This spectacular black sand beach is covered with volcanic remains and icebergs that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Located between Höfn and Skaftafell along Route 1, Diamond Beach is at the mouth of Jökulsárlón, a large glacial lake in the southeastern part of Iceland. The water passes from the base of Breiðamerkurjökull, across the lagon, under the Route 1 bridge, and out into the Atlantic Ocean, never quite freezing over. Herring and trout make their way up this channel into the deep waters, sometimes attracting seals, porpoises, and other small whales inland.
The beach is about a hundred meters away from the parking area depending on the tides. Translucent icebergs float across the water and get pushed upon the shore with the waves. They can appear in all shades of white as well as vibrant blues. While the icebergs here are much smaller in size relative to the ones in the lagoon, there can still be some rather suprising shapes and masses washed ashore. Watch as the effervecent sea washes over the landscape carving the ice into uniquely beutiful figurines.
At one time, Vatnajökull extended all the way to this coastline, where massive ice chunks would break off and crash right into the ocean. Today this glacier has receded several hundred meters from the coastline as the temperature of the earth has increased over the past few centuries and caused it to recede.
All buses traveling along the southern coast of the country stop across the highway at Jökulsárlón for about 30 minutes. This allows you plenty of time to take in the scenery and walk around some of the landscape. It is very popular throughout the year, and it can be quite crowded in the summer. Boat tours are a main feature of the area and are the best way to explore the lagoon. The beach offers a nice separation from the major crowds where you can meditate to the sounds of the ocean.
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