What to do · South Iceland
Reynisfjara, the black beach of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea
Information
- Price
- Independent
- Duration
- 45 min
- Season
- All year, except closures due to heavy surf
- Who it's for
- All ages, away from the water
Reynisfjara is the black sand beach by Vík, about 185 km from Reykjavík: a wall of basalt columns on one side and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the water. It is a filming location for Game of Thrones: the South Iceland tourist office says this is where Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the Night's Watch castle on the coast, was. The castle was from the series; the beach, the columns and the sea stacks are what you see.
Before you go down: the water
It is also the most dangerous beach in the country. Safetravel warns of waves that come in without warning, much further up than on other beaches, and that have already dragged several people away. At the entrance there are signs and a system of lights: with the yellow light you do not enter the yellow zone, and with the red you go no further than the sign. Rangers can close the beach at short notice.
Stay on the upper part of the sand, never turn your back on the sea and do not climb onto the rocks at the water's edge for a photo.
What to see
The wall of basalt columns at the foot of the hill and, ahead, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. A good half hour is enough to see it. Very close is the headland of Dyrhólaey, with the coast seen from above.
How to get there
From Route 1, just before Vík, a turn-off leads to the beach car park. Vík is the village with the most services on this stretch, with a supermarket and petrol station: a good base to sleep and see the beach at first or last light.
Tips
- Check the lights when you arrive If the light is red, look at the beach from the upper part and carry on with your journey.
- Go early The tour buses arrive by mid-morning and the car park fills up.
Frequently asked questions
What was filmed in Reynisfjara for Game of Thrones?
The beach was Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the Night's Watch castle on the coast, according to the South Iceland tourist office.
Is Reynisfjara dangerous?
Yes. The waves come in without warning and have dragged several people away: respect the lights at the entrance and stay away from the water.
Can you swim there?
No. Safetravel asks people to stay away from the water: the waves and current drag people out.