Raudasandur beach
Raudasandur Beach, an expansive stretch of sand that spans 10 km along the Westfjords Peninsula's southwestern coast, is renowned for its remarkable red sand. The hue of the shoreline shifts from delicate pink and peach tones to deeper reds, influenced by the time of day and the angle of sunlight. Located approximately 20 km from the quaint village of Patreksfjörður, this stunning beach offers a unique and vibrant spectacle that is a must-see for anyone planning a beach vacation in Iceland.
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Beach description
A breathtaking natural spectacle awaits those who journey many miles to bask in its beauty. Raudasandur Beach is an oasis of serenity and tranquility, offering a profound sense of unity with nature. Here, you may find yourself in splendid isolation, with not a soul in sight for kilometers on end. Travelers stand alone amidst the majestic black cliffs and the vast expanse of the blue ocean. The formidable Látrabjarg Rock stands as Europe's largest sanctuary for nesting seabirds. Witness the spectacle of millions of loons and northern puffins. Watch as fur seals haul themselves onto the islets, basking in the warmth.
The coast's unique hue comes from centuries of accumulated scallop shell remnants, lending the sand an ethereal redness. The landscape stretches out, both endless and fantastical.
However, lounging on Raudasandur's red sands is unlike any typical beach experience. The chill of the region means the ocean does not invite the usual water activities. The maximum average temperatures of both water and air seldom rise above 12 degrees Celsius. For those seeking respite, a solitary cafe offers a cozy haven. On a clear day, enjoy a warm cup of coffee while gazing upon the road that snakes through the entire Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.
Access to the beach is via a gravel road, narrow and winding in nature. The final stretch lies beneath a steep incline, posing a challenge for inexperienced drivers or during adverse weather conditions. Thus, a summer visit to Raudasandur is highly recommended for ease and safety.
Optimal Timing for Your Visit
While Iceland might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a beach vacation, it offers unique coastal experiences that are best enjoyed during a specific time of the year. The optimal period for a beach holiday in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August.
- Midnight Sun: During this season, you can experience the midnight sun, which provides nearly 24 hours of daylight, allowing for extended beach activities and exploration.
- Warmer Temperatures: The summer brings the warmest weather, with temperatures that can reach up to 15°C (59°F), making it more comfortable to stroll along the black sand beaches or explore the coastal areas.
- Wildlife: This is also the best time to witness a variety of wildlife, including puffins and seals, which are often found near the beaches.
- Accessible Roads: The summer ensures that most roads are accessible, including those leading to more remote beaches that might be unreachable during the winter months due to snow and ice.
While the water temperatures remain quite cold even in summer, the unique landscapes and the novelty of Iceland's beaches, such as Reynisfjara's black sand or the icebergs on Diamond Beach, provide a beach experience unlike any other and are best enjoyed when the weather is most favorable.
Video: Beach Raudasandur
Infrastructure
Travelers arrive at Melanes Camping, which provides minimal amenities and excellent proximity to the wild, nestled near the bird settlements on the cliffs.
A more comfortable accommodation awaits tourists at the family-friendly Hotel Latrabjarg, a 3-star establishment. The journey to the hotel takes about half an hour from the beach. Guests can enjoy heated rooms, en-suite bathrooms, a breakfast buffet, and a multi-course dinner. The hotel prides itself on its stunning location, close to unspoiled natural areas, horse stables, and the vibrant gatherings of seabirds.
Raudasandur is far removed from the main conveniences of civilization, where tourists can revel in solitude, silence, and fantastic natural vistas. There are no nightclubs in the vicinity. Arrangements for horseback riding or purchasing a fishing license can be made through the hotel.
Both adults and children delight in adventures, observing the black and red sands, whales and seals, gazing at real geysers, and marveling at majestic glaciers. However, for children under 4 years old, a trip to Iceland may not be as entertaining.
It is also important to note that during the summer in the Westfjords, it is light almost all day, but from mid-November, "daylight" lasts only a couple of hours. The main activities for travelers in this sparsely populated area include skiing down slopes, bathing in geothermal springs, watching the northern lights, cross-country skiing, and visiting the local golf club.
Weather in Raudasandur
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- There are approaches to Roundsundur on both sides of the beach. Leaving the car in the parking lot a few kilometers from the shore, you can take a map on which it is indicated that those who can get down the steep mountain slope and then cross the shallow rivulet with ice water will succeed in reaching red sands.
- During short days of light, storms and winds, flight tickets become more accessible, hotel rooms and car rental costs become cheaper. “Out of season” is a great opportunity to relax economically. There are fewer people in the most popular places, the opportunities for a good look and photograph are increasing.
What to visit and what to do:
- Gyotur Folk Museum.
- Just pools and geothermal.
- Sjund’s farm with its sensational crime love story.
- Golf Club.
- From May to August - excursions to the cliff of seabirds.
- Visit Arnarfjordur, the second largest fjord in the country.
- Art Museum and Church of the People's Artist Samuel Jonsson.