Though we’d had a glimpse of Reynisfjara’s sea stacks when driving previous, our first correct view was from Vík í Mýrdal (extra generally known as simply Vik), the southernmost village in Iceland.
Reynisfjara is the title given to the seashore that stretches for a distance of roughly two miles, while the massive basalt sea stacks that rise as much as 66m above sea degree are literally referred to as Reynisdrangar. It’s probably the most well-known seashore in Iceland and is made up of black sand and pebbles because of all of the volcanic rock and sediment within the space. Because the crow flies, it’s most likely solely 3-4 kilometres from Vik, however by highway – as a result of it’s a must to drive inland and again out once more to get there – it’s extra like 11 kilometres away.
Framed by dramatic basalt cliffs with geometric columns, this wild stretch of North Atlantic shoreline is probably the most well-known seashore in Iceland. It’s so otherworldly that it’s a preferred alternative for sci-fi films; it featured in Star Trek: Into Darkness and was used to characterize the planet Eadu within the Rogue One Star Wars film.
Within the distance, on the western finish of the seashore, we might see the small peninsula of Dyrhólaey the place there’s a pure arch. Entry to the realm is restricted throughout Might and June because of the nesting season however, within the Summer time, it’s an incredible place to see puffins.
On the seashore west of Mount Reynisfjall is the cave Hálsanefshellir, the place placing columnar basalt formations could be seen. In case you’ve ever explored the Scottish islands, you could have seen related formations at Fingal’s Cave on Staffa Island.
Columnar basalt is fashioned when magma cools slowly and cracks into columns, normally hexagonal, because the floor space decreases. The columns at all times stand perpendicular to the cooling floor and could be horizontal, spreading out from the centre, or vertical.
The various types of the columns are maybe because of this being a cross-section of an historic volcano, as dykes, small magma chambers and lava sills could be discovered amongst different rock formations.
Legend has it that the three Reynisdrangar sea stacks have been previously two trolls dragging a three-mast ship in the direction of the shore at night time. By dawn that they had not been profitable and so turned to stone. Nearest the land is Landdrangur, the primary troll, Langsamur is the ship is within the center (which you’ll be able to see higher within the footage from Vik – from the seashore it’s is obscured by the primary stack), and Háidrangur (or Skessudrangur) is the troll on the rear.
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While the surroundings and geology are spectacular, don’t anticipate finding the seashore to your self. Admittedly we have been there in the course of the day through the season, however there have been a number of coaches within the automobile park and we have been fortunate to discover a parking area.
And please, please take discover of the warning indicators… this can be a really harmful place. In case you have a look at a map and go due south from Reynisfjara, you’ll discover that there’s no landmass till you attain Antarctica. Nothing in any respect! With no obstacles between the southern polar continent and this stretch of southern Icelandic shoreline, smaller waves can coalesce and mix their vitality to create what are referred to as sneaker waves.
Regardless of the indicators and loads of information stories about lives misplaced on this very seashore, I despaired at seeing younger youngsters near the water’s edge, not paying consideration, as large waves got here crashing down. Who of their proper thoughts let’s their youngsters do that?!
The warnings are there for good purpose. The ocean ground is claimed to drop a steep 8 metres proper the place the waves break. So, should you do get swept off your toes and dragged out a bit, don’t assume you’ll have the ability to rapidly get up once more.
Please don’t be a kind of those who will get caught out and dragged out to sea; you’ll not solely be placing your personal life in peril, however probably the lives of others who could or could not select to attempt to come to your rescue. Fortunately this younger little one didn’t get dragged out however, just a few extra metres nearer the ocean, and it might have been a really completely different story.
In case you wanted any extra convincing, take a look at this somewhat alarming video from Finistère in Brittany to know why you shouldn’t under-estimate the ability of sneaker waves.
On the similar time, don’t let one thing like this put you off visiting and having fun with Reynisfjara seashore. It’s a lovely place – you merely must excercise warning. There is no such thing as a have to be on the water’s edge, or certainly strolling over moist sand – stand again and luxuriate in from afar. The view is simply the identical!
Planning a visit to Iceland your self? You possibly can watch a video from our journey to Iceland right here. You possibly can fleetingly see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks between 3m 44s and 3m 49s and 4m 23s to 4m 28s:
Disclosure: Our journey to Iceland was additionally sponsored by Helly Hansen.
