The jagged peaks
A mountain like teeth.
Daniel Oberhaus — CC BY 4.0 · Simaron from Lower Saxony, Germany — CC BY-SA 2.0 · sergejf — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Eric Kilby — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Eric Kilby — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Eric Kilby — CC BY-SA 2.0
Vestrahorn is a jagged mountain on the Stokksnes headland near Höfn in south-east Iceland, its sharp peaks rising above a black sand beach and dunes topped with golden grass. It is one of the most photographed scenes in the country, especially when shallow water on the sand mirrors the mountain as a wave draws back. The site is on private land, with the fee paid at the nearby Viking Café, according to guides. The angle draws photographers in every season, with the mountain reflected on wet sand on calm days and under snow in winter. It sits in south-east Iceland close to the Ring Road and Höfn, the largest town in the area. You walk on black sand between dunes and grasses moving in the wind, with tooth-like peaks ahead. Colour changes with the hour, from gold at sunset to pink in winter. Shallow water turns to a mirror at low tide. On cloudy days the peaks sometimes vanish, so the full view is not guaranteed. The mountain is 9.9 km in a straight line east of Höfn, reached by car on a short gravel road. Waves are strong and tides quick, so do not go too close to the water. Keep to the tracks and do not walk on the grass, as the dunes are fragile. Bring a windproof jacket. Pay at the café before going on, and ask about the road in winter.
A mountain like teeth.
Reflections at low tide.
Golden grass on black sand.
Stokksnes headland, east of Höfn, south-east Iceland
Early morning and sunset, with a calm low tide.
Guides mention a fee at the café, as the land is private.