August 12: Stokksnes

We had a busy day as we drove along a portion of the ring road and experienced breathtaking views around every turn.  Our first stop was at a rest area where we stopped for some breakfast and were treated to a spectacular waterfall.  The short cascade emptied into a blue pool, which emptied into a meandering stream.  

We eventually began driving along the coastline, which featured black sand beaches that stood in stark contrast to the green moss covered mountains. The views at one stop in particular were particularly amazing.  

Finally, we made it to our ultimate destination for the day – Stokksnes where Vestrahorn Mountain provides an amazing backdrop for Stokksnes Beach.  The black sand beach with mounded dunes gave the appearance of being on a different planet.  We did a short 2-hour hike along the mountain range and then onto the black sand beach – one of many highlights was the church and home at our turnaround point.

Stokksnes Beach and Vestrahorn Mountain are known for their dramatic beauty and rich history. Vestrahorn, often called “Batman Mountain” due to its jagged peaks, rises sharply from the coastline, creating a stunning contrast against the black sand dunes of Stokksnes Beach. This area was once a key Viking trading post, and remnants of that history linger in the air as you explore. The beach itself is famous for its reflective wet sands that mirror the towering mountains, making it a favorite spot for photographers.