Escape | Reynisfjara Beach, Vik

Escape to

Reynisfjara Beach

Vik, Iceland

Editor's Note: If you read the latest issue of the Journal, you might have noticed that Iceland is a magical place. A trip that in short, literally blew my mind.  I am always up to travel somewhere new, so when Monica, the designer of ROSE & IVY suggested we ventured north in January, I was originally a bit hesitant.  'You want to go somewhere even colder than New York?' I asked her.  I am so beyond grateful that we did.  Iceland is a place so otherworldly that if you try to conjure it up in your imagination you might fall short. It is something that must be experienced.  Traveling the barren roads for just eight days made me realize the healing powers of being in nature.  This is the first installment in a series to follow.  

Reynisfjara Beach is located in the small town of Vik - when I say small, I mean small. There are shy of 320 people that live in this coastal village marked by a white aluminum church with a tomato red steeple.  We arrived in the morning.  As a photographer that is greatly moved by light, I realized that the 'golden hour' is actually in the morning.  The soft, dreamy light illuminated the water and the green island just off in the distance with a lone lighthouse.  This is Reynisfjar and Vik, true remarkable destinations in southern Iceland. 

Note: If you are looking to escape Reykjavík and head to more remote part of the country, it is best to rent a car, especially for the scenery and horses you will cross along the way. If that isn't an option, there are many bus options.  Vik is just over two hours from the capital. 

'The sea at Reynisfjara provides a dreamy backdrop to an even dreamier view of snowy mountains. On one side, you'll find an island straight out of a movie set, complete with a white lighthouse; on the other, three massive, graphite-colored basalt columns illuminated by the sunlight, seagulls circling overhead.'

'Three rock formations rise dramatically up from the waters just offshore are buffeted by "sneaker waves" '

They get their name from the fact that they do indeed sneak up on you.

Vik

Where to Stay: 

Photography by Alison