Diamond Beach Iceland Practical Visitor Guide

Everything you need to know before you go

At a Glance

  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (open always)
  • Parking: FREE
  • Time Needed: 30 min – 2 hours
  • Toilets: At Jökulsárlón café
  • Accessibility: Beach access only, uneven sand

Is Diamond Beach Free?

Yes! Diamond Beach is completely free to visit. There's no entrance fee, no ticket booth, and no time restrictions. You can arrive at any hour of the day or night.

Parking

  • Location: South side of Route 1, ocean side
  • Cost: FREE
  • Capacity: ~50+ vehicles
  • Surface: Gravel
  • GPS: 64.0442°N, 16.1789°W

The lot can fill during peak summer midday. Arrive early morning or late afternoon for best availability and photography light.

Facilities

Toilets

There are no toilets at the Diamond Beach parking lot itself. The nearest facilities are at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon café, a short walk via the pedestrian tunnel under Route 1.

Food & Drink

There's a small café at Jökulsárlón with hot drinks, snacks, and light meals. For fuller dining, plan to eat in Höfn (80 km east) or bring your own food.

WiFi & Mobile Signal

Mobile signal (4G) is generally available at Diamond Beach. Some carriers may have weak spots in remote areas of the South Coast.

How Long to Spend

  • Quick visit: 30 minutes – See the beach, take some photos
  • Comfortable visit: 1 hour – Explore, photograph, and appreciate
  • Photography focus: 1.5–2+ hours – Chase the light, find compositions

Add 45–90 minutes if you're also visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon across the road.

Accessibility

Diamond Beach has limited accessibility:

  • The parking lot is flat gravel
  • Beach access requires walking on loose black sand (challenging for wheelchairs)
  • No paved paths to the waterline
  • The pedestrian tunnel has ramps but may be challenging for some mobility needs

Visitors with mobility concerns can still view the beach from the edge of the parking area.

What to Bring Checklist

Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes
  • Warm layers (even in summer)
  • Hat and gloves (winter/shoulder seasons)
  • Camera/phone
  • Tripod (for long exposure)
  • Snacks and water
  • Sunglasses (ice reflects bright light)

Weather & When to Check

Icelandic weather is notoriously changeable. Always check before you visit:

Expect Wind

Diamond Beach is exposed to Atlantic weather. Strong winds are common year-round. Secure hats, bags, and loose items!

Nearby Services

Service Nearest Location Distance
Petrol Station Höfn 80 km east
Supermarket Höfn (Nettó/Krónan) 80 km east
Hotel/Guesthouse Various near Jökulsárlón 5–15 km
Car Repair Höfn 80 km east
Hospital Höfn Health Centre 80 km east

Ready to Visit?

Check our safety guide before you go.

Safety Tips