Reynisfjara is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic and otherworldly beaches on Earth, a vast expanse of jet-black volcanic sand backed by towering hexagonal basalt columns that rise like the pipes of a colossal organ carved by giants. The beach stretches beneath the Reynisfjall mountain, with the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the churning Atlantic surf just offshore, their dark silhouettes said to be the petrified remains of trolls caught by the dawn while trying to drag a ship to shore.

The geometrically perfect basalt columns at the Halsanefshellir cave create a cathedral-like formation that visitors can walk beneath and marvel at, a stunning example of the volcanic forces that shaped this coastline. Puffins nest in the cliffs above during summer, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise stark and powerful landscape. However, Reynisfjara demands respect; the notorious sneaker waves here are genuinely dangerous, surging far up the beach without warning with tremendous force.

Pro tip: Never turn your back on the ocean here. The sneaker waves at Reynisfjara have claimed lives, and they can surge 30 meters or more up the beach in seconds. Stay well back from the waterline, especially in rough weather. For the best photographs of the sea stacks, climb partway up the basalt columns for an elevated perspective.