Sample routes for day trips and multi-day adventures
Diamond Beach is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík, so most visitors either do a long day trip or spread the journey over 2 days. Here are our recommended itineraries:
Duration: 14–16 hours | Best for: Limited time, summer visits with long daylight
A day trip means 10+ hours of driving plus stops. Only attempt this in summer (long daylight) or if you're comfortable with extensive driving. In winter, a 2-day trip is strongly recommended.
Early start to maximize daylight. Grab coffee and breakfast to go.
Walk behind the 60m waterfall (30–45 min). Waterproof jacket essential.
Powerful waterfall with optional staircase to the top (45 min).
Basalt columns and sea stacks near Vík (30–45 min). Watch the waves!
Quick lunch stop or continue driving with packed snacks.
Watch icebergs drift in the lagoon (45–90 min). Optional boat tour.
The main event! Explore, photograph, and enjoy (60–90 min).
5-hour drive back to Reykjavík.
Tired but happy!
Duration: 2 days | Best for: Winter visits, photographers, relaxed pace
No need to rush—enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing.
Spend proper time at both waterfalls without feeling rushed.
Lunch in Iceland's southernmost village. Explore the church on the hill.
Visit the black sand beach and optional short hike at Skaftafell.
Arrive for beautiful evening light at Diamond Beach.
Several guesthouses and hotels in the area. Aurora hunting possible!
Return for sunrise photography—completely different mood.
Explore the lagoon, take an optional zodiac or amphibian boat ride.
Visit this smaller, less crowded glacier lagoon nearby.
Stop at any attractions you missed on Day 1.
If visiting November–March, add an ice cave tour on Day 2 morning. Book in advance as they fill up. This makes Diamond Beach the perfect base!
If you're driving Iceland's Ring Road, Diamond Beach typically falls on Day 2 or 3 of a week-long circuit. Here's a sample Day 3:
| Time | Stop | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Diamond Beach (sunrise) | 1 hour |
| Mid-morning | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | 1 hour |
| Late morning | Drive toward Höfn | 1 hour |
| Lunch | Höfn (langoustine!) | 1 hour |
| Afternoon | Drive to East Fjords | Scenic drive |
| Evening | Arrive Djúpivogur or Egilsstaðir | Overnight |
| Activity | Minimum Time | Comfortable Time |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Beach | 30 min | 60–90 min |
| Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | 30 min | 60–90 min |
| Jökulsárlón Boat Tour | 40 min | 60 min |
| Seljalandsfoss | 20 min | 45 min |
| Skógafoss | 20 min | 45–60 min |
| Reynisfjara | 20 min | 45 min |