Sea glass beaches in Iceland

Seltjarnarnes / Grótta shore

The end of this shore is a nature reserve, closed by law from 1 May to 15 July for the nesting terns. The ban on entering Grótta and the spit is a real one, and since 1 July 2026 the bay of Seltjörn just south of it is closed until 31 July as well. Outside those dates the shore is open to everyone. Work the stony foreshore along the coastal path rather than the island: the glass sits between the pebbles, mostly white, seafoam and bottle green. Expect a few pieces on a good tide, not a haul. Take the glass and leave the stones and the sand. That is the rule everywhere in Iceland, and it is the one people break.