One of Iceland's most unusual beaches, where a mix of crushed scallop shells and red minerals creates sand that glows in shades of rust, orange, and pink rather than the volcanic black found elsewhere. The beach stretches for 10 km along a sheltered bay in the remote Westfjords and is accessible via a steep gravel mountain road.
Rauðisandur is a striking 10 km stretch of sand in the Westfjords that glows in shades of rust, orange, and pink rather than the black volcanic sand typical of Iceland, a colour produced by a mix of crushed scallop shells and red-tinted minerals. The beach is exceptionally long and shallow-sloped, backed by a sheltered bay that keeps the water calmer than the fully open Atlantic coastline nearby, and the tidal flats change character dramatically between high and low tide. This is a remote, near-empty beach with a wild, contemplative vibe rather than a swimming or party destination, reached only via a steep, narrow gravel mountain road that discourages casual day-trippers and keeps visitor numbers low even in summer. Amenities are limited to a car park and a small farm guesthouse nearby that also runs a modest cafe in season, with no lifeguard, sunbeds, or shops on site. Access requires a self-drive through the Westfjords, typically combined with a stop at the nearby Látrabjarg bird cliffs, and the steep descent road is not advisable in poor weather or for those uncomfortable with narrow mountain driving.
| Distance | 5 hours from Reykjavik (via Westfjords) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Self-drive only (steep gravel road) |
| Best season | June-August |
Amenities
- car park
- small farm guesthouse nearby
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, solo, couples, beachcombers
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
65.4600, -23.8420 View on map
Highlights
- Rare rust-red and pink sand from crushed shells and minerals
- 10 km of largely untouched, empty shoreline
- Dramatic tidal flats that shift colour and shape with the tide
- Remote setting near the Látrabjarg bird cliffs
Tips for visiting
- Drive the steep access road cautiously, and avoid it in poor weather or low visibility
- Check tide times, as the exposed flats and colours change significantly between high and low tide
- Stop at the small farm guesthouse cafe nearby, one of the only food options in the area
- Allow extra time in the itinerary, as the descent and drive out are slow going
When to visit
Visit between June and August when the mountain access road is most reliably passable and daylight hours are longest.
Accessibility
The car park is a distance from the water across soft sand and tidal flats, and the steep access road and unpaved terrain make the site difficult for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the sand red at Rauðisandur?
The colour comes from a mix of crushed scallop shells and red-tinted minerals, giving the sand rust, orange, and pink tones rather than Iceland's typical black volcanic sand.
Is Rauðisandur difficult to reach?
Yes, access is via a steep, narrow gravel mountain road that requires cautious driving and is best avoided in poor weather.
Are there facilities at Rauðisandur?
A small farm guesthouse near the beach offers limited food in season, but there are otherwise no shops, toilets, or lifeguard services.