Djúpalónssandur Beach
About Djúpalónssandur
Djúpalónssandur is one of the most dramatic black sand beaches in Iceland and a highlight of the Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The beach is famous for its smooth black pebbles, lava formations, sea cliffs, and fascinating history tied to Iceland’s fishing heritage.
Located at the foot of Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Djúpalónssandur once served as a busy fishing village. In the early 18th and 19th centuries, fishermen launched their boats from this very shore, hauling catches up the steep beach. Today, the site is uninhabited, but traces of that history remain, including the lifting stones that were used to test a fisherman’s strength.
The name Djúpalónssandur means “The Deep Lagoon’s Sand,” referring to the small lagoon nearby, Djúpulón, which once provided freshwater to local seafarers.
The Landscape and Formation
The beach is a striking example of Iceland’s volcanic coastline. Instead of fine sand, it’s covered in millions of smooth black pebbles known as Djúpalónsperlur (“pearls of Djúpalón”), shaped by centuries of crashing waves and lava erosion.
Surrounding the beach are twisted lava formations created by ancient eruptions from the Snæfellsjökull volcanic system. The rugged cliffs and arches tell the story of Iceland’s powerful natural forces, and the combination of ocean, rock, and glacier in the distance creates one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
A short walking path from the parking area leads down through a lava field known as Nautastígur (“The Path of the Bulls”), opening up suddenly to reveal the black beach and roaring waves of the North Atlantic.
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History and Legends
Djúpalónssandur is filled with stories of strength and tragedy. The most famous feature is the set of four lifting stones near the beach entrance. Fishermen used them to test their strength before being accepted onto a boat crew:
Fullsterkur (Full Strength): 154 kg
Hálfsterkur (Half Strength): 100 kg
Hálfdrættingur (Weakling): 54 kg
Amlóði (Useless): 23 kg
Lifting the stones was a matter of pride and determined a man’s ability to work at sea. Visitors can still try lifting them today, though even the smallest one can be surprisingly heavy.
Another important part of the beach’s history is the shipwreck of the British trawler Epine GY7 in 1948. The wreckage, still visible on the sand, serves as a memorial to the fishermen who lost their lives that day. Signs remind visitors to treat the remains with respect and not to touch or move them.
Local legends also add to the mystique of the place. The lava formations are said to resemble trolls and other mythical creatures turned to stone by the sun. The nearby cliffs and sea stacks have inspired countless Icelandic folktales.
Visiting Djúpalónssandur
Djúpalónssandur is easily accessible by car and is one of the top stops on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula route. It’s located just a few minutes from Saxhóll Crater and about a 40-minute drive from the village of Arnarstapi.
A marked walking path leads from the parking lot through lava formations down to the beach. The walk takes about 10 minutes each way. The descent is slightly steep in parts but suitable for most visitors.
Once you reach the beach, the sound of the waves dominates everything. The Atlantic surf is powerful, and waves can come much higher up the beach than expected. There are warning signs reminding visitors not to go too close to the water’s edge.
Seasonal Visiting Guide
Summer (June to August)
Long daylight hours and mild weather make this the best season to visit. The path and beach are fully accessible, and the area is rich in color and contrast.
Autumn (September to October)
Fewer visitors and softer light make autumn perfect for photography. The air is cool, and the ocean waves are especially dramatic.
Winter (November to February)
The beach remains open, but paths can be icy and slippery. Strong winds and rough seas are common. On clear nights, this is a great location for seeing the Northern Lights.
Spring (March to May)
The snow melts and new moss appears on the lava formations. The beach is quiet, and conditions are usually good for hiking.
Photography and Tips
Early morning or evening light brings out the red tones in the lava and deep contrast on the sand.
Overcast days are excellent for capturing the beach’s dark mood and detail.
Bring a wide-angle lens to include both the beach and surrounding cliffs.
Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the motion of the waves.
Always check the wind direction before flying a drone; gusts near the cliffs can be unpredictable.
Getting There & Practical Information
Location: Snæfellsjökull National Park, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland.
Distance from Reykjavík: About 190 kilometers, around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive.
Access: Good paved road from Route 574, with a parking area near the trailhead.
Facilities: Information signs at the parking lot. No restrooms or cafés on-site.
Safety: The waves at Djúpalónssandur are extremely strong and unpredictable. Never turn your back to the ocean and keep a safe distance from the water.
Things to See and Do
Explore the Lava Formations
The rocks around the beach form natural sculptures and hidden caves. One of the most famous is Gatklettur, a lava arch offering perfect photo opportunities with the ocean behind it.
Visit the Lifting Stones
Test your strength like Icelandic fishermen once did. The stones are located near the start of the path, before the beach opens up.
See the Shipwreck Remains
Scattered pieces of rusted metal from the 1948 shipwreck are found along the sand. They are preserved as a memorial and are part of the area’s protected heritage.
Photography
The combination of black sand, white surf, red lava, and blue glacier in the background makes Djúpalónssandur one of the most photogenic places in Iceland.
Walk to Dritvík Cove
A longer hiking path continues west toward Dritvík, the site of another historic fishing station surrounded by steep cliffs and beautiful views.
Is there an entrance fee for Djúpalónssandur?
No. The beach is free to visit, and there are no entrance fees or tickets required. Parking is also free.
Is it safe to walk on the beach?
Yes, as long as you stay a safe distance from the ocean. The waves at Djúpalónssandur are extremely strong and unpredictable. Never turn your back to the sea and avoid walking too close to the waterline.
What are the lifting stones for?
The four lifting stones near the beach were used by fishermen in the past to test their strength. Each stone has a different weight, and being able to lift the heaviest was a mark of pride and skill among local crews.
Can I visit Djúpalónssandur in winter?
Yes, the beach is accessible year-round. In winter, snow and ice may make the path slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and check weather conditions before visiting.