#581 European Rank
Raudasandur
Westfjords, Iceland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Evgeniy Metyolkin (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.23/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
10.6°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€69/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pink Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Westfjords · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
4.3°C
Air 8°C
Feb
3.7°C
Air 9°C
Mar
3.4°C
Air 11°C
Apr
4.2°C
Air 14°C
May
5.9°C
Air 17°C
Jun
8.3°C
Air 20°C
Jul
10.1°C
Air 22°C
Peak
Aug
10.6°C
Air 22°C
Sep
9.6°C
Air 20°C
Oct
8.1°C
Air 17°C
Nov
6.6°C
Air 13°C
Dec
5.4°C
Air 10°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 10.6°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Iceland Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.7 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.9 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing3.7 / 5
About Raudasandur
A ten-kilometre sweep of red-gold shell sand that shifts colour with the light in Iceland's remote Westfjords.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (10.6°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Accessible via Route 612 and a steep gravel mountain pass (Route 614) down to Saurbæjarkirkja in the southern Westfjords
•Protected Status / Environment: Remote Westfjords coastal ecosystem with seal colonies and seabird nesting areas
•Notable Feature: 10 km expanse of unique red, orange, and golden sands derived from pulverized scallop shells, shifting color with tides and sunlight
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Westfjords. Accessible via regional coastal roads (65.465°N, -23.988°E).
•Too cold and remote for real swimming, but wade the shallows.
•A wild, remote Westfjords bay backed by mountains, reached by a steep gravel road.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Westfjords, Iceland.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Raudasandur
What is the water temperature at Raudasandur?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Raudasandur averages 10.6°C (51°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Raudasandur?
Raudasandur is classified as a pink sand shoreline located in Westfjords, Iceland.
Is Raudasandur good for families with kids?
Yes, Raudasandur is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Raudasandur?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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