Diamond Beach is a stop along Ring Road 1 easily accessible by bus, tour, or car. It sits between Hofn and Vik i Myrdal.
The chunks of ice deposited on the beach look like diamonds, and they’re particularly mesmerizing when the sun shines on them.
The best time to visit is during winter and early spring to see a high concentration of icebergs. This coincides with increased glacial activity and calving events.
The Midnight Sun
The icebergs at Diamond Beach shimmer and sparkle in the Midnight Sun, making for one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural phenomena. This alluring sight delivers a magical experience that will never be forgotten, whether you’re seeing it from a secluded campsite tucked away in the middle of nature, a luxurious hotel, or a quaint guesthouse.
The best way to get to Diamond Beach in Iceland is by renting a car and embarking on the road trip of a lifetime along Iceland’s Ring Road. However, visiting the ice lagoon and beach on a guided tour day trip from Reykjavik with a local tour operator is also possible.
Regardless of your option, planning your day trip to Diamond Beach well ahead of time is essential. This is especially true if you want to arrive in time to witness the famous phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, as it happens only on certain days throughout the year.
Lastly, it is essential to note that the ice blocks on the ice beach are incredibly slippery and dangerous, so be careful not to fall. If you slip on one of them, you could be crushed and killed instantly. In addition, some icebergs can flip over if you try to stand on them. It may sound like a silly cartoon scenario, but people have died from this hazard in the past.
The Glacier Lagoon
This spot is referred to as Diamond Beach because the chunks of ice that wash up on the beach look like diamonds, mainly when they reflect sunlight. This is because a glacial river flows out of the Jokulsarlon lagoon into the sea and regularly deposits new chunks of ice on the black sand. The size of the ice blocks varies depending on the time of year, but there is always a lovely range of ‘diamonds’ to see.
The most obvious way to capture the beauty of this unique spot is through a camera lens, and there are some key things to bear in mind when shooting here:
- The best times to shoot are the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, as this soft lighting will enhance the natural beauty of the scenery.
- It’s always good to use a wide-angle lens as this will help convey the grandeur of the icebergs.
- It’s also worth aiming for low-angle shots by getting down on your knees or even lying on the ground, as this will add a dramatic element to your images and make them stand out.
One of the most incredible things about visiting Diamond Beach is that there are often seals chilling out in the lagoon. These adorable creatures are protected here from predators in the open sea and are a common sight around Iceland.
The Black Sand
The Black Sand at Diamond Beach contrasts the glimmering white and blue icebergs that wash ashore. The beach gets its name because the ice chunks look like diamonds scattered across the dark volcanic sand. The black sand is the cooled lava left behind from the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. This is a genuinely mesmerizing natural phenomenon, and you’ll be blown away by how stunning it is to walk through the ice diamonds at this lovely beach.
If you want to experience Diamond Beach in all its glory, the best time to visit is during the winter months. This is when the glacial activity increases, leading to more frequent calving events and icebergs. Plus, you’ll also be able to see the Northern Lights at Diamond Beach in winter!
Diamond Beach is a straightforward destination and can be visited independently by renting a car in Reykjavik and driving along the Diamond Circle route. It’s also possible to book tours that include visiting Diamond Beach and other glacier attractions in Iceland. Just remember that it’s still a pretty remote place, and it can be windy, cold, and rainy. So, be sure to pack a good jacket and comfortable shoes! Also, it’s important to remember that ice is highly slippery.
The Icebergs
The icebergs that cover the beach look like frozen sculptures, creating a mesmerizing sight. They range in size and color, with some glowing a beautiful shade of blue while others are black. The varying hues come from various factors, including the age and oxygen content of the ice. Wandering through the icebergs is like visiting an art gallery, with each trip yielding new and stunning visuals.
The light can transform the scene whether you’re exploring the icebergs in daylight or nighttime. The soft golden light of the early morning or late afternoon is ideal for photos, highlighting the colors and textures of the landscape. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic grandeur of this natural wonder. Alternatively, you can opt for low angles by kneeling or lying on the ground to create a sense of scale in your photos.
While accommodation can’t be found close to Diamond Beach, the location is ideal for those planning to rent a car and take an independent tour of Iceland. Alternatively, you can book a rental car package and visit this fantastic destination as part of a guided group or private tour.
