Iceland is a country of stunning natural landscapes, from volcanic craters to massive glaciers. One of its most iconic sites is the Diamond Beach, located on the southern coast near the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. If you’re travelling around Europe and looking for an incredible natural wonder, Diamond Beach is a must-see.
An Overview of Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, also known as Breiðamerkursandur, sits on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park. It’s a black sand beach where icebergs wash ashore after breaking off from a nearby glacier. These icebergs glisten like diamonds on the black sand, which is how the beach got its name.
Diamond Beach offers a breathtaking scene, especially at sunrise and sunset when the lighting illuminates the icebergs. It’s become one of Iceland’s top attractions, though it still feels remote and unspoiled without massive crowds.
The beach is accessible from the Ring Road that circles Iceland, making it easy to visit during a road trip. It’s about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik or 2.5 hours from the popular town of Vik.
The Glaciers That Feed Diamond Beach
To understand how Diamond Beach formed, you need to know about the powerful glaciers located at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. The icebergs at Diamond Beach originate from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull ice cap.
Vatnajökull is the largest ice cap in Europe at over 8,000 sq km in area. Breiðamerkurjökull is one of its outlet glaciers, meaning it’s fed by the main ice cap. As it flows towards the ocean, pieces break off into Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon adjacent to the beach.
These icebergs float around the lagoon before drifting out towards the ocean. The tides and waves then wash the icebergs ashore at Diamond Beach, just a few hundred meters away. It’s a constant cycle that replenishes the beach with new ice.
When to Visit Diamond Beach
One of the best parts of Diamond Beach is that it’s accessible year-round. Summer offers the mildest weather and the longest days, though you’ll be sharing the beach with more tourists. If solitude is a priority, visit in the early spring, autumn, or winter.
No matter when you visit, make time to see the beach at sunrise or sunset. Not only are the lights soft and beautiful during these times, but there are fewer crowds. You’ll have a front row seat to the glowing icebergs dotting the black sand.
While summer has milder weather, winter brings the chance to see the Northern Lights above Diamond Beach. Bundle up and come after dark to scout for the colourful auroras dancing across the night sky. Just make sure to take caution when walking on icy areas during the winter.
Getting to Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach sits right off Iceland’s Ring Road, around halfway between the towns of Vik and Höfn. It’s about a 370 km drive east from Reykjavik, making it very accessible on a road trip.
If you don’t have a rental car, there are day tour buses that will take you from Reykjavik or nearby towns. Some tour companies also offer Super Jeep excursions from Vik. Another option is joining a multi-day guided tour of the South Coast that incorporates a stop at Diamond Beach.
Once at the beach, a parking lot provides easy access. There are no entry fees or tickets needed, just make sure not to cross any safety barriers or warning signs.
What to Do at Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is all about appreciating the natural scenery in peace and calm. Here are the best things to do during your visit:
- Walk along the shoreline, admiring the contrast of the black sand and blue icebergs. Be cautious of sudden waves and keep back from the water.
- Photograph the diverse shapes and textures of the icebergs. Experiment with lighting angles at sunset and sunrise.
- Look for seals swimming offshore or lounging on the icebergs near the water. Keep your distance and respect wildlife.
- Stop into the café near the parking lot for a hot drink while you take in the views.
- Spot the glacier tongue of Breiðamerkurjökull in the distance. You can take a boat tour from the Jökulsárlón parking lot next door for an up-close view.
- Let your mind wander and soak up the remote atmosphere. Enjoy the lack of urban noise and distraction.
Safety Tips
While beautiful, Diamond Beach does come with inherent dangers to know about. Stay aware of your surroundings and heed the following tips:
- Never climb onto the icebergs, especially if they are partly in the water. Sudden waves can flip them and pull you out to sea.
- Keep back from the water’s edge and watch for rogue waves that run farther up the beach.
- Dress appropriately for cold weather, even during the summer, and wear shoes with traction for walking on wet sand.
- Follow warning signs and don’t cross barriers meant to keep visitors at a safe viewing distance.
- Supervise children closely as the water can come in rapidly.
By respecting safety advice, you’ll be able to safely enjoy the natural wonder of Diamond Beach. Always pay attention to warning signs posted for current conditions.
Other Nearby Attractions
Diamond Beach sits right next to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, so make sure to visit both on the same day. You can book a boat tour from the parking lot to sail among the icebergs floating in the lagoon. It offers a different vantage point than standing onshore.
The Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon is another nearby spot to visit, located about 20 minutes east. Here you’ll find far fewer tourists and just as many dazzling icebergs.
If you have more time, drive 30 minutes back towards Vik to walk among the sea stacks and black sand at Reynisfjara Beach. The two beaches make for a great contrasting pair.
Other recommended stops nearby include Skaftafell Nature Reserve, the fishing village of Höfn, and the rocky cliffs and arches of Dyrhólaey. Simply drive along Iceland’s Ring Road and you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous sights.
The Future of Diamond Beach
One downside of Diamond Beach’s beauty is that it may not last forever. As climate change accelerates, Breiðamerkurjökull and other glaciers from Vatnajökull have started rapidly retreating.
It’s unclear exactly how long Diamond Beach will continue receiving new icebergs. Visitors in the near future can still enjoy its incredible scenery, but one day the icebergs may stop coming altogether.
While a natural process, the retreat of the glaciers also highlights the impacts humans are having on the environment. Hopefully, seeing incredible places like Diamond Beach in person will inspire visitors to protect and conserve Iceland’s magical landscapes.
Experience Diamond Beach’s Glacial Wonders
For travellers road-tripping around Iceland, Diamond Beach is one of those places they simply must visit. Its stark scenery evokes a sense of wonder, with icebergs scattered across black sand like diamonds glinting in the sun.
Just remember to respect safety advice when getting close to the water and icebergs. By using caution, you’re sure to have an amazing time at one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural attractions.
So get out there and see it soon, before climate change further alters Iceland’s sensitive glacial landscapes. At Diamond Beach, you’ll witness the incredible power of nature and come away with memories to last a lifetime
