Iceland is so full of surreal environments (lava fields, volcanic craters, ice caves), it’s easy to forget about the invisible ocean world that surrounds the country. Glaciers and icebergs are a little (not so) reminder of the activity that goes on underwater. There are two places in particular that offer fantastic views of Iceland’s icy passers-by: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Diamond Beach is right across the street from the equally famous Glacier Lagoon, but it can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. And unless you stay nearby, a little road trip awaits you before you get there. That said, Diamond Beach is the perfect place to stop and catch some ocean air before continuing north or south.
Diamond Beach is one of those places that everyone should see at least once. But the most beautiful part is that each visit will be a little different, depending on the weather and the number of icebergs and pieces of ice that reach the coast.
How to get there
This beach is relatively easy to miss; in fact, I did it the first time I traveled to see Glacier Lagoon. It is located directly across the street from the lagoon; If you are heading to the attraction from the west, turn right into the Diamond Beach parking lot instead of turning left into the lagoon.
Diamond Beach is about 235 miles from Reykjavik, which stretches to nearly five hours by car… if you make the mistake of driving nonstop. The beach is right off the main stretch of the road, Route 1. With the signs and a view of the glacier from the road, you really can’t miss it.
What to expect at Diamond Beach
It’s exactly what it sounds like, but you won’t find people sunbathing on this stretch of black sand. Chunks of passing glaciers and icebergs break apart, some eventually landing on Diamond Beach. The sand is covered in shiny ice fragments in various stages of melting.
There is a small parking lot, but the spots are not clearly marked, so be careful. Chances are, you will find many other curious travelers walking through the ice with cameras in tow. At sunset, depending on the weather, the beach can be blurred by adding a surreal filter to the entire beach scene.
The ice that is washed away varies in size, from tiny chunks of ice that you can hold in the palm of your hand to giants the size of a car.
What to wear
Being close to water naturally makes the area a bit windier, so bring an extra jacket (waterproof) to stay warm and comfortable. In fact, incorporating a waterproof layer into your outfit is a safe bet, given that Iceland’s weather is known to change without warning. The sand is often quite wet, so waterproof boots are a must too.
Safety
As with any other coastal region in the country, stay out of the water. The tide comes in quickly so watch out for unpredictable water patterns. For this reason, it is best to stay away from the waterline and ensure that young children do not go too far.
It may seem obvious, but also be careful to notice where you are walking. The ice that washes off the shoreline can vary in size and it is easy to stumble upon a half-hidden chunk of ice.
The best time to visit
Like any other major attraction in Iceland, there will be crowds throughout the day. For the best photo opportunities and a truly magical experience, head to the beach at sunset. Going early in the morning or late at night will also cut down on the crowds.
Keep in mind that there is more sunlight during the summer months, which means there is more time available in the day to pack activities. The winter months are dark, so you’ll want to hit the beach earlier if natural light is something you’re looking for.
Nearby walks
In Iceland, you are always close to a hiking trail. Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach area provide a unique opportunity to hike the glaciers in nearby Vatnajökull. Going on a guided tour eliminates the hassle of buying and packing special hiking gear (like cleats or crampons) and is also a safety precaution. The glacial ice is in constant motion and trained guides have the tools and knowledge to identify safe paths over the glacier. Guide to Iceland is a good center to find guides and tour companies that can take you on these adventures.
