Diamond Beach

"Diamond Beach, also known as Jökulsárlón Diamond Beach, is a captivating natural attraction located adjacent to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in southeastern Iceland. It is named after the glistening ice fragments that wash ashore on the black sand beach, resembling diamonds scattered along the shoreline. The beach gets its icebergs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where chunks of ice break off from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float out to the ocean. The currents then carry these icebergs back to shore, where they are scattered across the black volcanic sand, creating a mesmerizing contrast. The ice fragments that reach Diamond Beach come in various shapes, sizes, and shades of white and blue. They can be as small as pebbles or as large as cars, and their sparkling appearance against the dark sand creates a truly magical and ethereal scene. The interplay of light on the ice, coupled with the crashing waves and the stunning backdrop of the Vatnajökull glacier, makes Diamond Beach a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visiting Diamond Beach provides an opportunity to witness the power and beauty of nature up close. Walking along the beach, visitors can marvel at the intricately sculpted ice formations, capture stunning photographs, and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. It's important to exercise caution when exploring Diamond Beach, as the waves can be unpredictable and the ice can be slippery. It is advisable to maintain a safe distance from the water's edge and be mindful of the ever-changing conditions. Diamond Beach is located near the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and many visitors choose to explore both sites in combination. The lagoon and the beach offer contrasting experiences, with the lagoon showcasing the floating icebergs in a tranquil setting, while the beach displays the ice sculptures in a more dynamic and dramatic fashion. Diamond Beach is an awe-inspiring destination that showcases the raw beauty of Iceland's natural wonders. It is a place where the meeting of ice and sea creates a surreal and unforgettable experience, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of the country's stunning landscapes."

"Jökulsárlón--with its cracking glacier, glacial lake, and floating icebergs--is definitely the main draw to this part of Vatnajökull National Park. It's not the only place you need to see here, though. If you follow Jökulsá, the river that flows south from Jökulsárlón, under the bridge and to the ocean, you'll reach Fellsfjara. Diamond Beach is a black-sand beach that's littered with chunks, large and small, of ice. (The beach actually sits on both sides of Jökulsá with Eystri-Fellsfjara on the eastern side and Vestri-Fellsfjara on the western side). But back to those pieces of ice. When light bounces off them, they look like diamonds in the dark sand. It's quite a juxtaposition. It's also pretty magical. Note: 1) Most people huddle around the area where the river meets the ocean. Start walking in either direction to have the beach largely to yourself. 2) Be careful! The powerful waves could easily pull someone out to sea."

"Diamond Beach is a black sand beach strewn with iceberg chunks. *Note that sometimes the ice pieces are on the East shore, and sometimes on the West shore depending on the current and/or wind. 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore. Views: Take your time to walk up and down the beach. Notice that some icebergs are so large that they can be stuck sitting in the ocean! On a clear day you can even look East and see the towering mountains of the Eastfjords. Seasonal: The diamond beach is more stunning in the spring/winter -sometimes the ice pieces can be as big as a car! Pro-tip: Similar to the warning at Reynisfjara, this is a common place for the waves to sneak up. While the waves aren’t as powerful, they can still get you completely wet, and I’ve seen photographers tripods get swept out from under them. BE CAREFUL!"