Icelandic meteorological authorities have issued a warning for strong winds on Breiðamerkursandur, the vast glacial outwash plain located between Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the sea. This black sand area is one of the most visited photography locations in Iceland, home to the famous Diamond Beach where ice chunks wash ashore.
Why This Matters for Photographers
Breiðamerkursandur and Diamond Beach are iconic shooting locations that attract photographers year-round. Strong winds on this exposed coastal plain pose serious risks: sand and grit carried by the wind can scratch and damage camera lenses, filters, and sensor covers within minutes. Beyond gear damage, high winds can make it physically dangerous to stand on the open beach or near the water’s edge, where rogue waves are already a known hazard. Drone operations in strong wind conditions may also be unsafe or impossible.
What To Do
- Check the latest forecast on vedur.is before heading to Breiðamerkursandur or Diamond Beach.
- Keep all camera gear in your bag until you are ready to shoot, and return it immediately after each shot.
- Use a UV or clear protective filter on your lenses to shield the front element from airborne sand.
- Consider postponing your visit until the wind warning is lifted — conditions can change quickly in Iceland.
- Do not fly drones during high-wind warnings; this is both unsafe and may violate operational limits.
- Wear appropriate windproof clothing and maintain safe distances from the shoreline where wave danger is elevated.
- Monitor road and beach access updates via road.is in case conditions lead to closures.
Source: RÚV English