Landowners at Reynisfjara black sand beach activated their emergency response plan on 14 October 2025 following exceptionally high and dangerous waves that arrived earlier than forecasts had indicated. A road closure checkpoint was set up at 15:30 near the farm turn-off at Garðar, and personnel were stationed at the lower car park, which was considered at risk of flooding. Several visitors on the beach were caught by a large breaking wave, though nobody was injured.
Why this matters for photographers
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most visited photography locations, and autumn storms frequently produce larger swells than forecasts suggest. Landowner Ragnhildur Hrund Jónsdóttir told RÚV that wave heights do not always materialise as predicted — but on this occasion they did, and the checkpoint was activated only after conditions had already become dangerous. Photographers arriving in October should treat any active storm as a reason to check conditions before approaching the beach, even if an official warning has not yet been issued.
What photographers should do
- Check vedur.is for wave height and storm forecasts before driving to Reynisfjara, and be prepared to turn back if conditions change on arrival.
- Respect any checkpoint or access restriction put in place by landowners — these can be activated quickly when wave heights are rising.
- Stay well back from the water’s edge at all times; sneaker waves at Reynisfjara can reach areas that appear safe, including the lower car park.
Reynisfjara’s surf-driven waves give no reliable visual warning before they break far up the beach. Keep a safe distance and never turn your back on the sea, regardless of how calm conditions appear between sets.
For full guidance, see our Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Photography Guide.
Source: RÚV English — https://www.ruv.is/english/2026-10-15-emergency-plan-activated-yesterday-over-dangerous-waves-at-reynisfjara-489975/