The reputation of Diamond Beach has spread far and wide. This stretch of shoreline in south east Iceland is a must for tourists visiting this corner of the country. If you’re staying at Hotel Jökulsárlón, then it’s definitely a must-see. Here’s how to discover the magic of Diamond Beach.
What is Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand beach which sits just to the south of Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. That’s not its Icelandic name; locals refer to it as Fellsfjara and also Breiðamerkursandur. But whatever you call it, this is one place you need to see for yourself next time you’re in Iceland.
Why diamonds?
The diamonds to which its nickname refer aren’t gemstones, of course, but chunks of ice which glitter in the sunshine. They vary a lot: some are completely clear, while others have an appealing blue or turquoise. The latter contrasts especially well against the black sand and the colour really pops.
Regardless of appearance, these icebergs calve from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier throughout the year and litter the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. They bob around for a bit but eventually the current washes them along a narrow channel and out to sea. However, the icebergs don’t stay there for long. Instead, onshore waves wash them up onto the beach where they sit on the dark sand.
This is what sets Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon apart and makes it so special. The ocean continues to play with them. Breakers crash over the chunks of ice, sending foamy spray high into the air, and nudge them around on the beach. In the process, the water smoothes and sculpts them into a variety of shapes. Eventually, they dissolve into the sand and make way for the next ones to come and take their place.
What facilities are there on the beach?
This isn’t a highly developed stretch of coastline and Diamond Beach, despite its appeal to visitors, remains untouched. Aside from a sizeable car park, the place is pretty much just as nature created it, enabling the constantly changing seascape to be the star of the show. No two days are the same, as the icebergs on the beach come and go.
However, you only have to walk back beside the channel that leads under the main road to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to find them. There, you’ll find a handful of tour operators who’ll arrange amphibian and Zodiac boat tours of the lagoon as well as places where you can get something to eat and drink.
What time of year should you visit Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is a year-round destination, so a visit at any time is a good idea. Summer days here are typically milder than during the rest of the year, so you won’t need to bundle up in so many layers. However, it can also be more crowded here in summer and you’ll need to share the view.
At this time of year, you’ll want to come earlier or later in the day to miss the tour groups, which is easily possible if you’re staying with us. You can pop back at different times of the day (or evening) and see how the beach changes. At the height of summer it barely gets dark at all, so you can even visit after dinner if you like.
Nevertheless, winter’s low light and comparatively fewer visitors makes this a place that’s arguably at its best in the off-season. Outside those peak summer months, if you’re lucky enough to experience clear skies Diamond Beach is a magical place. During the soft light of sunrise or sunset, the pastel-hued colour palette is nothing short of extraordinary. Position yourself correctly and the icebergs glow yellow as the sunlight passes through the translucent ice.
You might need to wait a little while for the skies to clear, but if you are here during sunny days, Diamond Beach looks utterly exquisite. Spring and autumn are also good bets, with longer hours of daylight to play with and better odds of good weather. Watch the waves as they break dramatically and photogenically over the icebergs and drag the sand into myriad patterns.
Night time visits are also recommended
If you’ve booked a stay at the Hotel Jökulsárlón between late August and mid-April, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if it’s not cloudy, also that of possible solar activity. Diamond Beach – and Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon itself – is a super place to come if you hope to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the dark skies and easy access.
The icebergs on the beach make more suitable subjects for foreground interest than those on the lagoon as they tend not to move too much. With a sturdy tripod and some patience, you can take some amazing photographs of the green and purple ribbons and curtains of the aurora borealis here.
Staying safe at Diamond Beach
As with the rest of the Icelandic coastline (except perhaps Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach in Iceland), this isn’t a place to get into the water. Save your swimsuit for a soak in one of the country’s many luxury spas, geothermal baths or hot springs. They’re much safer, and much more relaxing.
The sea here can be a brute. The water can be icy cold, even in summer, and the long fetch that characterises the waves at this location means that it’s not a suitable place to go for a swim. Strong currents make it dangerous, so observe the ocean from a safe distance and stay out of the water.
As well, it’s sensible to always think about what might happen if a powerful wave unexpectedly washes in. Make sure that wherever you’re standing, when the water smashes into the larger icebergs you aren’t in the way. Potentially, either could knock you off your feet. There’s a good chance that they’ll topple or slide around. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times and never turn your back on the ocean.
How do you get to Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is situated on Iceland’s ring road, Route 1, a tarmacked road in good condition. Though it’s about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik, it’s just fifteen minutes or so from Hotel Jökulsárlón which is a little further east. Coming from that direction, you’ll need to cross the single lane bridge at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon.
Then, look for a turn off on the left. There’s plenty of parking spaces on this side of the road, even when those at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon are full. If you have parked across the road, a footpath leads from Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, crosses under the bridge and deposits you onto Diamond Beach.
As you can see, Diamond Beach is definitely a place that you should include in your Iceland trip planning. Book a stay with us at Hotel Jökulsárlón and you’ll be well-placed to experience it – we’re sure it won’t disappoint!