Rauðasandur Beach
Remote Icelandic beach with unique reddish-pink sands, offering vast walks and historic lifting stones amidst dramatic coastal scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Rauðasandur Beach
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Remote Icelandic beach with unique reddish-pink sands, offering vast walks and historic lifting stones amidst dramatic coastal scenery.
"The road is quite literally effed... but ultimately it is still nature and therefore does have beauty."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rauðasandur is steep & unpaved. Go slow, especially on switchbacks. A 4x4 is ideal, but careful driving in a minivan is possible.
☀️ Check the Weather
Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Sunny days enhance the beach's colors, but be prepared for wind & rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red Sands
Main beach area
Experience the unique reddish-pink sands stretching for miles, a striking contrast to Iceland's typical black beaches.
Icelandic Lifting Stones
Near the beach
Test your strength at these historic stones, once used to prove a fisherman's worthiness.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Cliffs and surrounding areas
Spot various bird species, including puffins, amidst the dramatic coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to Rauðasandur
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rauðasandur is steep & unpaved. Go slow, especially on switchbacks. A 4x4 is ideal, but careful driving in a minivan is possible. +1
☀️ Check the Weather
Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Sunny days enhance the beach's colors, but be prepared for wind & rain.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be walking on sand and potentially uneven terrain. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Colors
The reddish-pink sand is unique! Visit when the sun is out for the most vibrant photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rauðasandur is steep & unpaved. Go slow, especially on switchbacks. A 4x4 is ideal, but careful driving in a minivan is possible. +1
☀️ Check the Weather
Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Sunny days enhance the beach's colors, but be prepared for wind & rain.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be walking on sand and potentially uneven terrain. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Colors
The reddish-pink sand is unique! Visit when the sun is out for the most vibrant photos. :camerawithflash:
📍 Verify Location
The Google Maps pin can be inaccurate. Aim for the Melanes campsite area for the main beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rauðasandur Beach offers a unique and beautiful landscape with its distinctive reddish sands and vast open spaces, providing a sense of solitude. However, many visitors find the challenging and potentially treacherous drive to reach the beach to be a significant drawback, with some suggesting easier-to-access beaches might offer a comparable experience with less hassle. +1
"This beach is amazing! We came here on the 3rd of April early in the morning to see the sunset. We were alone. The road to come here is unpaved, from the beginning there's no asphalt. Definitely a 4x4 vehicle is your best option for this kind of roads but going slow and being careful we managed to do it also with a normal minivan. I uploaded some videos go give you an idea of the road's conditions. The place is definitely worth it!"
Federica Bongioanni
"3 stars because the journey here is honestly not worth the end result but ultimately it is still nature and therefore does have beauty. The road is quite literally effed with a deep loose gravel section (steep) followed by a reddish dirt switchback (very steep) down the other side at 20km/hr. We had thick fog on the way back making it impossible to see beyond 20m ahead of us at the top. Some locals (I’m assuming) drove too fast coming down the switchback as well which sucked because it is just senseless behaviour. There are plenty of equally if not more beautiful easily accessible beaches along the way on the other side of the mountain that we wished we would have stopped at instead. Go somewhere else."
Laura De Jaegher
"An amazing beach, with amazing views. I went to look for a pilar, I found years ago. First time I came here I could not reach it because of the tide. I went back in the afternoon. The beach is nice, and at the best when the sun is shining. A place to relax. The road that leads to the beach can be very challenging. Only do this when you have some experience driving on steep small gravelroads."
Gerry van Roosmalen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive to Rauðasandur involves unpaved, steep, and winding gravel roads, particularly routes 612 and 63. While a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for optimal safety and comfort, many visitors have successfully navigated these roads in regular minivans by driving slowly and cautiously. Be prepared for loose gravel and sharp turns. +1
Yes, the road is considered challenging by many. It features deep loose gravel sections and steep dirt switchbacks. New drivers or those uncomfortable with steep, narrow, unpaved roads might find it stressful. +1
The most common way is by car. If you are renting a car, consider a 4x4 for better handling on the rough terrain. Alternatively, guided tours that cover the Westfjords might include a stop at Rauðasandur.
While the primary routes are 612 and 63, always check local road conditions before departing. The Google Maps pin can sometimes be misleading, so aiming for the Melanes campsite area is often more accurate for reaching the main beach.
Public transportation is very limited in the Westfjords. Visiting Rauðasandur without a car is extremely difficult. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring this remote area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rauðasandur Beach is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and explore the beach freely.
Rauðasandur Beach is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety, especially when driving the challenging access roads, and for the best photographic opportunities.
No booking is required for Rauðasandur Beach as it is a natural, open-access area. Simply plan your visit and drive there.
Facilities are minimal. You might find basic parking areas, but there are no restrooms or visitor centers directly on the beach. Come prepared with everything you need.
While the beach itself is beautiful, the challenging drive means it's best to allocate ample time. Many visitors feel the journey's difficulty might outweigh the reward if you're short on time.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is when the sun is shining, as it brings out the unique reddish-pink hues of the sand. Early mornings and late afternoons can offer beautiful, soft light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and surrounding landscape. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures. Don't forget a lens cloth for sea spray! :camerawithflash:
The entire stretch of the beach offers stunning views. Look for interesting rock formations, the contrast of the sand against the sea, and the dramatic cliffs. The historic lifting stones also make for unique shots.
Yes, the area is known for birdlife. Bring a telephoto lens if you're hoping to capture birds like puffins in detail. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The main challenges are the unpredictable weather (wind, rain, fog) and the difficult access road. Fog can significantly reduce visibility, impacting photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are scarce. Ensure children are dressed warmly, as it can be very windy. The lifting stones offer a fun, albeit difficult, activity for older children to try. Be mindful of the tides and supervise children closely near the water.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Tips: Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for better control and comfort. Drive slowly, especially on gravel sections and switchbacks. Be aware of oncoming traffic, as the roads can be narrow. Enjoy the thrill of reaching a remote and beautiful destination through your own driving prowess.
📸 Photographers
Best Shots: Capture the sweeping panoramas of the beach, the intricate textures of the sand, and the contrast with the ocean. The lifting stones offer a historical and sculptural element. Visit on a sunny day for the most vibrant colors, but even moody, overcast days can create dramatic atmospheric shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Road to Rauðasandur
Some travelers have found the drive to be so challenging that they questioned if it was worth the effort, especially if encountering poor weather conditions like thick fog, which can drastically reduce visibility. It's crucial to check local road conditions before you set off and to be prepared for a potentially stressful drive. The reward, however, is a secluded and unique beach experience that few other places in Iceland can offer.
Key Takeaway: Prioritize safety over speed. If you are not comfortable driving on steep, unpaved, and narrow roads, consider alternative destinations or joining a guided tour that handles the driving. Always have a full tank of gas and be aware of your surroundings.
Rauðasandur's Unique Red Sands
When the sun is shining, the colors of Rauðasandur are truly spectacular, providing a dramatic contrast to the surrounding green cliffs and the blue ocean. This makes it a prime location for photography, especially for those seeking something different from the typical Icelandic scenery. The sheer scale of the beach means that even during busier times, you can often find a sense of solitude.
Pro Tip: The intensity of the red color can vary depending on the light and the tide. Visiting during different times of the day can reveal subtle shifts in the sand's appearance, offering unique photographic opportunities.
History and Legends at Rauðasandur
This tradition highlights the importance of strength and resilience in the lives of those who lived in this remote coastal region. While the stones are still there today, they serve as a fascinating reminder of the area's past and the demanding lifestyle of its inhabitants. Visitors can try their hand at lifting them, though it's a serious challenge!
Historical Context: The Westfjords region has a rich history of seafaring and survival against the elements. The lifting stones are a tangible link to this heritage, offering a unique cultural experience alongside the natural beauty of the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit