Héraðssandur Black Sand Beach

Héraðssandar is a long black-sand beach on the coast of Austurland (East Iceland), where the Héraðssandur glacial outwash plain meets the North Atlantic. The open beach is surrounded by wide landscapes, with mountains inland and views across the ocean.

The area is known for its remote character and dramatic coastal scenery. It is a good place for a walk, photography and experiencing the quieter side of Austurland away from the region's more visited attractions.

Héraðssandar is 50 km from Egilsstaðir and is well suited as part of a day trip exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline. The beach is exposed to the elements, so weather and road conditions should be checked before visiting

Héraðssandur is located along Héraðsflói Bay, northeast of Egilsstaðir. The black-sand beach and surrounding coastline can be explored from several different access points, with roads and tracks leading towards the coast from the main routes in the area. For those looking to explore the landscape on foot, several hiking routes offer different perspectives of Héraðsflói. The Stapavík by Héraðsflói Hike follows the Selfljót river towards the coast and the historic Stapavík inlet, while the Landsendi Hike leads towards dramatic coastal cliffs and colourful rhyolite landscapes on the eastern side of the bay. The Húsey Hike, further north, offers another way to experience the meeting of the river, black sands and coastline, with opportunities to see the area's rich birdlife.

There are also two viewpoints that provide excellent perspectives over Héraðssandur without requiring a hike to the beach. The Héraðssandur viewpoint is located on the way over Hellisheiði Eystri, offering views across the vast beach and towards Héraðsflói Bay. Another viewpoint can be found on the road towards Borgarfjörður Eystri, by the Stórurð Service Cabin , providing a different perspective across the surrounding coastal landscape. These viewpoints are particularly useful for travellers who want to appreciate the scale of Héraðssandur as part of a wider journey through Austurland (East Iceland).