Diamond Beach & Glacier Hike

Diamond Beach

Directly opposite the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, on the other side of the Ring Road bridge, lies Diamond Beach — one of the most photogenic places in the world. Here, the ice blocks driven from the lagoon into the sea are washed back onto the beach by the waves, where they lie on the coal-black volcanic sand like polished diamonds on black velvet.

The ice blocks sparkle in the sunlight in turquoise, blue, and crystal clear — no photo does the view justice. In the morning and evening, when the sun is low, the atmosphere is most intense. The size of the ice blocks varies from small pieces to man-sized chunks, and each has a different shape and transparency. Some are clear as glass, others milky white, and others show black volcanic ash stripes.

The ice blocks consist of compressed glacier ice, compacted over centuries to millennia in the Vatnajökull. When you hold a piece in your hand, you are literally holding history — the ice can be 800–1,000 years old.

Glacier Hike — Once on Eternal Ice

A guided glacier hike is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Iceland. The most popular glaciers for hikes are:

• Sólheimajökull: Near Vík (2h from Reykjavík), 3h tour from approx. 12,000 ISK (80€). Perfect for beginners. Easily accessible, also as a day trip from Reykjavík
• Svínafellsjökull: At Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. More dramatic ice sculptures and views than Sólheimajökull. Interstellar filming location!
• Falljökull: Also from Skaftafell. Steeper and wilder, for more experienced hikers

The tours include crampons, ice axes, and helmets. You walk on the glacier, see blue crevasses (some up to 30 meters deep!), glacier mills (holes through which meltwater plunges into the depths), and the rugged surface up close. The guides explain glacier geology and show how climate change is altering the glacier — many glaciers retreat 50–100 meters annually.

Ice Caves — Blue Glowing Wonder

In winter (November–March), additional ice cave tours are offered — naturally formed caves in the glacier ice with surreal blue light. The color arises because the compressed glacier ice absorbs all colors of the light spectrum except blue. Each cave is unique and changes from year to year — some disappear, new ones form. The most famous, the Crystal Cave in Breiðamerkurjökull, has walls of translucent blue ice that glow like stained glass.

Ice cave tours: From 25,000 ISK (167€). 3–5 hours including transport to the glacier (Super Jeep). In winter, book 2–4 weeks in advance!