Visiting Vestrahorn and Stokksnes in Iceland: Complete Guide

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One of my favorite Ring Road stops was Vestrahorn and the black sand beaches of Stokksnes. Even on a cloudy day, the jagged peaks and crashing waves felt surreal. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Vestrahorn and Stokksnes in Iceland.

My Visit to Vestrahorn and Stokksnes

I stopped at Vestrahorn and Stokksnes while driving Iceland’s Ring Road, and it quickly became one of the most memorable parts of my trip.

The jagged peaks rising out of the Atlantic, combined with the sweeping black sand beaches, make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Colorful lupine flowers blooming on the Stokksnes Peninsula with Vestrahorn mountain rising behind them.

Beyond the views, the area also has a fascinating history tied to Viking settlements and its role as a filming location.

The nearby Viking Village was originally built as a movie set, and although the film was never completed, the replica turf houses and wooden structures are still standing today.

Parking and Entrance Fee

Once you arrive at Vestrahorn, you’ll need to stop inside the small Viking Café to purchase your parking pass.

The cost to visit is 1,000 ISK per person, which grants access to the parking lots, the Viking Village, and the Stokksnes beach area.

This fee supports the upkeep of the private land and allows you unlimited time to explore.

After paying, you can head straight out to the black sand beach, wander through the Viking Village, or walk the coastal paths for different views of the mountain.

Exploring Vestrahorn and Stokksnes

When I visited Vestrahorn, the weather wasn’t exactly calm.

It was windy and cold, the kind of Icelandic day that keeps you bundled up tight.

Instead of heading straight to the beach, we decided to drive down the cliffs to see if we could spot seals along the coastline.

Rocky shoreline on the Stokksnes Peninsula, where seals are sometimes spotted along the coast.

While we didn’t see any that day, the sweeping views of the ocean made the detour completely worth it.

This was one of my favorite stops on my 7 Days on Iceland’s Ring Road: The Ultimate Adventure!

Lupines at Vestrahorn

From the rocky cliffs, we made our way down to the beach itself, where the black sand stretched out beneath the shadow of Vestrahorn.

I loved walking through the fields of purple lupine flowers.

This added such a bright contrast to the dark volcanic landscape.

Purple lupines blooming in front of Vestrahorn on Iceland’s Stokksnes Peninsula.

Although not native to Iceland, lupines were introduced to help with soil erosion.

Now, they cover much of the countryside each summer, creating colorful views like this one at Vestrahorn.

Walking Stokksnes Black Sand Beach

Afterward, we walked the wide black sand beaches with Vestrahorn rising in the background.

A stubborn cloud hovered over the mountain peak the entire time, hiding the very top.

Windswept grasses along the black sand beach at Stokksnes, with Vestrahorn mountain hidden in the clouds.

But it didn’t matter — the atmosphere was perfect.

The moody sky made the black sand look even more vibrant.

Waves rolling onto the black sand shoreline at Stokksnes with Vestrahorn mountain hidden in clouds.

The reflections of the jagged mountain against the wet shoreline were unforgettable.

My other favorite Black Sand Beach hike in Iceland is the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck!

The Viking Village at Vestrahorn

One of the most unique things about visiting Vestrahorn is the Viking Village.

It isn’t an ancient ruin but actually a replica film set built for a movie that was never finished.

Today, the wooden structures and turf houses remain, creating a scene that feels like stepping back in time.

You can wander through the buildings, peek inside the huts, and imagine what life might have looked like for early settlers in Iceland.

Best Time to Visit Vestrahorn & Stokk

Vestrahorn is stunning year-round, and each season brings something different.

When I visited, the weather was windy and cloudy, and while the peak was hidden, the moody sky made the black sand beach even more dramatic.

Summer: Long daylight hours, lupine blooms, and easy driving.
Fall: Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and softer light for photos.
Winter: Snowcapped peaks, icy beaches, and a chance to catch the northern lights.
Spring: Quieter roads and shifting skies as the snow melts.

No matter the season, Vestrahorn always delivers unforgettable views.