This beautiful beach in Iceland has hidden dangers (Image: Getty)
Tourists travelling to Iceland may be surprised to learn that one of the most beautiful beaches is also one of the most dangerous.
Reynisfjara, on the south coast of Iceland, became the best beach in Europe in 2023, according to Tripadvisor’s annual ranking, with stunning black sands, basalt pillars and tumbling oceans.
It is home to some of the largest waves in the world, reaching heights of up to 120 feet and these waves can easily sweep people off their feet and out to sea unless you’re careful.
Another danger of the beach is sneaker waves. Sneaker waves (also known as sleeper, king, or rogue waves) are massive coastal waves that appear unexpectedly among smaller ones.
These waves are significantly larger than the others, surging much farther inland. They’re unpredictable and can come at any time.
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Reynisfjara, on the south coast of Iceland, became the best beach in Europe in 2023 (Image: Getty)
As well as being massive and unpredictable, sneaker waves also rise rapidly before hitting the shore, a phenomenon caused by the steep drop-off of the ocean floor near the coast.
This, combined with strong ocean currents, creates extremely hazardous conditions.
If you are knocked off your feet by a wave, then you will quickly be sucked out by the current – and the icy water can send you into hypothermia within a few minutes.
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Sign reminding tourists and visitors of the dangers of sneaker waves (Image: Getty)
The beach also suffers from the danger of rock falls from the cliffs above. As this beach is so dangerous, it has its own traffic light system to allow people to access the beach safely.
When the yellow light is on, visitors must not enter the yellow zone. When the red light is on, visitors must not enter the red zone (stay behind the light sign).
Visitors are strongly advised to stay on the backshore, which offers excellent views of the stunning scenery from a safe distance.
The beach is not manned by lifeguards or coastguard, and conditions are too hazardous for people to be rescued, so this stunning beach is one best viewed from a safe distance.