Sparkling Wonders: Exploring Diamond Beach

What’s Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach, also called Fellsfjara, is an 11-kilometer stretch of black sand on Iceland’s southeast coast. It’s not impressive in size like other black beaches in Iceland, but the cool contrast of shiny ice chunks on the dark sand attracts visitors from all over the world. The area near Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull has even been featured in movies like the James Bond film Die Another Day and parts of Batman Begins.

Diamond Beach is worth visiting mainly because it’s a very unique sight. You can literally walk between icebergs that rest on black sand. Need I say more? Wildlife lovers might spot seals and even orcas, while photographers can capture the changing light reflecting off the ice. Plus, with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon right next door—and other amazing south-coast spots nearby—it’s super easy to add Diamond Beach to your Ring Road itinerary.

How Was Diamond Beach Formed?

Diamond Beach gets its unique look from the glacial ice movement and Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Big chunks of ice break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier (a part of Vatnajökull), float into the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, and then drift out into the Atlantic Ocean. Then, ocean currents push some of these icebergs back onto the beach.

Meanwhile, Iceland’s volcanic activity creates basalt, a type of dark rock that cools quickly. Over time, this basalt breaks into the soft black sand you see today. The dark sand makes the ice pieces shine like diamonds in the sunlight.

Where Is Diamond Beach & How to Get There

Diamond Beach is about 370 km (230 miles) east of Reykjavík on Route 1 (the Ring Road). The drive takes about five hours, but most people take a couple of days to enjoy waterfalls, glaciers, and the coastal views along the way. Instead of driving back to Reykjavik, you can stay in towns like Vik or Höfn.

The beach is literally 3 minutes away from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, so you can kill two birds with one stone and visit both places on the same day.

Getting there:

• Driving: From Reykjavík, take the Ring Road heading east. You’ll pass plenty of beautiful sights, so don’t rush it. Parking at Diamond Beach is free and just a short walk from the beach.
• Tours: If you don’t want to drive, many tours from Reykjavík or the south coast include Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach in their schedule.

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Best Time to Visit (Year and Day)

Early mornings and late evenings often give you the best light for photos, but the beach is open around the clock. When it comes to seasons, there’s always something special going on:

• Summer: In summer, you can enjoy nearly endless daylight during the Midnight Sun, making the icebergs sparkle under the sun for hours on end. It’s also prime time for boat tours on Jökulsárlón Lagoon. There can be more icebergs rushing to the beach shore due to the heat, but they also melt way faster.
• Winter (Northern Lights): On clear nights, you might catch the aurora borealis dancing above the ice—an unforgettable experience, especially when it reflects off the icebergs.

What to Wear When Visiting

Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and chilly, so it’s important to bring the right clothes:

• Waterproof, Windproof Jacket: Coastal winds are strong, and rain can surprise you.
• Sturdy, Insulated Footwear: Warm, waterproof boots with good traction are essential.
• Thermal Layers: Layer up to stay warm and adjust if temperatures change.
• Hat, Gloves, and Scarf: Key for staying cozy, especially in winter.
• High-Visibility Clothing (in Winter): Daylight is limited, and it can get dark fast.

Things to Do and Places to Visit Near Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is close to some of Iceland’s coolest natural spots, and it’s also a top spot for seeing the Northern Lights and wildlife.

Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Since you’re visiting both, I can be honest: Jökulsárlón is the star of the show, and Diamond Beach is its sidekick.

Right next to Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón is a lagoon filled with huge icebergs that break off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. I highly recommend you take a boat tour to get a closer look at the impressive icebergs and maybe spot seals relaxing on the ice. A guided tour is also good for those who want to learn more about the Lagoon and the surrounding glacier (I know I did!). For the adrenaline junkies, there are zodiac tours that allow you to get even closer to the icebergs and the glacier.

If you want to eat in the area, know there are at least four restaurants in the Jökulsarlon area, just where the tour operators are. You can have burgers, fish and chips, seafood soup, and local langoustine dishes. In the Glacier Lagoon Cafe, you can have smaller things like sandwiches or hot drinks like hot chocolate.

Photography

If you love photography, Diamond Beach is a dream come true. The mix of black sand and crystal-clear ice chunks creates incredible contrasts. The light changes quickly, displaying the golden glow of sunset or the soft light of winter dusk—so every shot feels unique.

Wildlife Observation

Keep an eye out for seals resting on the ice or swimming by. There are also plenty of seabirds, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot orcas. It’s a good idea to bring binoculars (but you already know that if you’re a true animal enthusiast).

Visit Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon

Just about 11 km west of Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is a smaller, quieter glacier lagoon. It gives you a closer view of the Vatnajökull Glacier without the big crowds. It’s a calmer and more peaceful spot to explore.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell has some amazing hiking trails that take you through a variety of landscapes, from green fields to glacier views. Be sure to check out Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, or join a guided glacier hike for an extraordinary adventure.

Northern Lights Viewing

In the winter, the dark skies along the south coast and the lack of light pollution make it one of the best spots to see the northern lights. Watching the aurora dance above the icebergs at Diamond Beach is an unforgettable experience.

Hvannadalshnjúkur

When visiting Diamond Beach, you will also see the highest mountain peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur. At 2,109.6 meters, or 6952 feet tall, it is the highest peak of the Öræfajökull volcanic glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. Due to its elevation, the mountain is usually snow-capped, making it an even prettier photo against the black sand.

Is Diamond Beach Safe?

Diamond Beach is usually safe, but here are a few simple tips to help you stay safe no matter what. First, stay out of the water—the Atlantic here is freezing, and the currents are very strong. Watch out for waves, especially “sneaker waves,” which can surprise you if you’re too close.

Also, don’t climb on the icebergs. They’re slippery and can tip over without warning. If you see wildlife like seals, remember they might look friendly, but they’re still wild animals—so keep a safe distance. If you follow these easy tips, you won’t have any unexpected problems there.

Don’t Be That Tourist

Yes, the Icebergs are amazing, and we must keep them that way. Don’t be that tourist that climbs on top of them for pictures. It is fine to get close up to them for a photograph, but touching them or damaging them could ruin the area for other visitors. Besides, if you try to climb on a glacier, you most likely will fall right off and hurt yourself due to how slippery they are.

Final Thoughts

Diamond Beach is a place that’s hard to forget. It shows Iceland’s volcanic and glacial roots side by side. You might be taking photos of the midnight sun or hoping to catch the Northern Lights, but the beautiful mix of black sand and shining ice at Fellsfjara is a must-see. Remember to stay safe by keeping your distance from strong waves and moving icebergs. Do that, and you’ll leave with great memories of this one-of-a-kind beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

To answer any remaining queries, here are some frequently asked questions about diamond beach in Iceland