18 kilometers (11 miles) long, scenic drive from black sand beach Reinisfjara to the town of Vík í Mýrdal.
00:00 Reynisfjara, Cape Dyrhólaey, Dyrhólaós lagoon, Road 218
07:20 Route 1, Ring Road
16:30 Vík í Mýrdal town, Víkurkirkja church
REYNISFJARA is a famous black sand beach located on the South Coast of Iceland. It is known for its striking beauty and unique features.
One of the most distinctive features of Reynisfjara is its black volcanic sand. The sand gets its color from the volcanic activity in the area. The beach is composed of fine lava fragments that have been eroded and shaped by the ocean over time.
Reynisfjara is famous for its basalt column formations, known as Reynisfjara Columns. These hexagonal-shaped basalt columns tower over the beach and create an otherworldly atmosphere. They are a result of the slow cooling and contraction of lava flows.
VÍK Í MÝRDAL, commonly referred to as Vík, is a small village located on the southern coast of Iceland. It is situated approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) east of Reykjavík, the capital city of Iceland. Vík is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination along the famous Ring Road.
One of the main attractions in Vík is its black sand beach, Reynisfjara. The beach is renowned for its dramatic basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar and the powerful Atlantic waves crashing against the shore. However, it's important to note that the waves can be dangerous, and visitors should exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines.
Vík lies directly south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which itself is on top of the Katla volcano. Katla has not erupted since 1918, and as this is longer than typical dormant period, there has been speculation that an eruption may occur soon. An eruption of Katla could melt enough ice to trigger an enormous flash flood, potentially large enough to obliterate the entire town.
The town's church (VÍKURKIRKJA), located high on a hill, is believed to be the only building that would survive such a flood.