A peaceful stretch of dark sand on Borgarfjörður bay near the town of Borgarnes, offering clear views across the water to the distant Snæfellsjökull glacier and easy access from the Ring Road. A good stopping point on the way to Snæfellsnes, the beach is popular with local families and sees very few foreign visitors.
Hvítanes is a quiet stretch of dark volcanic sand on the shore of Borgarfjörður bay near the town of Borgarnes in West Iceland, with calm, sheltered water thanks to the bay's shape, which shields the shoreline from the fuller force of the open Atlantic. The beach is modest in length and gently curved rather than a long open strand, and its low-key setting gives it a local, family-oriented feel rather than a surf or party atmosphere; it is used more for a quiet walk or a picnic stop than a full beach day. From the sand there are clear views across the water to the distant, glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, making it a scenic pause for anyone driving the Ring Road toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Amenities are basic, consisting of a car park and walking paths along the shore, with no cafe, toilets, or lifeguard on site; the town of Borgarnes a short drive away covers food, fuel, and other services. Access is easy, just off the Ring Road, making it a convenient and uncrowded stop that sees very few foreign visitors compared to South Coast beaches.
| Distance | 1 hour from Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Self-drive only |
| Best season | May-September |
Amenities
- car park
- walking paths
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, couples
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
64.5400, -21.9050 View on map
Highlights
- Clear views across the bay to Snæfellsjökull glacier
- Sheltered, calmer water than the open Atlantic coast
- Easy stop just off the Ring Road near Borgarnes
- Popular with local families, rarely crowded with visitors
Tips for visiting
- Stop on a clear day for the best visibility of Snæfellsjökull across the bay
- Combine the visit with a fuel and food stop in nearby Borgarnes
- Walk the coastal paths at low tide for the widest stretch of exposed sand
- Bring warm layers, as the bay can still funnel wind despite its shelter
When to visit
Visit from May through September on a clear day for the best views across the bay to Snæfellsjökull.
Accessibility
The car park connects to a flat walking path along the shore, though the beach itself is unpaved and uneven, limiting wheelchair access to the path.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hvítanes from Reykjavik?
It is about an hour's drive from Reykjavik, making it an easy stop on the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or West Iceland.
Is Hvítanes suitable for swimming?
The water is calmer than the open coast, but still cold; the beach is used more for walking and views than swimming.
Are there facilities at Hvítanes?
No, facilities are limited to a car park and walking paths, with shops and food available a short drive away in Borgarnes.