Tourists Warned About Iceland’s Deadly Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Many travelers are attracted to the raw and untouched landscapes of Iceland. However, one particular location on the south coast is extremely popular, but also known to be deadly. With its basalt cliffs, sea stacks, black sand, birdlife and the raw power of the ocean Reynisfjara black sand beach is on top of most visitors’ itineraries. However, it is the said raw power of the ocean that is so dangerous to visitors.

Take care on Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland

There is no doubt that Reynisfjara, near the village of Vik, is a stark and beautiful place to visit. However, visitors have lost their lives here due to what is called sneaker waves that carried them out to sea. Sneaker waves are well-named as this natural phenomenon occurs when several smaller waves combine to suddenly create one huge, unexpected wave.

This type of wave can be caused elsewhere by ocean currents. However, in Reynisfjara’s case, an underground cliff just offshore adds to the pulling effect of the wave. Here, sneaker waves come in much further than normal waves and are incredibly powerful. In fact, they can quickly sweep an adult out to sea. Once out there, find it extremely difficult to return to the shore. Meanwhile, with water temperatures just above freezing, hypothermia quickly sets in, leading to fatalities.

New safety measures to be instituted

The most recent death from sneaker waves at Reynisfjara happened last month, making it the fifth fatality in seven years. Due to this authorities are discussing whether to close the beach completely, or implement safety measures.

Euronews quotes Perla Magnúsdóttir, a guide who regularly takes visitors to the black sand beach, as saying:

Reynisfjara has the whole package – stunning basalt columns, beautiful lava formations, the black sands and lovely views of sea stacks, glaciers and bird cliffs.

She said if visitors are lucky in the summer. they might even see puffins flying over the area.

Authorities taking precautions to protect travelers

Meanwhile, according to data from Visit South Iceland, around 133,000 travelers visited Reynisfjara in the first half of 2022. Currently, there are a number of signs on the path to the beach that state the danger of the waves. However, following the most recent fatality, authorities have decided to take additional precautions.

Several signs on the path to Reynisfjara state the danger of waves, which are hard to miss. But after the most recent death, authorities decided additional measures were needed. Plans are to install a new light system next to the existing signs at the parking lot and on the path to Reynisfjara. Meanwhile, a new camera system will also be installed to monitor the area.

Color-coded system to be added

The Icelandic Road Administration has used police incident reports to calculate what wave height poses the biggest risk to visitors. From this, the danger will be color-coded with green, yellow and red to indicate the threat posed by the waves.

Stefán Friðrik Friðriksson, a project manager with Visit South Iceland spoke about the new system. He said they are hopeful that the new lighting system, as an add-on to the existing signs, will prevent tourists from entering dangerous areas. He added:

It’s good that these measures have been taken to ensure safety in Reynisfjara.

Close calls at Reynisfjara

The various tour guides have witnessed many close calls at Reynisfjara, including Perla. She said she has seen cameras, hats and backpacks taken out to sea, along with many wet and cold feet. She added:

I have also seen a lot of people in shock since these sneaker waves don’t give any signal before coming much closer inshore.

A few weeks ago, I managed to rescue one woman after she fell and a wave got to her. She started laughing since she didn’t understand the seriousness of the matter.

Some Icelandic government officials have advocated for the beach to be closed to visitors when waves are at their most dangerous. Minister of Tourism Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir told Icelandic news outlet Vísir last month that they can’t face this situation for much longer.

“One of the things which we can do is close Reynisfjara, but temporarily,” she said. Meanwhile, Alfreðsdóttir did add that no one is planning to close the black sand beach completely. However, it should be closed when the tides are at a point that can prove deadly.

Guide adds her own warnings

Meanwhile, Magnúsdóttir is hopeful the new system will get the attention of visitors, as well as her own personal warnings.

“I think it is a good idea to try some safety system instead of closing the place altogether – like some people have been suggesting,” said Perla.

While guides warn their groups of the dangers at Reynisfjara, many tourists travel alone without a guide. Perla says she is normally an easygoing guide, but before she takes visitors to the beach, she turns into a “super strict person,” adding:

I tell my guests to forget everything that they know about how to behave on a ‘normal’ beach. I explain that they can never turn their back against the sea, and they should always keep a few meters between them and the sea and be on the lookout for the so-called sneaker waves.

The guide said she also warns visitors when she spots them getting too close to the waves and blows a loud whistle to warn them.

Perla added that locals and visitors alike need to respect the power of nature. Meanwhile, guides will find new ways to protect visitors so they can enjoy it in a safe and respectful way.