On Iceland’s South Coast, see the magnificent Diamond Beach Island, a black volcanic sand beach near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Then, as you stroll through diamond-shaped ice washed ashore from the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, you’ll be transported to another universe.

Take a walk next to the famed Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to Diamond Beach, where blue, black, translucent, and white icebergs sparkle like diamonds as you weave your way amongst them. Prepare to be astonished by Iceland’s most popular beach!

The icebergs on the shore are formed by the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, a glacial tongue of Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajokull. The beach is known in Icelandic as Breidamerkursandur (sandur meaning sand), and most Icelanders are unfamiliar with the moniker Diamond Beach since it is exclusively used in English.

Distinctive Aspects of The Diamond Beach Island

One of the most distinctive aspects of the beach is that it never looks the same. Even if you came the day before, the beach would have altered the next day drastically. The natural ice sculptures, the icebergs, will have reformed, melted, and been replaced by new ones. Many icebergs are over 1,000 years old and began their journey across the great lagoon as massive ice slabs. 

Smaller bergs are now enjoying their last moments before crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. Diamond Shore gets its name from the glistening icebergs on the beach. In recent years, earning a diamond-on-Diamond Beach has been a favorite proposal location!

Like the Arctic Tern and the Great Skua, many of Iceland’s most well-known species breed on Diamond Beach Island. It is also designated as a national conservation area.

Diamond Beach may be reached in one day from Reykjavik in the summer, but owing to the restricted sunshine in the winter, a minimum 2-day journey is recommended. We provide a variety of trips that take you to Diamond Beach, which is undoubtedly one of the top ten things to see while visiting Iceland restaurants.

Why is it called Diamond Beach?

The name of this beach is because of the icebergs and glaciers around it that are glistening and the sparkle of them is just like a pure diamond. These icebergs are famous only because you can see the sparkle from a distance. The tourists started coming here a while ago until this place was a hidden spot. Unlike crowded places, it is clean and a wonderful place to go. The name is just like the view you are going to get from the campsite. 

Can you see the Northern Lights from Diamond beach?

Yes, but in winters because there is less pollution and there is a lot of visibility. From here, you can spot the Northern Lights. It could be a little tricky but with the headlight or a torch, you will be able to find the way. You can also check the forecasts through which you know whether you will see them or not. 

What is the location of the diamond beach?

The distance between Reykjavik and Diamond Beach is around 372 kilometers, and the journey time (without stops) is approximately 5 hours. It is situated in the municipality of Hornafjordur fjord, just outside the Vatnajokull National Park but not inside it.

It is just a few minutes walks from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon’s parking area and cannot be overlooked. However, be cautious while crossing Road 1 from the lagoon since automobiles often travel at high speeds.

How Do I Get to Diamond Beach?

It is simple to go to Diamond Beach Island. You may take a tour, take a bus, or hire a vehicle. The main drawback is around 5 hours from Reykjavik and 6 hours from Keflavik International Airport. If you want to go to the beach, we suggest doing it over at least two days. You may stay the night in the neighborhood or join a tour where the driver will take care of the transportation, so you don’t have to. There are many things to do in Iceland.

The grand at diamond beach is directly off Highway 1, so getting there is the least of your concerns. Go onto Road 1 and continue your way. It’s difficult to overlook!

What shouldn’t you do on the diamond beach?

Please do not litter! That is a clean location, and we should not rely on the ocean to keep it that way. So please assist us in keeping it clean!

Do not enter the water! The water may seem harmless, and the beach may appear to be broad enough for you to escape easily, but if the waves develop power, even the finest swimmer will be unable to escape.

Do not sit on the icebergs closest to the water! The icebergs seem to be extremely difficult while onshore, but a quick wave may draw them back into the ocean while you are posing on the ice piece, and you can be swept away by the sea. That might be a life-threatening condition.

Don’t miss out on the Jökulsárlón beach glacier lagoon. It’s simply a few blocks away. You must complete both tasks; it is a two-in-one! You can do CAMPING AT THE DIAMOND BEACH.

Hotels and accommodation near the diamond beach

There are several wonderful lodging alternatives around Diamond Beach Island. The ones with the highest rating are listed below.

Hotels

• Reynivellir

• Glacier Lagoon Fosshotel

• Hof Adventure Hotel (Hof 1 Hotel)

• Skaftafell Hotel

• Hali Country Inn

Hostels

• HI Hostel Vagnstair

  • B&Bs and guesthouses
  • George’s Guesthouse
  • Skyrhsi Guest House

• Bed and Breakfast in Kálfafellsstadur

Campground at diamond beach

Diamond Beach Island is a beautiful, lonely spot, surrounded by glaciers and black sand. You wouldn’t think there would be any camping spots here, yet there are. A charming tiny woodland with camping amenities may be found near the oasis of Skaftafell.

Safety at the Diamond beach:

For travelers, the most important thing is to find a safe spot where you can relax and enjoy the time. Whether you are a solo traveler or in a group, your safety is highly important. The best part about Diamond beach is that you can go everywhere around it and even explore the sea. There are no big waves to worry about and all things considered, it is a wonderful place. There are a lot of icebergs here so travelers are not allowed to go there as there are sharp edges and a lot of slippery surfaces. You can even slip and go under the water so under no circumstances the travelers are allowed to do this. There is a travelers zone where they can enjoy camping and witness the beauty without any danger. 

Winter at the diamond beach

In every season, but particularly in winter, The Diamond is a wonderfully lovely site to visit. Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon fills up with massive icebergs that drop to the shore on a grander scale, adding to the scene’s authenticity and staying true to its name. During the winter, huge slabs of ice beach may be larger than the typical human, sometimes even twice as large!

There are no boat trips available at the glacier lagoon currently, but it makes little difference to your experience since the icebergs are closer in every manner, and you view them closer than in the summer.

The beach is extremely secluded and free of light pollution; thus, it may be an excellent location for seeing the Northern Lights. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather, bundle up, and carry a flashlight/headlight.

FAQ about Diamond Beach

WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE DIAMOND BEACH?

Jökulsárlón is in Southeast Iceland, about 4-5 hours from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. The beach is part of Breiamerkursandur, a glacier outwash plain produced in recent millennia by the adjacent glaciers Breiamerkurjökull, Fjallsjökull, and Hrtárjökull.

What is the best way to travel to Diamond Beach in Iceland?

The easiest method to get to Diamond Beach Island is renting a vehicle and driving yourself. First, go out of Reykjavik on Route 1, often known as the Ring Road, and south. As previously said, the journey through the Ring Road might take up to 5 hours or more, depending on your goals.

Is it possible to swim in Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach Island, also known as the “jewel of the coast” by locals, is located on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, about a three-hour drive north of Sydney. Diamond Beach’s neighboring beach, Black Head, is only around the corner, and here people may also surf, kayak, and swim in the local rock pool.

Is Diamond Beach included in the Golden Circle?

It has it all: the Golden Circle, the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the Vatnajökull Glacier (the largest in Europe), Skaftafell, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the gorgeous coastal town of Vk, Reynisfjara’s black sand beaches, and a glacier climb.

Is it possible to visit Diamond Beach during the summer?

Don’t worry; Diamond Beach is spectacular all year. In the summer, the midnight sun means you may go at 2 a.m. and perhaps have the place to yourself! The Northern Lights may appear in the winter, reflected in the ice and on the sea, offering once-in-a-lifetime spectacles.