Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a shoreline on the south coast of Iceland featuring black volcanic sand mixed with scattered pieces of glacial ice. The sandy expanse stretches for considerable distances, with ice fragments of varying sizes scattered throughout, all originating from the nearby glacier lagoon.

The shoreline formed through volcanic activity occurring beneath Vatnajökull glacier over centuries. Glaciers shaped the landscape by grinding across bedrock and creating the black sand and ice pattern visible today.

The place draws photographers from around the world who seek to capture the contrast between dark sand and bright ice chunks. Visitors notice how this combination shifts throughout the day as light changes the appearance of the landscape.

The beach sits right beside Ring Road 1 with parking areas on both sides. Visitors can easily stop and walk along the shoreline without needing to travel far from their vehicle.

Ice chunks from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon regularly wash ashore and form temporary ice sculptures. These pieces shift their shape with each tide cycle and melt at different rates, meaning the beach layout changes from visit to visit.

Location: Sveitarfélagið Hornafjörður

Address: Diamond Beach, 781, Iceland

GPS coordinates: 64.04379,-16.17634

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42