Black sand beach where glacier ice chunks wash ashore from Jökulsárlón Lagoon, creating striking contrasts under Iceland's coastal light.
Diamond Beach, known locally as Breiðamerkursandur, is a black sand beach on Iceland's South Coast. Ice chunks from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon float onto this shore. Ocean waves shape these ice pieces. You see bright ice against the dark sand. The beach sits directly across the Ring Road from Jökulsárlón. It lies within Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Icebergs in many shapes rest on Diamond Beach. You find small clear pieces and large blue-white structures. These break from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. They float through Jökulsárlón Lagoon before the ocean carries them to the sand. Harbor seals and grey seals swim close to shore. They sometimes rest on floating ice, mainly from autumn to early spring. Orcas hunt herring offshore between November and March. Arctic terns and skuas nest in the area. You can watch these birds and other Icelandic animals here.
Go at sunrise or sunset for soft, golden light. This light makes the ice textures stand out against the black sand. Winter brings strong contrasts under a low sun. Summer gives long twilight hours during the Midnight Sun. Low tide leaves more icebergs stranded on the sand. This creates good photo setups. Bring a tripod for slow shutter speed shots of waves hitting ice. Arrive before 9 AM or after 7 PM for fewer people and deeper colors.
Walk across the road from Diamond Beach to reach Jökulsárlón. This is Iceland's deepest lake, reaching 248 meters. Take a boat tour to move among the icebergs. Amphibian boats operate all year. Faster Zodiac trips run from May to October. Kayaking tours get you very close to the ice. Guides explain how glaciers form. Look for seals swimming in the lagoon's waterways. A café at the site sells hot drinks, soups, and has restrooms.
Winter, from November to March, brings the most icebergs. Glacier ice breaks off more during this time. You might see the Northern Lights. Daytime temperatures average -2°C. Wear warm, waterproof clothes and shoes with good grip. Summer, June to August, has fewer icebergs but more seals and seabirds. Temperatures reach about 15°C. October is usually the rainiest month. Waterproof boots are necessary then. Always check the Icelandic Meteorological Office for aurora updates or storm alerts.
Drive 370 kilometers southeast from Reykjavík on the Ring Road. This takes about five hours. You pass Skógafoss waterfall and Reynisfjara beach near Vík. Winter driving needs a four-wheel-drive vehicle because of ice. Check Road.is for current road status. Strætó Bus 51 travels from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón on weekdays, except Wednesdays. This bus ride lasts six hours. Guided minibus tours from Reykjavík include the beach and other South Coast stops like Skaftafell. Two parking areas serve the beach. Come early to find a spot.
Book a guided ice cave tour from Jökulsárlón. These explore blue ice caves in Vatnajökull glacier from November to March. Hike to Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell, 56 kilometers west. This waterfall has striking basalt columns. Go to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, 12 kilometers away. It is quieter than Jökulsárlón. You can take kayaking or zodiac tours there. Drive 80 kilometers east to Höfn for langoustine at local eateries. Camp at Skaftafell year-round. The campground has showers, kitchens, and views of the glacier.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is 20 minutes west. It has modern rooms and mountain views. Hali Country Hotel lies 13 kilometers away. They serve Arctic char from their own fish farm. Guesthouse Gerði near Höfn or Adventure Hotel Hof in Skaftafell offer lower-cost stays. Reserve rooms three to six months early for summer visits. Camp at Skaftafell. Facilities include showers and laundry. It stays open all year.
Do not climb on icebergs. They can roll over suddenly. Fines for doing this are high. Keep at least 10 meters from the water. Unexpected large waves can pull people into the sea. Wear strong boots for the uneven, slippery sand. Check safetravel.is for active warnings. Restrooms and emergency information are at Jökulsárlón's main parking area. Swimming is forbidden. The water is freezing and has strong currents.
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