelers (and especially photography buffs) will be richly rewarded by taking time to visit them.
Below are some of the country’s most beautiful and fascinating beaches which you can drive to when visiting Reykjavik. They all make excellent day trip destinations while visiting Iceland.
Álftanes
Not far from the busy capital lies the serene scenery of Alftanes beach, with a mixture of fine sand and lava rocks. A twenty minute drive from Reykjavik by rental car, it provides tourists and locals a relaxing getaway where families can enjoy a laid back day. This spot may look calm, but it is filled with history with its connections with the old kingdom.
Vestrahorn
Quite a bit farther afield, a six-hour drive from the capital brings you to one of the most desolate places in the country. Located on the Eastern Fjords, this black-sand beach that is constantly being shaped by the unique gabbro rock mountain Mount Vestrahorn. It’s off-the-radar feel makes it a tranquil place for taking the perfect photograph with a great view of the coastline with an imposing mountain.
Breidavik
Located conveniently just on the outskirts of Reykjavik is a stretch of open green fields that blend seamlessly into golden sand bordering the ocean. A lonely church in the middle of the peaceful spot adds to the charming effect of the open area. For a better view, head on top of a cliff which offer a great vantage point of Breidavik beach.
Solheimasandur
With Iceland’s busy volcanic activity, visitors are able to see the effects of volcanoes and hot it shapes the geology of the country. A two-hour drive from Reykjavik is a vast stretch of black sand beach with stunning views glaciers. An old wreckage of an old US Navy plane adds to the eerie atmosphere to a vast black sand desert.
Reynisfjara
Near the town of Vik, Reynisfjara is one of the more visited coastal spots in Iceland. A two and a half hour drive from Reykjavik takes guests to unique sights of basalt columns that line the sea just off the coast. The rock formations offers magnificent views, paired with a picturesque sunset, ultimately creating a perfect setting.
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