Tucked away in the enchanting landscapes of southern Iceland, lies a hidden gem known as Diamond Beach. Here, nature weaves an extraordinary tale, where sparkling icebergs, like precious jewels, find their resting place on a backdrop of velvety black sands. It’s a place where the sheer wonder of the natural world takes center stage, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty that defines the heart of Iceland’s untamed wilderness.
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What is Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, known locally as “Jökulsárlón Beach,” is a mesmerizing and otherworldly destination located on the southeast coast of Iceland. This unique beach gets its name from the ethereal icebergs that wash ashore, glistening like precious gems on the contrasting black volcanic sand.
At Diamond Beach, visitors are treated to a stunning tableau of nature’s artistry. The beach is an extension of the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is renowned for its crystal-clear glacier water and the magnificent icebergs that float on its surface. These icebergs break away from the tongue of Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, and make their way to the ocean, where the waves sculpt them into intricate and artistic shapes.
Diamond Beach is essentially the outlet of a relatively short yet powerful river that meanders from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the vast expanse of the ocean. Flanking both sides of this river, you’ll find stretches of black volcanic sand beaches. The fascinating interplay of wind, waves, and currents determines where the icebergs accumulate—whether they grace one shore or the other—creating an ever-shifting landscape of natural artistry.
This means there are two separate “Diamond Beaches“, one on each side of the river. Depending on the weather conditions when you visit, you might prefer visiting one beach over the other. In our case, the western beach had significantly more icebergs than the eastern one during our visit.
How to get to Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is located in the southeast of Iceland, at the foot of the Vatnajökull Glacier and National Park. Here are the approximate distances and references from Reykjavik, Hofn, and Diamond Beach:
From Reykjavik to Diamond Beach: Diamond Beach is approximately 375 kilometers (about 233 miles) to the east of Reykjavik. The driving time is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
From Hofn to Diamond Beach: The distance between Hofn and Diamond Beach is approximately 80 kilometers (about 50 miles). The travel time from Hofn to Diamond Beach is significantly shorter, typically around 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Below are the exact locations of both sides of Diamond Beach:
Diamond Beach – Western Side
Diamond Beach – Eastern Side
Parking at Diamond Beach
There are three paid parking lots at Diamond Beach, along with a free one located approximately 600 meters away. Two of these parking lots are on the east side of the stream, and the other two are on the west side.
All these parking lots are shared with the nearby Jokulsarlon Lagoon, and you can easily explore both places on foot once you’ve parked your vehicle. Below you can find the details for all the parking options at Diamond Beach:
1) Jökulsárlón Main Parking (PAID)
This is Jökulsárlón Main Parking area and it is located on the eastern side of the stream. This car park is big and toilets are free of charge.
Parking here costs 1000 ISK (€7 EUR), which can be paid by credit card at automatic machines or via Parka App. TIP: if you park on the same day at Skaftafell, you will pay half of the price at Glacier Lagoon parking (via Parka App).
PLEASE BE AWARE: This parking has cameras at the entrance and the price isn’t displayed before entering. Your license plate is scanned as you approach the entrance road to the parking, even before you enter the actual parking area.
2) Diamond Beach Main Parking (PAID)
This is the main parking area for Diamond Beach, located on the east side of the river. The parking fee – however – is 1000 ISK (€7 EUR), and just as the previous one there are cameras scanning vehicles plates on the entrance road.
3) Jökulsárlón Free Parking (FREE)
This is the most convenient parking for visiting Diamond Beach that is free of charge. It’s located just 700m from Diamond Beach, on the west side of the river, and the walk is stunning as you can explore a section of the Jökulsárlón Lagoon on the way.
4) Alternative carpark to Jökulsárlón (FREE)
This is another free parking situated on the western side of the river. It’s about 1.4km from Diamond Beach, and it’s another great option for those interested in exploring both the beach and the lagoon.
Natural wonders of Diamond Beach
In the enchanting setting of Diamond Beach, you’ll witness a truly marvelous display of nature. Here, you’ll find a breathtaking collection of icebergs that have made their way from the nearby Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. These ice behemoths come in a dazzling variety of shapes and sizes, and they decorate the volcanic black sand with their pristine and jewel-like appearance.
Imagine these massive ice formations resting on the dark shore, glistening in the daylight. These icebergs, like frozen sculptures, bring a touch of magic to this unique beach, creating a scene that’s both captivating and serene.
What influences the presence of Icebergs?
The presence of icebergs at Diamond Beach can vary depending on a few factors:
- Glacial Activity: The best time to witness a high concentration of icebergs at Diamond Beach is during the winter and early spring. This period aligns with increased glacial activity, leading to more frequent calving events. Therefore, visiting between November and April is ideal for those seeking a dramatic display of icebergs.
- Tidal Patterns: High tides can bring icebergs closer to the shore, making them more visible. To take advantage of this, aim to visit during the high tide hours – or just after high tide hous. Tide hours vary each day. You can check local tide schedules on this website to plan your visit accordingly.
- Weather Conditions: While Diamond Beach can be visited throughout the year, it’s advisable to choose a day with calm weather. Strong winds can impact the positioning of icebergs and your overall experience. To maximize your chances of a serene visit, monitor weather forecasts and opt for a day with favorable conditions.
OUR EXPERIENCE: We visited Diamond Beach at the end of September and we still found many Icebergs. However, they weren’t particularly big in size compared to some photos you’ll see across the web.
Best time to visit
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the best time of the year for visiting Diamond Beach is on a calm day between November and April, during high tide.
While these particular times and conditions maximize the chance of seeing big icebergs, Diamond Beach remains a stunning destination accessible year-round. In the summer, you can enjoy the beach under the midnight sun, and in the winter, it becomes an excellent spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
Furthermore, the Diamond Beach landscape undergoes constant transformations, and it can vary significantly from one day to the next. This implies that there are no assurances of spotting beautiful icebergs. You still need to cross your fingers!
Photography tips at Diamond Beach
These are our best photography tips for Diamond Beach:
- Perfect Lighting: The key to capturing the essence of Diamond Beach is timing. The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide a soft, warm light that can transform your photos. The interplay of light and shadows during these times enhances the icebergs’ natural beauty.
- Wide-Angle Wonder: To encompass the entire picturesque scene, opt for a wide-angle lens. It allows you to capture the grandeur of the icebergs against the striking backdrop of the dark volcanic sand. The wide-angle perspective can convey the vastness of the landscape.
- Dramatic Low Angles: Kneel down or even lay on the ground to achieve low angles in your shots. This approach accentuates the icebergs’ size and makes them appear even more majestic against the sand.
- Foreground Interest: To add depth and context to your photographs, consider incorporating nearby elements like smaller ice fragments, pebbles, or interesting rock formations. This creates a visual journey from the foreground to the icebergs and the ocean.
- Tripod Stability: A tripod is an invaluable tool, especially in low-light conditions or when experimenting with long exposures. It stabilizes your camera, preventing blur and ensuring crisp, clear photos.
- Filter Enhancements: Filters can be your allies. A polarizing filter reduces glare on the ice, intensifying their colors. A neutral density filter is beneficial for long exposures, allowing you to capture the ocean’s motion in a dreamy, ethereal way.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety. The waves near Diamond Beach can be unpredictable, so maintain a safe distance from the ocean to avoid any risks.
- Creativity in Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with various angles and compositions. Unconventional viewpoints can yield unique and captivating shots. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone to discover fresh perspectives.
- Savor the Moment: Amidst all the camera settings and creative ideas, remember to savor the beauty of Diamond Beach with your own eyes. Sometimes the best photos come from being present and in the moment.
By combining these elements, you’ll be well-prepared to capture the enchanting allure of Diamond Beach and create photographs that evoke the wonder of this remarkable place.
Nearby attractions
Any visit to Diamond Beach can be combined with:
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Vatnajokull National Park
- Svartifoss Waterfall
- Skaftafell Glacier Hike
- Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Hofn
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Múlagljúfur Canyon
What to bring to Iceland?
If you’re currently packing your backpack or planning your Icelandic adventure, make sure to include the following items:
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.