Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón Ice Beach): Visit Iceland’s Sparkling Ice Beach

When most people think of colorful landscapes, they think of lush plants, blooming flowers, and towering trees. The black volcanic sand, blue icebergs, and pink skies of Iceland’s Diamond Beach—also known locally as Jökulsárlón Ice Beach—prove that chilly landscapes can be just as vibrant as any tropical destination.

Located approximately 5 hours outside of Reykjavik, Diamond Beach at Jökulsárlón Ice Beach is well worth visiting because no 2 days are alike. A constant parade of icebergs which have broken off of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier gently wash ashore. In the winter, the beach is dusted with snow. There are only a few hours of twilight where visitors can view nature’s impromptu ice sculptures.

During the warmer months, sunlight illuminates the dissolving icebergs as they take their last stand. Expect to see blue, black, pink, and white icebergs. The receding ice—which visibly changes by the hour—is especially impressive when you consider that some of the icebergs are over 1,000 years old.

In recent years, Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón Ice Beach) has become a popular spot for engagements. Don’t be surprised if you see a few proposals as you’re walking among icebergs that look like giant diamonds. Diamond Beach continues to increase in popularity, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning. A pale pink sunrise over a black beach dotted with shimmering icebergs is a memory that you will forever cherish.

If you have always yearned to see a carefree seal napping on an iceberg, a visit to nearby Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is an absolute must. A handful of car parks offer panoramic views of the lagoon. You can opt to rent a car and explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon on your own, or you can join a tour that delves into the unique geology of the area.

Visitors can also opt to explore the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon by boat. A handful of tour companies offer boat tours during the warmer months that allow visitors to view marble-like chunks of ice, swooping seabirds, and talkative seals. It is important to remember that even during the summer, exploring an ice-filled lagoon is a chilly experience. It is best to dress in layers and bring a light jacket so that you don’t turn into an iceberg as you’re admiring the ice.

Iceland is often known as the land of fire and ice. Diamond Beach—better known locally as Jökulsárlón Ice Beach—and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon are two of the best spots to explore Iceland’s ever-changing icy side.