Rauðisandur

If you’re heading to the remote Westfjords, make sure to check out Rauðisandur. This beach in Iceland is one of the few that doesn’t have black sand, as the region is no longer volcanically active.

On a sunny day, with the reddish-golden beach stretching into the distance, you might even think you’re in the tropics. If you ignore the temperature difference of course! 

Rauðisandur (or ‘Rauðasandur’) beach – meaning red sand – probably got its name from the color of the sand. But there could also be a connection with Ármóður the Red, a Viking who was one of the first settlers in the area. 

As well as the reddish hue of the sand, Rauðisandur is also known for the locally famous murders at Sjöundá. This farmstead, near the beach, was once home to two married couples. It’s thought that two of them had an affair, which lead to them killing their spouses. Luckily, the beach’s murderous days are well and truly in the past.

When you’re walking along the beach, it’s worth keeping an eye out for seals bobbing in the water. Look closely and you might even spot whales! 

Why not also visit the Látrabjarg bird cliffs? During the summer, they’re one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland and are just an hour’s drive away.

If you’re on a road trip in the Westfjords, you can get to Rauðisandur beach by following road 612 west towards Látrabjarg. About 38 km (24 mi) before Látrabjarg, turn left onto route 614. 

Follow this gravel road for roughly 11 km (7 mi) and it will bring you to Rauðisandur. If you want to make this journey, hiring a 4x4 vehicle is a must. And take care, as the road leading down to the beach has some steep drops and tight turns. 

When you get to the coast, the road splits in two. Head east and you’ll come to Melanes campsite. Or go west to visit Saurbæjarkirkja, a small wooden church near Saurbær farm.