Iceland – The Black (Golden) Beach of Vík


Brechende Welle im Gegenlicht am schwarzen Strand von Vík

We spent New Year’s Eve with the locals on the beach at Vík, with a bonfire and fireworks. The next morning we continued east towards the Jökulsárlón – but first to the black beach on the west side of Vík, where we had never been before. The beach with its basalt rocks was beautiful, the clouds broke up, and the light was perfect for photography. What we didn’t know yet: this light would stay with us deep into the night … The beach west of Vík is Reynisfjara, on the other side of the Reynisfjall mountain; in front of it the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise out of the sea.

Basalt cliff and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks on the beach near Vík
New Year's morning on the west side of Vík: basalt cliff and the Reynisdrangar on Reynisfjara beach.
Basalt columns on the black beach near Vík from below
Basalt columns on the black beach, seen from below against the sky.
Fan-shaped basalt columns in warm light on the beach near Vík
Basalt columns fan out in the warm light.
Sunset over the sea and the Reynisdrangar near Vík
The sun sets over the sea, the Reynisdrangar in front of it.
Footprints in the black sand below the cliff near Vík
Footprints in the black sand beneath the cliff.
Sea stack of the Reynisdrangar against a golden evening sky
A sea stack of the Reynisdrangar against a golden evening sky.
Surf and rocks on the black beach near Vík in the evening light
Surf and rocks on the black beach, a person in the evening light.
Breaking wave against the light on the black beach of Vík
A wave breaks against the light on the black beach at Vík.
Photographer on the beach at Vík in golden backlight
A person in golden backlight – this light would stay with us late into the night.

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