Rauðisandur, which literally translates to ‘red sands’ is an extraordinary beach which is so-called due to its lustrous reddish sand. Rauðisandur, which lies opposite Breiðafjörður bay, is located in the Látrabjarg area of the southern West Fjords, about 396 km north-west to Reykjavik.
Rauðisandur, which literally translates to ‘red sands’ is an extraordinary beach which is so-called due to its lustrous reddish sand. Rauðisandur, which lies opposite Breiðafjörður bay, is located in the Látrabjarg area of the southern West Fjords, about 396 km north-west to Reykjavik.
The red colour of the beach is said to be caused by relentless forces of nature which turned the scallop shells on the beach to fine red sand. At some places it appears in various hues of orange, yellow and even blue. The Book of Settlements or Landnamabok, mentions about Viking Ármóður rauði Þorbjarnarson or ‘Ármóður the Red’ who is said to have settled near the beach and perhaps the beach was named after him. Considered one of the top ten beaches in Iceland, Raudisandur is also an ideal location for viewing a variety of bird species and seals that abound in the area. Another option is to hike along the beach to the ruins of Sjoundaa farm, which stands witness to double murders in 1802, where two lovers conspired to eliminate each others’ spouses and were subsequently arrested and give the death sentence.
On a clear day one can also catch a glimpse of the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the distance. It’s noteworthy to add that while most beaches in Iceland are black this serene and tranquil beach stands out for its unique red shade.
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