VIK’S BLACK SAND BEACH

Believe it or not, you can drive all the way around Iceland in 12-13 hours. Stumbling upon this “seacret” spot in Vik, Iceland, while driving around the island was one of the highlights of my Scandinavian trip in the summer of 2016.

My family and I were lucky that the sun was shining when we arrived at Black Sand Beach because it was easily the warmest day we experienced while in Iceland. (Even in the summer, it's freezing-- pack the warmest coats you own!) Warm enough that my mom and I took off our shoes for a photo op, but cold air nipped at our toes as we rushed to put our thermal socks back on as soon as we got a good shot. If I hadn’t seen the color, I wouldn’t have known the sand between my toes was any different than the beach sand I’m used to back home. Compared to the 90-degree weather and tan beach sand I’m used to; the black sand beaches were breathtaking.

(free feet pics, you're welcome)

The sand’s jet-black color comes from volcanic minerals and ash. The flat sandy beach runs into huge cliffs and the contrast between the water and black sand was incredible. I would never attempt swimming in such cold water, but some of the waves hitting the shore looked too rough anyways.

One thing I can say about Iceland is that it’s unlike any place I’ve ever seen. Everywhere I turned, there was something spectacularly unusual. The black sand beaches were like nothing I’d ever seen before and I hope to visit again someday.

Stay tuned for a full blog about

my summer in Scandinavia!