Guide to Visiting Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

 

Suppose you’ve been considering a trip to Iceland and maybe skimming through photos of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes as you daydream. In that case, chances are likely you’ve come across some pictures of Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Two of the most beautiful spots in the entire country, Jökulsárlón or more commonly known as the Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach, Iceland, are can’t-miss stops on any Iceland road trip. The Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s deepest lake and, as you could probably guess from the name, is filled with glacial ice. These icebergs make their way from the Vatnajokull glacier and to the Atlantic Ocean and, along the way, drift through the picturesque Glacier Lagoon. Nearby, some of the ice ends up on Diamond Beach, where the smaller ice fragments glitter and shine against the black sand.

You’ll find the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach on Iceland’s southeastern coast. However, because these spots are a little more remote, it’s best to visit them via car versus a guided excursion with transportation included or a bus. Taking a rental car to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach ensures you can explore at your own pace and come and go as you please.

Ready to start planning your trip to see the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit, including tips and advice for driving to both spots in a rental car.  

 

What Makes Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach So Special?

Myriad things make these two spots extra-special and worth your visit, beyond just their beauty — though that’s certainly a big thing to consider.

Geography and history

Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon is remarkable as the deepest lake in the country, at more than 248 metres deep, or 814 feet. While not the largest lake in all of Iceland — that honour goes to Thingvallavatn — the Glacier Lagoon is by no means small. Its surface area measures 18 square kilometres or just over 11 square miles.

The Glacier Lagoon is a relatively young lake, though, as it just began growing in the 1930s, less than a hundred years ago. It began forming because the Breidamerkurjokull glacier was retreating, leaving a gap for melted ice to pool in its place. In contrast, though, the icebergs that fill the lake are quite old, more than a thousand years!

 

Surreal landscapes 

Of course, we can’t forget these spots’ beauty. Both are truly unlike any other spot on Earth.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón in Iceland can be appreciated both from the lake’s shores and from the waters, as you take a boat tour of the lagoon, sailing between the massive, multi-story icebergs suspended in the ultra-clear lake. The various wildlife at the Glacier Lagoon add to the lake’s beauty. You can expect to spot seals perched atop the icebergs and swimming in the waters, and arctic terns swooping overhead.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach, meanwhile, is just a few steps away from the Glacier Lagoon. While Iceland is home to several black sand beaches, this beach is distinct because of the shards of ice that make their way from the lagoon to the beach, littering it with large, diamond-like chunks of ice. The contrast is beautiful.

 

Use as a Movie and Music Video Location

Lastly, Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon’s beauty has attracted an array of filmmakers who’ve used the spot as a filming location for both major movies and music videos. You’ll see what they saw in the location for yourself when you arrive.

See if you can spot the Glacier Lagoon in movies such as the James Bond films “Die Another Day” and “A View to a Kill,” as well as “Tomb Raider,” “Batman Begins,” “Interstellar” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”

You can also see the Glacier Lagoon in major music videos like the music video for Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” and Bon Iver’s “Holocene.”

Iceland is filled with spectacular cinematic backdrops like this. Check out our full list of Iceland filming locations for more to visit during your trip!

 

Where are the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach? How Do You Get to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach?

Convinced you have to see these two Iceland landmarks for yourself? Here’s how you’ll get there.

Jokulsarlon Iceland Location

As mentioned, the Glacier Lagoon sits on Iceland’s southeastern coast. It’s accessible via the Ring Road, or Route 1, which circles the entirety of the island of Iceland. The Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are located adjacent to one another. They’re situated just about between Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Hofn.

 

Driving Times to the Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

If you’re driving straight from the Keflavik airport to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, it’ll take you just about all day. The trip from Reykjavik is a little shorter, but you’ll still want to overnight somewhere nearby, rather than drive back to Reykjavik after visiting Jökulsárlón. Hofn or Vik are both good choices for this.

• From Keflavik Airport: 6–7 hours and 425 km/264 miles
• From Reykjavik: 5–6 hours and 380 km/236 miles
• From Vik: 2.5-3 hours and 190 km/118 miles
• From Skaftafell: Approx. 1 hour and 60 km/37 miles
• From Hofn: Approx. 1.5 hours and 90 km/55 miles

 

Road Conditions

So what kind of road conditions can you expect while driving to Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon? If you’ve read about Iceland’s driving conditions and are worried that you might not be up for taking on some of the rugged terrain, no worries — the route to Jökulsárlón is very well-maintained, even in the winter months.

Because of this, when you book your car rental in Iceland, you can book a regular vehicle if you’re visiting in the summer months. A 4x4 vehicle is still recommended in the winter months, though, as, while the roads are taken care of, you can still encounter ice or snow.

 

The Best Time to Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, Iceland

Along these lines, is there a best season of the year to visit the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland? Not necessarily! Any time is a great time to plan a visit to Iceland and these attractions!

Year-Round Accessibility

Unlike some areas of Iceland that are inaccessible during the winter months, such as the Highlands, the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are accessible all year long. There are, though, some benefits to visiting in one season versus another.

• Winter: In winter, the lagoon surrounded by snow and ice is even more magical and there’s even a chance you might see the Northern Lights. You can also pair a visit to the lagoon with an ice-caving excursion that departs at Jokulsarlon; you’ll find more information about other activities available near Jokulsarlon below. Additionally, a winter trip to Iceland comes with fewer crowds and lower overall travel costs.
• Summer: In the summer, you’ll enjoy milder weather when visiting the lagoon. You’ll also enjoy ample opportunities for wildlife watching and hiking in the surrounding area. If you want to see the seals and Arctic terns that call the lagoon home, or if you want to take one of the available boat tours on the lagoon, come in the summer.

 

Top Attractions Near Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Expand your explorations of Iceland by visiting some of these other, nearby sites as well!

 

Skaftafell and Vatnajokull National Park 

The Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Vatnajökull National Park are situated about 60 kilometres or 37 miles away, so it’ll only take you about an hour’s drive to get from Jökulsárlón to there. If you want to see even more dramatic Icelandic landscapes and possibly get in some hiking, glacier climbing or ice caving, depending on the season, you need to make the trip over. You can expect to see glaciers, black sands, basalt columns and Vatnajökull, for which the national park was named and the largest glacier by volume in all of Europe. The glacier is so big that it nearly covers 10% of all of Iceland!

 

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Another glacier lagoon in the region, Fjallsarlon is just 11 kilometres or 6 miles south of Jökulsárlón, so definitely don’t miss it. This is a much smaller lagoon, but it offers views of both a volcano and Hvannadalshnjúkur, the tallest mountain in Iceland.

 

Vestrahorn and Hofn

This mountain is a little over an hour’s drive away, or 90 kilometres/55 miles. Given the nickname “Batman Mountain,” the mountain on the coast offers amazing views and both a lagoon and black sand beaches are nearby.

After you’ve taken in Vestrahorn, stop into the nearby town of Hofn, where you may want to stay overnight while visiting the Glacier Lagoon.

 

Top Activities at the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

What should you do when you visit Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach? These are some of the top activities that travellers enjoy.

 

Sightseeing and Photography

Of course, just seeing the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland is an experience in itself. Many stay around a while and simply soak in the landscapes or spend their visit taking lots of photos of the lagoon and the beach.

 

Boat Tours, available only in the summer

Going on boat tours of the Glacier Lagoon is another popular activity. However, do note that this activity is only a possibility during the warmer summer months. Going out on a boat tour can provide you with views you’d never get from the shoreline, as you take in the massive icebergs up close and personal.

The boat tour options include both amphibian and zodiac boat tours, and some tours zip along the water while others go at a slower pace. Some take you closer to the icebergs while others keep you at a distance. There are plenty of tour options to choose from.

Book a boat tour of the Glacier Lagoon now and save 5% on your tickets with the promo code LAVATOURS.

 

Ice caving, available only in the winter

Don’t worry — if you visit during the winter months and are disappointed you can’t get a boat tour due to the colder temperatures, there’s something else unique for you to try, that’s only possible in the winter: ice caving.

Ice caving allows you to go up actually inside of the glacier Vatnajökull. The ice caves only exist during the winter months. As the summer months turn into winter, the glacier’s melting waters freeze over and create ice caves, with each year offering new and different caves to explore. Typically, the ice caves exist and are accessible between October and March.

Ice caving requires a guide, to ensure your safety. Guided tours take anywhere from two to five hours.

Book your ice caving tour now and save 5% on your tickets with the promo code LAVATOURS.

 

Glacier hiking

If you’d rather stay atop the glacier than diving deep inside it, try glacier hiking, an activity that’s available all year round. Guided glacier hiking tours take you across Vatnajökull so you can see the glacier’s unique ice formations.

Guides are absolutely required for this activity, as they will help keep you safe and also equip you with the supplies you need for a safe experience, including crampons, helmets and ice axes. You can find glacier hiking tours available for various skill and activity levels, and the tours take two to four hours.

Book your glacier hiking tour now and save 5% on your tickets with the promo code LAVATOURS.

 

Wildlife watching

Both the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are home to an array of wildlife. Bring your binoculars and camera and be prepared to see seals, birds and marine life.

Looking for even more to do while on a trip to Iceland? Check out our guide to some of the best things to do in Iceland.

 

Parking at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and Skaftafell  

When driving your Iceland car rental to Jökulsárlón, you’ll need to park it somewhere while you explore on foot. Luckily, this is pretty easy.

When you’re visiting the Glacier Lagoon or Diamond Beach, you can either park at the lagoon’s designated parking lot or at the parking near the beach entrances. The two sites are so close together that you can park at one and walk just five minutes to see the other.

The parking lot at Glacier Lagoon is situated right off the main road and there’s plenty of space for larger vehicles, like if you rented a campervan for your Iceland trip. The parking lot is also near the lagoon’s facilities, including a café and restrooms. This parking lot does come with a fee, but you can pay the fee online via Parka or at one of the on-site machines.

The parking at the beach is also just off the main road, on either side. The parking is free.

If you decide to drive further and visit Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park, you’ll find another large, visitor parking lot near the main park entrance. This parking lot also comes with a fee that you can pay online via Parka or on-site. The parking lot offers great access to hiking, waterfalls and glaciers.

Wherever you decide to park, plan to arrive early to secure your parking spot, as the lots do become crowded during certain times of the year, such as in the summer.

Learn more in our full guide to parking in Iceland.

 

Where to Stay Near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

You may want to stay overnight near the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. If so, you have three options: campsites, mountain huts or hotels.

Campsites are ideal if you want to rent a campervan in Iceland, to save money or just for a great experience. The Skaftafell campsite is nearby.

You can rent a mountain hut if you want something a little more rustic but with more amenities than a campervan.

For those who prefer hotels, try either Hotel Hofn or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.

 

Tips for Your Visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Ready to book your Iceland trip to Jökulsárlón? Here are a few final things to keep in mind.

• Seasonal timing: You can visit Jökulsárlón any time of year, but you may prefer to visit either in summer or winter. Summer comes with milder weather. Winter comes with fewer crowds, lower prices and the chance to see the northern lights. 
• Check road and weather conditions: Wherever and whenever you’re travelling in Iceland, always keep an eye on the road conditions and weather conditions. 
• Pack essentials: Bring layers of clothing, hiking boots and your camera. Be prepared for varying weather conditions. Check out our guide for what to pack for Iceland for more.
• Food: There aren’t many restaurants near Jökulsárlón. As such, stop by a grocery store before driving to the area and purchase water, snacks and other food. If you’re renting a campervan, you can purchase food to cook a meal using your camp stove.
• Stay on designated paths: When exploring on foot, always stay on designated paths and follow Leave No Trace principles, which dictate that you leave a place exactly like you found it.
• Be careful at Jökulsárlón: Lastly, stay safe at the lagoon and at the beach. Do not climb the icebergs or get in the water. Do not get in the water at Diamond Beach either, as the strong current poses a safety hazard.

 

FAQs

• Why should you visit Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach? 

Both offer beautiful, otherworldly scenery that you can’t find anywhere else. Visiting both is a quintessential Iceland experience.

 

• What kind of rental car do I need to go to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach?  

Any car can handle the roadways to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, but rent a 4x4 vehicle if you’re travelling during the winter, as snow and ice are common.

• When can you drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach? 

You can drive to the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach any time of year.

• How much time does it take to get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach? 

It depends on where you’re driving from!

• From Keflavik Airport: 6–7 hours and 425 km/264 miles
• From Reykjavik: 5–6 hours and 380 km/236 miles
• From Vik: 2.5-3 hours and 190 km/118 miles
• From Skaftafell: Approx. 1 hour and 60 km/37 miles
• From Hofn: Approx. 1.5 hours and 90 km/55 miles

 

• How much time do you need to visit Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach?

Plan to spend a full day in the area.

 

Start Planning Your Trip to See the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach Now

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are two can’t-miss spots in the south of Iceland, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

Start planning your trip to these natural wonders now by booking your rental car. With a range of rental car options for every traveller, Lava Car Rental has you covered for all of your Iceland adventures.

 

   Rent your Car in Iceland