Glistening blue icebergs scattered across ebony black sands await travelers who wish to journey to Diamond Beach, Iceland.
Every step you take invites a dramatic moment that you won’t soon forget. With abundant beauty at every turn, it’s easy to see why people flock to this glacier beach. Iceland has many attractions that need to be explored, and Diamond Beach is definitely in the top ten.
Before you pack your traveling gear, we’re going to explain how to enjoy Diamond Beach, Iceland, fully.
What is Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach, or as it’s known to the locals in Icelandic, Breiðamerkursandur, is an ice beach that earned its moniker due to the shimmering icebergs that contrast against the black sands.
These icebergs make their way from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, glide through Jökulsárlón ice beach until they end up at the sandy black Diamond Beach. Iceland has many wonders to behold, and this location hosts many that beg to be photographed.
Why Should You Visit Diamond Beach?
If you’re looking to witness natural phenomena such as an ice beach, Iceland has you covered. Teeming with opportunities for exploration and adventure, there are several reasons why you would want to grab a Diamond Beach Iceland map and experience this locale.
Natural Beauty
An exciting aspect of Diamond Beach is that its topography can change from day to day. As the icebergs shift, melt, and reform, this beach becomes an ever-changing glacial garden.
As large pieces break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier (some over 1,000 years old,) they constantly alter forms until they make their appearance upon the coasts of Diamond Beach. Here they’ll spend their final moments creating majestic ice sculptures until they depart for the Atlantic Ocean.
Aside from the ice giants that inhabit the beach, you can also gaze upon the Arctic Tern and the Great Skua, as they make this spot one of their breeding locations.
If you’re planning a Diamond Beach Iceland summer vacation, then this will be your greatest opportunity to glimpse these birds.
Diamond Beach Blue and Black Ice
The floating ice that populates Diamond Beach comes in copious amounts of sizes, shapes, and colors. You can find deep shades of azure blue or even black blocks of ice strewn across the gorgeous sands.
The azure blue ice is typically older and more dense than its crystal clear brethren, while the black ice can be caused by volcanic dust or black sand trapped within it.
Viewing Northern Lights
For travelers looking to take in the Aurora Borealis are in luck if they choose to visit Diamond Beach, Iceland. Since there is little light pollution to inhibit the spectacle during winter, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase.
Keep in mind that this also means that the area will be extremely dark, so make sure you park your car in one of the designated spaces and have a flashlight on hand.
To further increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, check the Northern Lights forecast at vedur.i.
How to Get to Diamond Beach
Like most Iceland places, getting to Diamond Beach isn’t that difficult if you have a 4×4 and a map of Route 1.
The easiest ways are to hire a car, rent a camper van, or book a tour.
If you’re heading from Reykjavík, you only need to jump on Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, and head south. During the summer months, you can plan a day trip around the five-hour journey to Diamond Beach. However, if you’re heading out during the winter, you may want to make it a two-day vacation, as the daylight will dwindle quickly.
You’ll know that you’ve reached your destination when you come across a single-track bridge bringing you to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which just happens to be across the street from the illustrious Diamond Beach.
When to Visit Diamond Beach
As with many sites scattered around Iceland, Diamond Beach can be enjoyed and visited at any time of year, but your experience will be dramatically different depending on when you go.
As mentioned above, Diamond Beach is a fantastic spot to spy the Northern Lights during the winter. Suppose you are trying to get in as many activities as you can during your Iceland vacation. In that case, visiting Diamond Beach during the summer offers the best chance to embrace everything without having to spend an extra day there.
Diamond Beach FAQS
Where is Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is a little less than 400 km from Reykjavik if you travel south on Route 1. You can find the ice beach in Hornafjordur fjord outside of Vatnajokull National Park.
Is Diamond Beach safe?
Iceland is a wild and wondrous country with many vistas marked with craggy mounds, volcanoes, and glaciers. Along with these other sites, you can safely navigate Diamond Beach by being aware of your surroundings, avoiding the ocean (unless you love cold water), and dressing in layers.
Can I take home some black sand?
While it’s not against the law to remove the black sand from the site, it’s best to leave only footprints with most natural places in the world.
What should I bring to Diamond Beach?
To enjoy Diamond Beach, you only need some sturdy footwear, warm, rain-proof clothes, and a camera to capture the moments.
Experience Diamond Beach with Rent.is
If you want to get the most out of your Diamond Beach, Iceland adventure, explore the land from a campervan. Designed to be the most comfortable home-on-wheels, you can see our beautiful country with your basecamp only ever a few steps away. Contact Rent.is to see which Iceland campervan rental is the best fit for your adventure.
