Breidavik Beach sits on a bay in the far west of the Westfjords, Iceland, on the road out to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs. The sand is golden, the water of the bay turquoise, and rocky cliffs frame both ends. It is one of the largest beaches in the region. Vehicles are not permitted past the hotel and village, so the final approach is on foot, across grass and then pebble-covered sand. People stop here on the way to the cliffs, for a picnic and a walk on the sand.
Breidavik Beach
Local name: Breiðavík
In summer, water evaporating off the sand leaves a mist hanging over the beach.
- Parking
- Car park about 800 m from the beach.
- Difficulty
- About 800 m on foot from the car park, over grass and then pebble-covered sand.
- Transport
- No public transport: no bus stop within 5 km. Arrive by car.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Breiðavík, 451, near Látrabjarg
What makes it special
The sand here is golden, and it runs a long way. Rocky cliffs close the bay at either end, and the water in front is turquoise and clear. In the summer months water evaporates off the sand and leaves a mist lying over the beach. Photographs of it come back flat. The walk in changes underfoot: grass first, then pebble-covered sand, then the water. Arrive early in the morning and there may be nobody else on the beach.
Good to know
- No toilets on the sand — the nearest are back by the village, and they serve the premises they belong to.
- No drinking water and no information board — bring what you need for the day.
- Dogs are allowed, and the beach works for children.
Getting there
Breidavik lies on the road out to the Látrabjarg cliffs, and the last stretch is walked: vehicles are not permitted past the hotel and village. From the car park it is roughly 800 m to the water, over grass and then pebble-covered sand.
Best time to visit
Better: the summer months, and early in the morning.
Avoid: wet days with low cloud.
In summer water evaporates off the sand and leaves a mist across the beach. Early in the morning the sand can be empty of people. The colour of the sand and the turquoise water is the reason to stop here, and grey weather takes it away.
Sun & daylight
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Frequently asked questions
Can you drive right up to the beach?
No. Vehicles are not permitted past the hotel and village, so the last part of the way is on foot.How far is the walk from the car park?
The car park is about 800 m from the sand. The route runs over grass and then pebble-covered sand.Are there toilets?
Not on the beach. The nearest are near the village, about 800 m away, and they serve the premises they belong to.Can dogs come along?
Yes. Dogs are allowed, and the beach also works for children.Is it worth a stop on the way to Látrabjarg?
Yes. Breidavik is on the road to the bird cliffs and makes a picnic stop before them.