Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, Oct. 23, 2013: Iceland’s Black Sand Beach

1-aP1040144Dramatic light and landscape mark the beach at Vik, Iceland, famous for its black sand, which is composed of basalt, worn down over centuries from volcanic lava. The day of our visit, fog moved in and out, shrouding the beach in fog and turning the rocks into eerie shapes, and then letting the sun break through.

 

The shallow water along the shoreline and the stark outcroppings along the beach made it a difficult and dangerous landing for centuries of Icelandic fishermen in the days when only oars and sails powered their boats.

 

Vik is in southern Iceland, east of Reykjavik, along the Ring Road that circles the country. It’s a bit over two hours from Reykjavik; if you’re not driving, it’s included in a number of day bus trips that also include the Myrdalsjokull Glacier and other attractions. For more information: http://www.visiticeland.com/

 

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11 years ago

The mist ads a great effect to your photos, PHeymont! 

11 years ago

Beautiful Photos indeed Paul. I often think travellers who choose the best weather for a vacation miss out on moments like these. I blame the TV weather forecasters who always call a Rainy Day  “Bad Weather”.  If you don’t get rain then you wont get Rainbows !

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