Reynisdrangar Basalt Sea Cliffs, Iceland (with Map & Photos)

Three columns of volcanic rock emerging from the ocean.

Reynisdrangar
Reynisdrangar

Just outside the tiny town of Vik, Iceland (pop. 300), three black columns of basalt rock called Reynisdrangar emerge from the rough waters of the North Atlantic. Legend has it that these stones are three trolls caught at night and petrified by the morning sun. The columns can be observed from the wild black sand beach at the foot of the town. A good view will open to tourists if you move to Reinisdrangar along the sheer cliffs of the coast, although this is very risky due to the possibility of falling stones, steep slopes and harsh surf.

Reynisdrangar
Reynisdrangar

But the best view is from the plateau, which you can reach by climbing up the hill to the west of the town of Vik and passing several sharp turns. From above you will have a beautiful view of the Black Sea and three columns. Sitting on the edge of the cliff, you can watch the seagulls take off from Reynisdrangar as the surf breaks on the foot of the columns.

Reynisdrangar
Reynisdrangar

Good to know


Being in the town itself, the columns can be seen from the black beach. To see the columns from above, take the road west of Wyck and follow it up to the top of the plateau.

Reynisdrangar Map