Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara beach, which lies between the peninsula of Dyrhólaey and Mount Reynisfjall, is famed for its beauty and striking scenery, although its crashing waves can prove dangerous. Fishermen launched their open boats from the beach in times past, among them the Reverend Jón Steingrímsson, who was a farmer at Hellur in Mýrdalur, and the doctor and naturalist Sveinn Pálsson.

Behind Reynisfjara lies Dyrhólaós, a large brackish lagoon with several rivers and streams flowing into it. The mouth of the estuary closes occasionally, preventing seawater from flowing in, and causing the water level to rise (by up to 1 m). The mudflats in Dyrhólaós provide important feeding grounds for water birds. Migrating birds that pass over Iceland on their way between mainland Europe and Greenland or Canada make use of the flats to nourish themselves on their journey, and mudflats such as these also provide vital nourishment for Icelandic grassland birds when conditions are hard in the spring.

Special Notes About Reynisfjara...

The waves here are highly unpredictable. Even on calm days, powerful and dangerous waves can appear without warning. These waves are far stronger than they look from shore and can quickly knock people down and drag them into the sea.

For your safety, please keep in mind:

• Pay close attention to and respect the warning lights, signs, and barriers in the area.

• The ocean currents are extremely powerful, and survival in the frigid North Atlantic is very unlikely.

• Never ever turn your back on the waves!

• Remain well back from the water, stay above the wet sand line and keep a wide distance from the surf.

• Children must always be supervised closely and never to be left unattended.

Visiting Reynisfjara is done at your own risk. By being here, you accept the natural dangers of the area and agree to act with the utmost caution.

Your safety depends on keeping a safe distance from the sea.