Tallest Stack
66 m (217 ft)
The tallest of the Reynisdrangar pillars rises 66 meters above sea level.
Reynisdrangar: Basalt Sea Stacks near Vík
Basalt pillars rising from the North Atlantic; folklore says they are trolls turned to stone at sunrise
Location
South Iceland
Near Vík í Mýrdal, off Reynisfjara beach
Reynisdrangar are a cluster of basalt sea stacks rising from the Atlantic near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Up to 66 meters tall, these dark, jagged pillars are among Iceland's most photographed natural landmarks. Icelandic legend holds that they are two trolls who attempted to haul a three-masted ship to shore but were caught by the dawn and turned to stone. The best views are from the black sands of Reynisfjara or the clifftop at Dyrhólaey.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Distance from Reykjavík
~180 km
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive east along Route 1 (Ring Road).
Annual Visitors
500,000+
Reynisfjara and the sea stacks are among Iceland's most visited natural attractions.
What to Expect
Basalt Sea Stacks
Three tall rock pillars of columnar basalt standing in the surf, shaped by millennia of erosion and volcanic activity.
Troll Legend
According to folklore, two trolls and their ship were petrified by sunlight while trying to reach shore. The stacks and nearby formations are said to be what remains.
Reynisfjara Beach Views
Walk the famous black sand beach for close-up views of the stacks alongside the columnar basalt cliffs of Hálsanefshellir cave.
Dyrhólaey Panorama
Drive to the Dyrhólaey promontory west of Vík for an elevated view encompassing the sea stacks, the arch, and the entire coastline.
Birdlife
In summer, puffins nest on the cliffs of Dyrhólaey and fulmars circle around the stacks.
Photography Opportunities
The contrast of dark basalt against white surf and heavy skies photographs well in any season.
Getting There
Reynisdrangar are located just off the coast near Vík í Mýrdal in South Iceland. From Reykjavík, drive approximately 180 km east on Route 1 (Ring Road). To reach Reynisfjara beach, turn south onto Route 215 about 5 km before Vík. The parking area is well-signed. For Dyrhólaey viewpoint, take Route 218 off Route 1. Both access roads are paved and suitable for all vehicles. In winter, check road conditions at road.is as ice and wind can affect coastal roads.
Best Time to Visit
Reynisdrangar can be visited year-round. Summer (June-August) offers the longest daylight hours and the calmest weather, plus puffin nesting season at nearby Dyrhólaey. Winter brings storm waves and low light that photographers favor, but wave danger increases significantly. Regardless of season, always exercise extreme caution near the waterline at Reynisfjara due to powerful sneaker waves. Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photographing the stacks.
Planning help
Reynisdrangar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.