ICELAND / POI 68
Beach by Hjorleifshöfði
Endless Black Sands Beneath a Cliff of Icelandic Legend
Located beneath the towering promontory of Hjörleifshöfði, this remote black sand beach is one of Iceland’s most otherworldly coastal locations. Stretching endlessly across the Mýrdalssandur plains, the beach offers surreal views, solitude, and a deep connection to the island’s Viking past. The cliff above is named after Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, a settler from the 9th century whose burial mound lies at the summit. The area is rarely crowded, with only the sound of the wind and waves for company. Visitors can walk the sands in the shadow of the cliff, where the ocean meets stark volcanic terrain. Nearby, you’ll find the eerie “Yoda Cave” (Gígjagjá), adding to the cinematic feel — scenes from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were filmed here. Perfect for quiet contemplation, photography, or a detour from Route 1, this beach captures the essence of Iceland’s dramatic south coast.
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