Kirkjufjara Black Sand Beach Travel Guide

Kirkjufjara black sand beach is a beautiful attraction on the South Coast of Iceland known for its iconic volcanic sands and powerful Atlantic waves.

Visit the Icelandic beach as you explore the top attractions of the South Coast through tours like this Private 10-Hour Super Jeep Tour of the South Coast. If you prefer to tour at your own pace, try a self-drive adventure, such as the 3-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland or this 1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road. 

As an attraction near the ring road, a trip to the Kirkjufjara black sand beach is an excellent way to capture the panoramic views of the southern coast. 

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Daniel Ernst. No edits made.

About Kirkjufjara Black Sand Beach

Location of Kirkjufjara Beach

The scenic beach of Kirkjufjara lies on the famous South Coast of Iceland. The Icelandic region is one of the most visited areas in the country because of its diverse natural attractions, from waterfalls to glaciers.

This Icelandic beach is approximately 111 miles (179 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik and just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the closest village, Vik. Getting to the beach is relatively easy because of its proximity to the ring road or Route 1.

Features of the South Coast Black Beach

The Icelandic attraction features a long stretch of black volcanic sands that rivals its more famous neighbor, Reynisfjara beach. The black sand provides the base to a beautiful landscape constantly pounded by the massive waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

This distinctive black sand feature of Kirkjufjara beach is present due to the volcanic nature of Iceland. There are only quite a few black sand beaches worldwide, and you will see two on the South Coast next to each other.

Beyond the ebony sands, a prominent feature of Kirkjufjara beach is the striking Arnardrangur sea stack. Also referred to as Eagle Rock due to eagle nests on the sea stack in the past, this black tower is a trademark of the coastal scene here. 

In the distance, travelers can also get a panoramic view of more iconic Icelandic tourist spots. The spectacular Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey arch are best viewed from the Kirkjufjara beach. 

While Reynisdrangar displays impressive cliff formations across the beach, Dyrholaey is a magnificent promontory that supports the rich birdlife of Iceland. Eider ducks and puffin birds are familiar sights in the area during summer.

How Tourists Experience Kirkjufjara Beach

Sightseeing and photography are the best ways to experience the beautiful Kirkjufjara beach fully. With the stunning coastline and rock formations surrounding its black sands, travelers will find the beach just the perfect place for landscape photography. 

However, despite its alluring beauty, visitors to the area should experience the South Coast beach with the utmost caution. Like Reynisfjara beach, swimming is prohibited in Kirkjufjara. 

This volcanic sand beach is geographically near a spot that lends to intense winds and frequent landslides. Dangerous Atlantic Ocean waves also dominate the stretch of black sand beach. In particular, tourists are advised not to venture down the coast during high tide or under stormy conditions. 

Even if the conditions are not ideal on your trip day, know that Kirkjufjara offers abundant opportunities to capture its beauty from a safe distance through your camera. Following safety guidelines, you can still have an unforgettable trip to Kirkjufjara black sand beach.

South Coast Attractions Near Kirkjufjara Black Beach

The black sand beach of Kirkjufjara is just the beginning of a list of the best attractions of south Iceland.

Vik i Myrdal, the southernmost village of Iceland, is a 20-minute drive from the beach area. If you plan on spending multiple days in the region, the town offers plenty of accommodations, such as Puffin Hotel Vik and Vik Apartments. You can also enjoy the convenience of cafes, shops, and gas stations.

Two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, are also within a short drive from the volcanic beach. You can join many Icelandic tours to explore these falls, like this private 12-hour South Coast tour and small group 11-hour Icelandic tour with waterfalls.

Skogafoss waterfall, known for its massive cascade at 197 feet (60 meters), is 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. You can view the waterfall at its top cliff or the flat land around its base. On sunny days, you can even spot a rainbow above its waters.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall, on the other hand, is at the same height as Skogafoss, but it offers a more immersive viewing experience. You can fully encircle the cascading waters of the tourist spot because of the path that goes around it.

A visit to Kirkjufjara beach will surely enhance any southern coast trip. Include this black sand beach on your sightseeing trip for majestic views and unforgettable sights along the way.