Introduction to Diamond Beach Iceland

I have always been in love with the natural beauty of the natural world and since the day I first learnt of the existence of Diamond Beach, Iceland, I knew this would be somewhere I hoped to explore. The Diamond beach is the most fascinating place with Iceland having the scenic displays of the most beautiful natural wonders. The beach is situated in the east coast of Iceland, specifically the southeastern part. This beach is quite different from other beaches all over the world, the name that refers to it is accredited to the icebergs that cover the beach, surrounded by black sand. It’s a very fascinating beach and it’s hard for one to hold their calm. The stunning beauty on Diamond Beach left me mesmerized from the very first step I took.

Diamond Beach Iceland
Diamond Beach Iceland

The unique formation of Diamond Beach Iceland

The first thing that grabs the eye looking at Diamond Beach is its shape. Right near the beach, there is a beautiful pond called Jokulsárlón. It is full of icebergs that keep flowing in from the local Breiðamerkurjokull glacier . When we arrived, there were huge icebergs in the bay. However, by the end of the day, they reached the shore and painted the sand black volcanic shore with white. There were so many icebergs of different sizes and shapes, from tiny little statues to giant pieces of ice. Every iceberg is a masterpiece of nature, and seeing them is something one should do in their lifetime!

Exploring the breathtaking scenery of Diamond Beach Iceland

Walking very slowly along Diamond Beach, I was admiring the views this place has provided me with. The most amazing thing was that the dark sand under my eyes and the clear icebergs imperceptible to the people’s eyes looked totally different. The icebergs were jewel blue and white so they made the surroundings look magical. All of a sudden, I realized I was totally involved in the peace and beauty of the places and stopped looking to the outside world. The roaring of the ocean waves and the rare icebergs cracking sounded like the echoes of some place. This place could boast 1 mile of the beautiful iceberg beach. Each time I made a step I saw something unusual in the nature. At that moment I was most surprised by the tiny features of the iceberg. Some of them had beautiful pictures made by the air bubbles and the other looked like a diamond. The way the light and the darkness play on this beach make this place amazing for making pictures.

Photography tips for capturing the beauty of Diamond Beach Iceland

Wildlife encounters at Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is not only a sanctuary for nature lovers but also a habitat for a rich biodiversity of wildlife. I was lucky to observe different species of birds flying over the icebergs as I was walking along the beach. Arctic terns, puffins, and seagulls were a few of the flying species that have settled on Diamond Beach as their home base. It was amazing to behold these elegant birds as they flew freely in their natural environment, and I could not help but enjoy the serene feeling that came with admiring their unwavering flight.

Besides the bird habitants, Diamond Beach is often visited by seals too. These graceful beings can usually be found relaxing on the icebergs or swimming elegantly in the lagoon. Watching their pranks not only brought a smile on my face but also a bit of extra magic to Diamond Beach.

Activities and attractions near Diamond Beach Iceland

But the must-see Diamond Beach is certainly not the only reason to check what else is in the area. A must-visit place at its best is Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon where icebergs are born and go directly to Diamond Beach. A boat trip on the lagoon gives you an exclusive opportunity to closely watch the icebergs which normally is only accessible from afar.

To the people looking for an adventure, also the glacier hiking and ice climbing in Vatnajökull National Park is offered as part of the tour. Discovering the chambers and canyons of the glacier by themselves is a thrilling activity that should not be missed out. The iceden offers guided tours for those who would like to explore the ice safely.

If you want more serene environment, you can visit Hohn which is a neighboring village. The town of Höfn is known for its delicious seafood, thus an opportunity to overindulge yourself with the finest Icelandic cuisine. If you are a fan of fresh lobster, traditional fish stew, and more, you will also find what you look for in our restaurant.

Best time to visit Diamond Beach Iceland

Diamond Beach is suitable for all-seasons visiting, but its magical landscape can be felt best during the summer, from May till September. This period is usually one when the weather is friendly and longer days give more time for spending at the coast and visiting the surrounding areas. Icebergs are not only more plentiful during the summer season, but also much awe-inspiring and dramatic to look at.

Should you wish to see the Northern Lights during your stay, you are strongly advised to book your trip in the winter months. The extraordinary colors of the Aurora Borealis are best seen in the dark nights, and the stark frozen ground is the perfect complement to make the experience even more surreal. All you have to do is have your clothes ready for winter and warm up a bit.

Diamond Beach Iceland
Diamond Beach Iceland

Accommodation options near Diamond Beach Iceland

There is a mixture of accommodation alternatives for all tastes and budgets that are near to Diamond Beach. Guest houses of all types and sizes as well as luxurious hotels will be waiting for guests. Try out these strategies.


Hotel Höfn: The hotel is located 10 miles outside the town Höfn, which has some amazing mountain views from the rooms. The service also comes with a dining area that serves Icelandic dishes.


Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon: Situated in close proximity to Diamond beach, this hotel offers luxury in a serene environment by its spacious rooms and its panoramic roof top restaurant. The hotel carries out excursions to the main area’s attractions wherein transportation is provided, hence it becomes a suitable option for tourists.


Guesthouse Gerði: And for a backpacker this is a very comfortable guesthouse, owned by a family, which provides its customers with free basic accommodation. Right next to the village of Gerði, about 10 kilometers from Diamond Beach, you will find it.

Safety precautions and guidelines for visiting Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach in no doubt is one of the most beautiful place but you need to be decisive when you pay a visit there. The items below list the safety precautions and recommendations.


Stay a safe distance from the water: Riptides are typical for Diamond Beach, and swimming too far off the shore is certainly hazardous. Safety is a responsibility that can be achieved by keeping a safe distance from the icebergs and not reaching the shorefront.


Be aware of your surroundings: The non-cemented sand is of diamond Beach and you can quickly turn oversea. Pay close attention to the shore structure and always monitor the tides so that you do not get lost.


Dress appropriately: It could change the weather at Diamond Beach, and you may prefer to dress lightly or wear comfortable shoes. However, one more thing to consider is waterproof clothes, as the weather can change in a matter of seconds.


Respect the environment: Diamond Beach is a fragile ecosystem, and it therefore becomes our responsibility not to leave any footprints. Do not make waste, keep the trails marked and be respectful of the animals that dwell here.

Conclusion: A must-visit destination for nature lovers

While thinking back to my Diamond Beach experience, I can’t help but feeling thankful for this chance to get a sneak peak of such unique beauty of the nature. From the shining icebergs into the calm black sand, this fairytale place is an ideal place for nature lover. If you are an artist in search of an idyllic setting to capture the perfect image or just a traveler longing for a moment of quiet, Diamond Beach will surely keep a memory in your heart.

Therefore, check in your bags, take your camera, and start your trip towards Diamond Beach, Iceland, to appreciate the striking nature of it.