Iceland's popular Reynisfjara Beach looks almost unrecognisable after heavy erosion and a recent landslide. Visitors can expect reduced access to caves and basalt columns along the shoreline.
Reynisfjara Beach is one of Iceland's most striking natural wonders, known for its black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns and wild, crashing waves. It is a place many travellers dream of visiting for its dramatic beauty and unforgettable coastline. But visitors arriving now may find a scene very different from the photos that made this beach famous. Months of strong winter storms have reshaped the shoreline, leaving parts of Reynisfjara heavily eroded and almost unrecognisable. Areas that were once easy to explore are now damaged or closed for safety. If you are planning a trip soon, here is what you should know about the sudden changes.
After a winter of strong easterly winds, large parts of Reynisfjara have eroded. Reports from weather.com and local media say that a major section beneath Reynisfjall has collapsed, leading authorities to close off some areas for safety. Much of the soft black sand that once covered the shore has washed away. Travellers who visited in late 2025 remember wide stretches of sand and open caves. Today, waves have reached further inland, and large rocks and boulders now cover parts of the beach.
