Located in the southeastern area of Iceland, Diamond Beach (or Breiðamerkursandur in Icelandic) is a fascinating site. Located just downstream from Jökulsárlón Lake and, more importantly, Vatnajökull, it is the site at which glaciers go to die.
The glaciers begin their life cycle here by first calving off of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. From here they float into Jökulsárlón, which is a glacial lagoon. The glaciers spend some time here before going down the narrow channel and starting to head for the open water of the Atlantic.
However for the icebergs, they are not meant to live amazing lives of adventure. Already upon entering Jökulsárlón they begin to melt as the ocean temperatures are usually not warm enough to sustain icebergs. Once they are small enough and have made their way to the channel that connects the lagoon to the ocean, they can begin their bid for freedom. However they do not get far as the waves of the Atlantic are powerful. The icebergs to only go a short distance before being overpowered and forcing them back onto the shore, which creates Diamond Beach.
The icebergs, by this time much reduced in size in comparison to when they separated from the glacier, eventually melt on the black volcanic sand. Now completely above the waterline and on hot sand (except in winter), they melt quickly. However during this process they shine brilliantly (especially when helped along by the sun) with an almost diamond-like appearance.
Getting to Diamond Beach
From Reykjavik, take Route 1 anticlockwise / counterclockwise towards Vik. This is a 5-hour drive and is approximately 379-km / 236-miles long. There is abundant parking at Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón. While the parking does cost 1,000 ISK (October 2025: $8.21 USD, £6.14, €7.07), you can park in any of the parking lots (and switch between them, if desired) all day.
You can also take bus tours to get to Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón. One example is those offered by BusTravel (link goes to tours with Diamond Beach as a destination).
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