Dramatic basalt sea stacks just off Iceland’s South Coast. Best seen from Reynisfjara Beach. The columns are the remains of a larger cliff carved by the Atlantic over time. Local folklore says they are petrified trolls. 🌊🗿

An elevated look over Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Most visitors head to Dyrhólaey for the panorama. Big coastline. Big drama. 🌊

A lava ridge covered in historic stone cairns on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plains. Hundreds of small stacks across the dark ground. A striking sight. 🪨

A 3 star hotel near Vík on Iceland’s South Coast. A handy base for Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and the waterfalls nearby. Outdoor geothermal hot tub, sauna and a small fitness room make it easy to relax after a long drive. 🚗🧖‍♀️

Breathtaking spot, beautiful rock arch and high cliffs, you can see it from above and from below. In summer this is where to see puffins in Iceland, wind strong on the top, sea and black sand in one frame, raw and incredible. Parking is small and the lighthouse area gets busy, but the wait is not too long. 🐧

Jagged rocks jutting from the sea just off this black sand beach with basalt formations. The black volcanic sand gives a surreal vibe, the cliffs are wild and cinematic, raw and beautiful. Incredible photo opportunities. Easy access, and in season this is where to see puffins in Iceland on the hill.

Breathtaking views, amazing cliffs and beautiful blue water. Perfect place to see puffins, very easy walk, great views from different viewpoints. Wind and sea, arches and black sand in one frame, raw and incredible. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. 🐧

Beautiful little red roof church overlooking Vík and the black sand beaches. Great at sunset, colors hit hard, incredible. Free to visit, parking nearby, easy stop. 🌅Off the beaten path spot in Iceland.

Vík í Mýrdal is a remote seafront village in south Iceland, with only a few hundred people. It sits between high cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The red-roof church on the hill is a popular photo spot and the cliffs of Reynisfjall mountain are home to seabirds such as puffins. Vík is also a good base when traveling the South Coast, as it has food, gas, and hotels.

Reynisfjara is the most famous black volcanic sand beach in Iceland. It has tall basalt columns, unique rock formations, a cave in the cliffs, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the sea. The waves are very strong and dangerous, so it is important to stay well back from the water.

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter high peninsula with steep cliffs, a huge natural arch, and a lighthouse that sits at the top. From there you can see black sand beaches, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and sometimes puffins nesting in summer. It’s volcanic, raw and beautiful.

This black volcanic sand beach with basalt rocks is super unique. The waves are pretty dangerous, so be careful.

This spot is a cool place to check out if you’re in the area. The mountain views are beautiful, and it’s a great spot for photos.

This glacier is a bit of a hidden gem. The hike offers great views from the top. A must-visit.

Small peninsula with a lighthouse and a massive volcanic rock in the sea. Parking is easy. The perfect spot to watch Puffins.

This campsite located in a valley has amazing views and several hiking trails and exploring options. It’s spacious and quiet, and the facilities are clean and well maintained.

A moss covered volcano ringed by black sand. The hiking trails open in summer. The views are beautiful and so worth it.

These remains of a plane wreck make an interesting stop. You get ocean to one side and hills to the other. Pretty dramatic.

This glacier has great views. You can hike to the base or go on top of it. It’s a place where you need to be careful, so pay attention to the signs.

Another black sand beach near Vik. Looks a lot like Reynisfjara but with fewer people. The waves are still wild, the cliffs are still crazy, and it’s just an epic place to take in Iceland’s coastline.

A remote seafront village in south Iceland. You can find lodging for the night and places to get something to eat.

A beach better known as the Black Sand Beach. This place has been featured in several movies, the Game of Thrones TV show, and a few others. It’s a legitimate black sand beach, not black stones or pebbles. It is black sand, and it’s absolutely beautiful. There are epic columns and pillars out in the ocean.