Stone Count
4 lifting stones
Ranging from 23 kg (Amlóði) to 154 kg (Fullsterkur)
Djúpalónssandur Beach: Lifting Stones & Shipwreck on Snæfellsnes
A black pebble beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with centuries-old lifting stones, the remains of a 1948 shipwreck, and twisted lava formations.
Location
Snæfellsnes
West Iceland • Snæfellsjökull National Park
Quick Answer
Djúpalónssandur is a black pebble beach on Snæfellsnes with four historic lifting stones and the wreck of the 1948 trawler Epine. 15-minute walk from the car park.
Djúpalónssandur, meaning "Deep Pools Sand," is a black pebble beach at the foot of Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Fishermen gathered here for centuries, and four large stones still sit where they were used to test the strength of prospective crew members. Rusted remnants of the British trawler Epine, wrecked in 1948, are scattered across the dark pebbles and left in place as a memorial. The footpath to the beach winds through twisted lava formations and is worth the walk in itself.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Do not remove shipwreck pieces. Stay clear of the waterline; strong waves occur.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Walk
~15 min
Footpath from car park through lava field to beach
Peninsula
Snæfellsnes
Within Snæfellsjökull National Park boundary
What to Expect
Lifting Stones
Four stones once used to measure fishermen's strength; visitors can try lifting them
Shipwreck Remains
Rusted iron pieces from the 1948 trawler Epine scattered across the pebble beach
Black Pebbles
Smooth, dark rounded pebbles polished by centuries of Atlantic waves
Lava Formations
The path from the car park winds through a twisted lava field to the shoreline
Snæfellsjökull Views
The glacier-capped stratovolcano looms above the beach on clear days
Dritvík Connection
Coastal trail links to the historic Dritvík fishing cove in 15–20 minutes
Getting There
Djúpalónssandur is on the western Snæfellsnes coast. Use the signed access from the Route 574 area and the destination map provided by Visit West Iceland. The visitor route descends from the parking area through lava formations; continue only as far as conditions allow. The regional guide lists parking and toilets, but check current parking terms on site.
Best Time to Visit
Djúpalónssandur is accessible year-round. June through August offers the best weather with temperatures around 10-15°C, the longest daylight (up to 21 hours), and dry footing for the coastal walk to Dritvík. May and September are shoulder months with fewer crowds and often clear skies, though evenings cool significantly. October through March brings heavy skies, storm waves, and low-angle light on the black pebbles and rusted wreckage. Winter visitors should be prepared for strong winds and limited daylight (4-5 hours in December). Snæfellsjökull glacier is most visible on clear summer days, while winter occasionally brings northern lights above the beach. Crowds are generally lighter than South Coast beaches throughout the year, even in peak summer.
Keep the shore visit out of the water
Visit West Iceland’s destination guidance prohibits wading and swimming here because of the depth and strong currents. The site’s pebble surface does not make the sea safe. For the walk onward, use the park’s marked route to Dritvík; the historic lifting stones are below Nautastígur on this beach, before the onward coastal path.
Planning help
Djúpalónssandur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What are the lifting stones at Djúpalónssandur?
The four lifting stones (áþreystingarsteinar) were historically used to test the strength of fishermen before they could join a boat crew. They are: Fullsterkur (Full Strong, 154 kg), Hálfsterkur (Half Strong, 100 kg), Hálfdrættingur (Weakling, 54 kg), and Amlóði (Useless, 23 kg). You had to lift at least Hálfdrættingur to qualify as a rower.
What is the shipwreck at Djúpalónssandur?
Rusted iron remains on the beach are from the British trawler Epine GY7, which ran aground in March 1948 during a severe storm. Fourteen of the nineteen crew members perished. Visitors are asked not to remove any of the wreck pieces as they serve as a memorial.
Can I combine Djúpalónssandur with Dritvík?
The park’s route 22 links Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík over 1 km, with an estimated 20 minutes one way. Return along the same route and allow extra time for conditions and stops.
Is there parking at Djúpalónssandur?
Visit West Iceland lists a car park and toilets. The path descends toward the beach; check current access and parking terms at the entrance rather than assuming a fixed walking time or free parking.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.