Stokksnes & Vestrahorn Beach

Stokksnes is a remote headland on Iceland’s southeastern coast, roughly 15 km east of Höfn. Its long sweep of jet-black sand is backed by the dramatic serrated ridges of Vestrahorn (454 m), a gabbro intrusion whose dark spires reflect in the tidal pools at low tide.

The beach is particularly celebrated among photographers for its mirror-like sand reflections at sunrise and sunset, when the mountain glows gold against stormy skies. Sand dunes behind the beach add further texture to the landscape, and the area sees relatively few visitors compared to the more famous southern beaches.

Access requires passing through the Viking Café gate at the end of the access road, where a small fee is charged. The café also marks the start of an easy walking trail along the shore.