As soon as you do any research on which sites to visit in Iceland you will come across photos and information on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (Jökulsárlón), and its neighboring Diamond Beach. It’s just inevitable! Here is our complete guide to the magnificent sparkling beach.
Even though it’s located about six hours away from the capital, Diamond Beach still manages to be one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and for very good reasons. Jökulsárlón is an enormous lagoon filled with huge chunks of ice that have broken free from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of the famous Vatnajökull (the largest icecap in Europe). You can even take a boat tour on the lagoon and sail among the massive icebergs!
As soon as you do any research on which sites to visit in Iceland you will come across photos and information on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (Jökulsárlón), and it's neighboring Diamond Beach. It’s just inevitable!
The icebergs floating in the lagoon range in color from deep blue to bright white, and brilliant turquoise shades, they slowly melt and make their way down to the ocean, before they reach the Atlantic Ocean they often come to a stop at an amazingly beautiful black beach, the name of this beach is Breiðamerkursandur, although, it is certainly better known by its nickname, the aforementioned Diamond Beach. Seeing the icebergs sit on the black sand where they glint under the Icelandic Midnight sun, creates a truly unique setting.
Where is Diamond Beach? It is located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast of Iceland.
The Diamond Beach is located just across from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about 370 km from Reykjavík and about 80 km from Höfn. The drive from Reykjavík will take about 5 hours without stopping, but only about 1 hour from Höfn, again, without a stop.
If you are looking to enjoy the drive from Reykjavík, it is, though, recommended to spend 2-3 days on the south coast, especially in winter when the daylight is extremely limited.
Your options for getting to Diamond beach are:
The Diamond beach during winter
The name comes from the glistening icebergs which sit on the beach after they have floated around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The icebergs first start off as enormous blocks of ice which have separated themselves from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and dropped into the glacier lagoon.
The name of the glacier that these icebergs originate from is Breiðamerkurjökull, and this is why the beach is actually called Breiðamerkursandur in Icelandic. It wasn’t until tourists started coming here and really taking the time to admire this staggeringly beautiful natural phenomenon that the name, The Diamond Beach caught on. So, you can actually say that the name is Breiðamerkursandur but the nickname is The Diamond Beach!
The Diamond Beach from above
In winter the Diamond Beach is quite a good place to spot the northern lights because there is very little light pollution, however, this is also what makes it a bit tricky. You will need to wear a headlight or use a torch to make your way around the area, and, also, to take care to park your car in one of the designated and well-marked parking spaces. The northern lights forecast can be checked at vedur.is, or you could ask at your accommodation.
Icebergs at Diamond beach
Anytime of the year!
The only difference is that it’s more challenging getting there in winter, the light is more limited, and you will need warmer clothing, scenery-vise any season is stunning!
The Diamond beach aerial view
If you are searching for an AirBnB the best search locations to enter would be Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Jokulsarlon or Hofn. You can find also find some hostels and guesthouses at Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Hofn, or even out in the countryside, we can also recommend the Gerdi Guesthouse, it gets good reviews!
Other options would be camping sites, both Kirkjubæarklaustur and Höfn have excellent camping sites. This is the cheapest option and great for summer travelers!
There aren’t many options for eating close to the beach or the lagoon. There is one café right at the parking lot but other options are at Höfn or in the Skaftafell National Park.
At Höfn
In Skaftafell Area
At Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Specific information on what to bring is included on the dedicated tour page. However, we generally find that you can never bring enough warm and waterproof clothing, especially in the winter. We also recommend sturdy hiking shoes and a camera, along with things that are season specific, like sunscreen and sunglasses.
Diamond Beach is totally safe, as long as you treat it with respect! Unlike Reynisfjara Beach, renowned for its dangerous ‘sneaker waves’, Diamond Beach is not known for waves that drag unwitting tourists out to sea. However, there are a number of risks that you should be aware of during your time there.
The primary hazard is the icebergs themselves. They should never be climbed upon, no matter how good the Instagram photo might be. The icebergs are slippery and you might fall and hurt yourself; their sharp edges have the potential to cause significant injuries.
The risk increases exponentially if the iceberg is in the water, because it might flip over and trap you underneath it or get dragged out to sea with you on top of it. Climbing on the icebergs will also net you significant fines. These fines are rigorously imposed by local authorities to prevent visitors from breaking the rules and putting themselves at risk.
Tour at the Black Diamond beach
