If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that is both ruggedly beautiful and rich in history, then Djúpalónssandur is the perfect choice. This remote and stunning area is located on the coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and offers visitors a range of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor adventures.

One of the highlights of Djúpalónssandur is its stunning black sand beach, which is surrounded by towering cliffs. The beach is known for its unique and striking rock formations, which have been sculpted by the relentless power of the ocean over thousands of years. You can take a walk along the beach and marvel at the incredible scenery, or simply sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The area is also steeped in history and culture, with several important historical sites and cultural attractions to explore. This place was once home to sixty fishing boats and one of the most prolific fishing villages on the Snæfellsnes peninsula but today the bay is uninhabited.

If you have ever wondered if you would make it as an Icelander fisherman back in the day, you can test your strength and see if you would have made the cut. There are four lifting stones:

Fullsterkur ("full strength") weighing 154 kg (339.5 lbs), Hálfsterkur ("half strength") at 100 kg (220 lbs), Hálfdrættingur ("Half-carrier") at 54 kg (119 lbs) and Amlóði ("Hamlet or Weakling") 23 kg (50.7 lbs). They were traditionally used to qualify men for work on fishing boats, with the Hálfdrættingur being the minimum weight a man would have to lift onto a ledge at hip-height to qualify.

The two lagoons, Djúpalón and djúpadalslón are also lovely to check out while there.

Fun fact – The rusty metal spread across the beach are remains of the Grimsby fishing trawler that was wrecked there in 1948. Many of the people on the trawler died, so some remains from the boat were left behind as a memorial. Please don’t touch them.