Fellsfjara

Reynisfjara is, without exaggeration, one of the most dramatic beaches in the world. Black volcanic sand stretches beneath towering basalt columns, enormous Atlantic waves crash with terrifying power, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the surf like petrified trolls. After an hour of this -- windswept, salt-sprayed, and thoroughly impressed -- the prospect of hot soup at Fellsfjara is deeply appealing.

The Location

Fellsfjara (also known as the Black Beach Restaurant or Svartafjaran) sits right at the Reynisfjara car park, which means you can walk straight from the beach to a warm chair and a bowl of soup. This alone makes it invaluable. The South Iceland coast is not a place where restaurants are thick on the ground, and having a reliable food option at one of the country's most visited natural sites is a genuine blessing.

The Food

The menu is built for the purpose: warming, comforting, and quick. The lamb soup is the star, thick and hearty with tender meat and root vegetables. The fish soup is rich and well-seasoned. Sandwiches and daily specials fill out the menu, alongside excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Nobody comes to Fellsfjara expecting a gastronomic revelation, and that is fine. What it offers is exactly what you need after battling the wind and spray at Reynisfjara: something hot, something filling, and somewhere warm to sit. On those terms, it delivers perfectly.

The Setting

The building is modern and well-maintained, with large windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can see the beach, the sea stacks, and the dramatic cliffs from your table. The gift shop section sells the usual Icelandic souvenirs -- woolens, puffin figurines, and lava jewellery -- and is worth a brief browse.

Practical Tips

Fellsfjara gets busy during peak hours, particularly when tour buses arrive around midday. If possible, time your visit for early morning or late afternoon. The restaurant is open daily throughout the year, though winter hours are shorter.

The beach itself demands respect -- the sneaker waves at Reynisfjara are genuinely dangerous, and people have died here. Heed the warning signs and stay well back from the water's edge. Then reward your good sense with a bowl of lamb soup and the satisfaction of having seen something truly magnificent.