Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs stand under the Reynisfjall Mountain at the end of a dramatic stretch of black sand beach. They are towering, spiky basalt sea stacks jutting out from the ocean 66 metres (217 ft) into the air. The Reynisfjara beach, where the Reynisdrangar rock formations are located, was voted as one of the top ten beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.
Reynisdrangar are the visual trademark for the village of Vík in Mýrdal and are teeming with nesting Arctic terns, fulmars and puffins. A folk legend says there once were two trolls pulling a three-mast ship to the shore unsuccessfully. They were caught by the sunlight at dawn and were turned into stone. (This is something that happens to trolls when they stay out until dawn. ) So, the trolls stand just outside the beach forevermore.
Where are the Reynisdrangar rock formations?
Reynisdrangar are located just off the main road on the south coast of Iceland, 180 kilometres east of Reykjavík.
GPS: 63.402778 N -19.028333 W
Dangerous waves
You must remember if you visit Reynisdrangar, either from the east side from Vík or from Reynisfjara on the west side, that the ocean and the waves are often extremely dangerous. The waves at Reynisfjara are especially strong and unpredictable. Fatal accidents have occurred at this beach, so people are advised to take extra care when visiting the area. A good rule of thumb is to never turn your back on the ocean. Even though it may seem calm, the waves can all of a sudden hit hard and sweep you out to sea, with aforementioned consequences.
What more is there to see at Reynisfjara beach?
The Reynisdrangar cliffs are just one of many attractions in Reynisfjara beach. The black sand has a major appeal on its own; the roaring ocean waves are powerful and chilling. Furthermore, you can see spectacular patterns of basalt columns that nature has created. This and more makes Reynisfjara one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
If you visit in winter, seeing the northern lights dance across the darkened sky above Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs is more than worth it and offers some great photo opportunities.
