Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

Why I recommend it

This is one of those places that looks almost too dramatic to be real. At Jökulsárlón, huge pieces of ice break away from Breiðamerkurjökull and slowly drift through the lagoon towards the ocean. Just a few minutes later, some of those pieces end up scattered across Diamond Beach, where clear blue and white ice sits against completely black volcanic sand. The contrast is what makes the whole area so unforgettable. You get moving ice, still water, mountains, glacier views and black-sand coastline all in one stop. You might even see some seals! Yes, it is busy. Very busy at times. But it is also one of those places where the crowds do not really take away from how extraordinary the landscape is.

What to do

Spend time on both sides of the road. Walk along the edge of Jökulsárlón first and watch the icebergs move through the lagoon. If you have time, walk a little farther away from the main parking area. It gets quieter surprisingly quickly. Then cross over to Diamond Beach and see where the ice ends up. The amount and size of the ice on the beach changes constantly, so no two visits really look the same. If you want to make more of the stop, boat tours and hikes on the lagoon are also available seasonally.

Good to know

This is one of the busiest stops on Iceland’s south coast, especially in the middle of the day and during peak travel season. Do not expect a quiet hidden gem. If you want a calmer experience, go early in the morning or later in the evening and give yourself enough time to walk away from the busiest viewpoints. Also remember that Diamond Beach is an exposed ocean beach. Keep your distance from the water and never assume a calm-looking wave will stay calm.