What is Diamond Beach Iceland?

Where Ice Becomes Diamonds

Diamond Beach is a stunning stretch of black volcanic sand in Southeast Iceland where crystal-clear icebergs wash ashore from the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. These ice chunks, some up to 1,000 years old, glitter in the sunlight against the stark black sand—creating a visual effect that earned the beach its famous nickname.

The beach's official Icelandic name is Breiðamerkursandur (pronounced BRAY-tha-mer-kur-SAN-dur), which translates to "the wide sands of Breiðamerk." Locals also call it Fellsfjara. It sits directly across Route 1 from Jökulsárlón, making both attractions an easy combined visit.

How the Ice Gets Here

The journey of each ice "diamond" begins at the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier by volume. Here's the process:

1. Calving: Large chunks of ice break off from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, and fall into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
2. Floating: These icebergs slowly drift through the lagoon toward the Atlantic Ocean via a short tidal channel.
3. Washing Ashore: Ocean waves and tides push some icebergs back onto the beach, where they rest on the black sand.
4. Transformation: Over hours or days, the ice is polished by waves and sand, becoming smooth and translucent before eventually melting away.

This constant cycle means Diamond Beach is always changing. Some days you'll find dozens of large ice sculptures; other days, the beach may have fewer pieces depending on tides, weather, and recent calving activity at the glacier.

Why Is It Called Diamond Beach?

The name "Diamond Beach" is a tourist nickname (not an official Icelandic name) that became popular due to how the ice appears. When sunlight hits the clear, ancient glacier ice against the jet-black volcanic sand, each chunk sparkles and glitters like a precious diamond.

The contrast is extraordinary: the ice can appear pure white, crystal clear, or even blue, while the sand is intensely black—composed of volcanic basalt eroded over millennia. It's this dramatic visual contrast that draws photographers from around the world.

Part of Vatnajökull National Park

Diamond Beach and the surrounding Breiðamerkursandur area became part of Vatnajökull National Park in 2017. The park itself was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 under the title "Vatnajökull National Park – Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice."

This UNESCO designation recognizes the unique combination of volcanic and glacial activity that shapes the landscape. The park covers roughly 14% of Iceland and includes:

• Europe's largest glacier (Vatnajökull)
• Active volcanoes beneath the ice
• Geothermal areas and hot springs
• Glacial rivers and outlet glaciers
• Unique flora and fauna

Being part of a national park means the area is protected. Visitors are asked to respect the environment—stay on designated paths, don't disturb wildlife, and take all litter with you.

The Sandur Plain

Breiðamerkursandur is what geologists call a "sandur" (plural: sandar)—a glacial outwash plain formed by sediment deposited by meltwater rivers flowing from the glacier. These plains are common in Iceland and represent the constant geological forces at work.

The black sand itself comes from volcanic basalt rock that has been broken down over time by glacial activity, water, and wind. This gives the beach its distinctive dark appearance that contrasts so strikingly with the ice.

Wildlife at Diamond Beach

The area is home to diverse wildlife, particularly seals and seabirds:

• Harbour Seals: Often seen swimming among the icebergs at the lagoon or resting on ice chunks. They're curious and may approach to observe visitors.
• Arctic Terns: These aggressive seabirds nest nearby during summer and are known to dive-bomb visitors who get too close to nesting areas.
• Great Skuas: Large, powerful seabirds that also nest in the area during summer.
• Various Seabirds: Gulls, guillemots, and fulmars frequent the coastline.

Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife, especially during the summer nesting season (May–August).