Sandvík
A historically significant Reykjanes Peninsula headland near where Iceland was first settled, with views of Eldey gannet colony.
About
About Sandvík
A historically significant Reykjanes Peninsula headland near where Iceland was first settled, with views of Eldey gannet colony.
Stand at the probable spot of Iceland's first ever human settlement and view Eldey — where the Great Auk made its last stand in 1844.
Background
History & Background
Sandvík has been a significant site in Iceland's landscape. Throughout the years, this location has played an important role in Icelandic culture and natural history.
Sandvík is a remarkable beach in Iceland. Sandvík is a stunning beach located in Reykjanes. This dramatic coastal area features Iceland's distinctive black volcanic sand, shaped by powerful oc... Sandvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula has a small memorial and lighthouse near the spot where Christian missionaries from the Hebrides reportedly first landed in Iceland before the Norse settlement — among the first Europeans to set foot on the island. . This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Sandvík on the Reykjanes Peninsula has a small memorial and lighthouse near the spot where Christian missionaries from the Hebrides reportedly first landed in Iceland before the Norse settlement — among the first Europeans to set foot on the island. The coastline here is dramatically volcanic: recent lava flows have reached the sea at sites to the south, and the black volcanic coast is punctuated by geothermal vents and steaming fissures. The area provides good views of the Eldey rock offshore — a sea stack that hosts one of the world's largest gannet colonies, over 16,000 birds. The Great Auk went extinct on Eldey in 1844.
💡 Did You Know?
The last two Great Auks on Earth were killed on Eldey rock, visible from Sandvík, on June 3rd, 1844 — making it the documented extinction site.
Local Legend
The Seal Woman of Sandvík
An old tale tells of a seal woman (selkie) who came ashore at Sandvík and transformed into a beautiful woman. She lived among humans for many years before returning to the sea. On quiet evenings, locals claim you can still hear her singing from the waves, calling to her family on land.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Elliðavatn
Elliðavatn is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Kjalnesinga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Gufunes
Gufunes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Korpúlfsstaðir
Korpúlfsstaðir is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Kjalnesinga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Tidal Patterns
The black sand creates stunning patterns as the waves retreat, especially at low tide.
The interplay of water, sand texture, and reflected sky creates naturally artistic compositions that are constantly changing.
✦ Rock Formations
Explore the rock formations at the edges of the beach — many feature columnar basalt and small caves.
These geological features add variety to your beach visit and often shelter small tidal pools with marine life.
✦ Seabird Watching
Bring binoculars to spot seabirds nesting on nearby cliffs, especially during summer months.
In breeding season (May-August), you can often see puffins, fulmars, and guillemots from the beach.
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Location
📍 Location
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