Knot Waste

Our South Coast coach trip from Reykjavík stopped at Vík í Mýrdalbefore continuing to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of Iceland’s most dramatic natural landscapes. We passed Vík’s distinctive hilltop church, Víkurkirkja, which also serves as an evacuation point in the event of an eruption of the nearby Katla volcano and the potentially devastating glacial floods that could follow. At Reynisfjara, the black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks reveal Iceland’s powerful volcanic and coastal geology; the distinctive hexagonal columns formed as ancient lava cooled and contracted. In February 2026, powerful waves, persistent easterly winds and coastal erosion dramatically reshaped the beach, washing away large areas of black sand and changing access to the famous basalt formations.

⚠️ A warning for visitors: Reynisfjara is as dangerous as it is beautiful. The beach is famous for unpredictable sneaker waves. These are unusually large waves that can suddenly surge much further up the shore than the waves before them, formed by the way powerful ocean swells interact as they approach the beach. Never turn your back on the sea, stay well away from the water’s edge and always follow the warning lights, signs and local guidance. Conditions can change quickly and become dangerous.

Read our Article: What Does Nature Connection Mean? Learn how to lower stress and improve your mental health.