Djúpalónssandur
In Iceland, at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull volcano, lies Djúpalónssandur, a beach covered in black sand. In the past, this area played a significant role in local fishing. Particularly important was the settlement of Dritvík, once one of the most thriving fishing villages on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Although the bay is now abandoned, traces of former human activity can still be seen in the ruins left behind by fishermen’s dwellings.
The characteristic black color of the beach is the result of past volcanic activity. Lava that flowed from the volcano reached almost to the seashore. Walking along the path towards the beach, you can admire unusual rock formations created by solidified lava. One of the most characteristic elements of the landscape are small, black and smooth pebbles covering the beach. These unique pebbles have gained the name “Djúpalón pearls,” a unique feature of Djúpalónssandur beach.
How to get to Djúpalónssandur beach
To reach Djúpalónssandur, you should depart from Reykjavik and follow road number 1 (the ring road) northward to the town of Borgarnes. From there, turn onto road number 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur), which leads to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Continuing along this route, you reach the small settlement of Hellnar, from where you should follow the signs indicating the way to Djúpalónssandur. The car journey from Reykjavik takes about 2,5-3 hours. Upon arrival, there is a parking lot located near the beach. A short, narrow path leads to the black sand.
Getting there
- Depart from Reykjavik and take Road 1 (Ring Road) north to Borgarnes. From Borgarnes, turn onto Road 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur) towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula
- The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately 2.5-3 hours
Hike Details
- From the parking lot, a short, narrow path leads to the beach. The path leads directly to the black sand beach.
- The main hiking trail is called Nautastigur and is only 1 km long, marked simply as “Dritvik” on signs
Tips
- Bring food and drinks as there are no shops or restaurants at the beach
- Dress warmly regardless of season – Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable
- Check out the Djúpalón lagoon, a great spot for swimming and snorkeling
- Visit nearby attractions like Búðir church, Ytri-Tunga beach, and Kirkjufell mountain
Djúpalónssandur shipwreck
On the black sand of Djúpalónssandur beach, you can see the remains of a wreck of a British fishing vessel named “Epine” (GY7) from Grimsby. The fragments of the shipwreck are not only an element of history but also show the dangers that fishermen face in the waters surrounding Iceland. The corroded elements of the wreck, standing out against the black sand, create a beautiful scenery that attracts tourists’ attention.
How to get to Djúpalónssandur beach
To reach Djúpalónssandur, you should depart from Reykjavik and follow road number 1 (the ring road) northward to the town of Borgarnes. From there, turn onto road number 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur), which leads to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Continuing along this route, you reach the small settlement of Hellnar, from where you should follow the signs indicating the way to Djúpalónssandur. The car journey from Reykjavik takes about 2,5-3 hours. Upon arrival, there is a parking lot located near the beach. A short, narrow path leads to the black sand.
