Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach, known formally as Breidamerkursandur, is a stretch of black volcanic sand on Iceland's south-east coast where icebergs from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon wash ashore after drifting out to the North Atlantic. The ice originates from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull — Europe's largest ice cap. As chunks of glacier calve into the lagoon and float towards the sea, the ocean current and tides push them back onto the shoreline, depositing them across the dark sand in shapes and sizes that change by the hour.

How the Ice Arrives

The journey of each iceberg begins at the glacier face, where sections of ice break away and enter Jokulsarlon lagoon. The ice drifts slowly towards the narrow river channel that connects the lagoon to the Atlantic. Once in the open water, waves and tides wash the pieces back onto the beach. The contrast between the translucent, blue-white ice and the black sand is what gives the beach its name — in sunlight, the ice fragments glitter like enormous diamonds scattered across dark velvet.

What to Expect on the Beach

The scene at Diamond Beach shifts constantly. After a storm or high tide, the sand may be covered with dozens of icebergs, some taller than a person. On calmer days, smaller gem-like pieces line the waterline in clusters. The ice takes on a range of colours depending on its age and the light — from deep cobalt blue to almost perfectly transparent, occasionally streaked with volcanic ash trapped centuries ago. Each piece is unique, sculpted by wind, wave, and the slow work of melting.

Wildlife

The waters at the river mouth attract harbour seals, which are often visible swimming between floating icebergs or hauled out on the sand. Arctic terns nest along the coastline during summer and can be territorial, diving at visitors who wander too close to nesting sites between May and August. Further offshore, orcas are occasionally spotted hunting along the coast.

Photography

Diamond Beach is one of Iceland's most photographed locations. The best conditions for photography are during the golden hours around sunrise and sunset, when the low angle of light passes through the ice and creates vivid colours against the dark sand. Long exposures of waves washing around grounded icebergs are a popular technique. Winter offers shorter days but more dramatic skies and often larger ice pieces, while summer provides the midnight sun and near-empty beaches in the late evening hours.

Getting There and Practical Details

Diamond Beach is located approximately 378 kilometres east of Reykjavik along Route 1, a drive of roughly five hours. The car park is directly off the highway, across the road from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon car park. Most visitors combine the two sites into a single stop. There is no entrance fee. Basic facilities including toilets are available at the Jokulsarlon car park. The beach itself is flat and requires no hiking, though the sand can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and waterproof layers are wise given the exposed coastal conditions. Allow at least 30 minutes, though photographers and anyone captivated by the shifting ice will easily spend an hour or more.