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Diamond Beach

South Coast, IcelandBlack sandglacial ice chunks
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Diamond Beach

South Coast, IcelandBlack sandglacial ice chunks

About

A black sand beach covered with chunks of glacial ice that have washed ashore from Jökulsárlón lagoon. The ice looks like diamonds scattered on black velvet.

Ice crystals of all sizes, glinting in the light. Waves push them ashore, roll them smooth. Each piece is unique. Photographers can spend hours here.

Icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier into Jökulsárlón lagoon, drift to the sea, then wash up here. The ice can be hundreds of years old.

Right across the road from Jökulsárlón — do both. The ice changes daily with tides and weather. Sunrise and sunset make the ice glow. Don't climb on large ice pieces — they can roll.

Driving conditions
Road conditions
Check live· From Reykjavík to the foss
Drive: Good·Visit now·30 min stop
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F-roadsOpen
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Prices
Cost to visit
Free
No fees
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
No booking
Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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Northern lights
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Sun & light
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Photos & videos

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Diamond Beach, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Reviews

Nearby

Tours

#1.Ice Cave & Waterfalls
11 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Katla ice cave, South Coast waterfalls and the black sand beach in one private day.

from 24,990 krView tour →
#2.Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
14 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón plus the best of South Iceland on the way.

from 21,990 krView tour →
#3.Glacier & Golden Circle
10 hours·Pickup Reykjavík

Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.

from 32,990 krView tour →
3 tours near South Coast

Frequently
asked
questions

Why is there ice on the beach?
Icebergs from Jökulsárlón lagoon float to sea and wash back onto shore.
Is the ice safe to touch?
Yes, but don't climb on large pieces — they can roll. Some ice is ancient.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunrise and sunset for dramatic light on ice. Amount of ice varies by day.
Is Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón?
Yes! Directly across the road. Visit both — takes 1-2 hours total.
Is Diamond Beach free?
Yes. Free parking shared with Jökulsárlón.

Data & sources

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