If you're looking for that once-in-a-lifetime northern light moment then you need to make your way to Diamond Beach. It’s one of those places that doesn’t just look magical, it feels magical. I've seen the aurora from mountaintops, from hot springs, from remote farms in the north of Iceland... but there's something about seeing them dance over a shoreline littered with glowing ice that still gives me goosebumps.
Let's break it all down so you know exactly how to experience this for yourself.
If you want to explore Diamond Beach and the Northern Lights, you can join Travel Reykjavík on a 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt or a 4-Day Ice Cave & Northern Light Adventure along the south coast. You'll explore black sand beaches and given favorable conditions you'll enjoy the northern lights at night.
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What is the Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach — Fellsfjara if we’re getting technical with the Icelandic name — is located right beside the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on Iceland’s southeast coast. This beach is one of the black sand beaches in Iceland to see the northern lights, but what sets it apart are the shiny icebergs that fill up the beach.
Chunks of ice calve off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, float across the lagoon, and get pulled out to sea. Then, depending on tides and currents, those same pieces are tossed back onto the beach in a glittering mess of shapes and sizes. Some are crystal-clear, others glow deep blue, and when the sun — or the northern lights — hits them just right, they really do look like diamonds scattered on black velvet.
The beach itself stretches out in two directions from the bridge over the Jökulsá river, which flows directly from the glacier lagoon. To the west, the shoreline widens into long open stretches and to the east, you’ll also find concentrated collections of ice. Which side is better, in terms of quantity of ice, really depends on tides and currents each day which is why checking both sides is always smart.
Why Diamond Beach is Perfect for Northern Lights Viewing
Now let’s talk auroras.
Diamond Beach is hands-down one of the best places in Iceland to watch the northern lights — and I don’t say that lightly. The conditions here are naturally ideal: you’re far away from any towns or streetlights, which means the skies are really dark. That’s key, because even a weak aurora can look spectacular when there’s no light pollution to dull it down.
But what really sets this place apart is the ice.
When the northern lights start to ripple across the sky, all those ice chunks scattered across the black sand begin to glow. I’m talking real reflections of the green streaks on transparent blocks of glacier ice. For photographers this is the place to be.
On a good night, you’ll have 360-degree views of the sky, and no clouds blocking your line of sight. So, if the aurora is happening over the Atlantic or swirling behind the glacier peaks you’ll see it. Just give yourself time and patience. Like any natural show, the aurora isn't on a schedule and well worth the wait.
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Best Time to See the Northern Lights at Diamond Beach
Northern lights season in Iceland typically runs from late September through mid-April, with peak viewing conditions between November and March. These are the darkest months of the year, with long nights and higher aurora activity levels (you can explore what causes the aurora borealis in Iceland).
That said, darkness alone isn't enough. You need a few key conditions to line up:
- Clear skies: Cloud cover is the biggest buzzkill for aurora watching. Even a strong KP index can't pierce through thick cloud layers.
- Solar activity: The aurora is caused by particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, so checking solar activity is crucial. I recommend using the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast and apps like “My Aurora Forecast” for real-time updates.
- Time of night: The sweet spot tends to be between 10 PM and 2 AM, though I've personally seen strong activity both earlier and later. Keep your eyes on the sky and be flexible.
As for when to be at Diamond Beach? I always recommend arriving before full darkness. That way you can explore, get your bearings, and find your perfect viewing spot without fumbling around in the cold. It also gives you time to scout both the east and west sides of the beach because the experience can be very different depending on where the ice is scattered that night.
Facilities Nearby: Glacier Lagoon Café
Diamond Beach itself is wild and untamed, with no built-in amenities on the sand. But thankfully, just across the road at Jökulsárlón, you’ll find the cozy Glacier Lagoon Café.
This café is your warm haven while you wait for darkness to fall. They serve hot drinks, simple food, and it’s a great place to regroup and watch the lagoon during the day. You’ll also find restrooms here (important!) and it often stays open later during high tourist season or when aurora tours are running although usually only until 5 or 6 pm in winter, depending on the month. That said, if you’re visiting late at night, don’t expect anything to be open and plan to bring your own snacks and drinks just in case.
There’s also a large parking area next to Jökulsárlón that serves both the lagoon and Diamond Beach. However, for safety reasons it's better to drive down to the beach as otherwise you'll need to cross the main road and the bridge on foot, which is a dangerous activity (to say the least) especially in the dark. On both sides of the bridge you can turn down small roads that lead to the beach, where it's safer to get out of the car.
Diamond Beach East Side or West Side
This is a common question we get asked quite a bit — so here’s the scoop.
What you'll want to do is go to both sides and see which side has more ice on the day. Which side is better, or has more ice, depends on tides and currents. Usually, more ice is found on the west side simply due to a small stretch of sand that blocks icebergs from reaching the east side if the current pulling them out to sea is not strong enough.
The west side (on the right when facing the ocean) tends to catch more glacial ice, thanks to the current and shape of the shoreline. If you want to get up close with the “diamonds,” this is where you'll probably want to start. I’ve seen everything from tiny ice pebbles to full-on iceberg blocks sitting on the sand.
The east side is flatter and more expansive and equally as beautiful when covered in sparkling ice or when the auroras show at night.
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How to Get There (and How Long It Takes)
Let me be upfront: Diamond Beach is a journey. It’s located about 370 kilometers (230 miles) east of Reykjavík, and the drive takes around 5 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
The most scenic route (and the one you literally have to take unless you're arriving from the east) is along the Ring Road (Route 1). The drive itself is worth doing slowly, especially through the south coast's lava fields, waterfalls, black sand deserts (note that stopping for northern lights in Vík is also a good spot), and glacier views that all are worthy of your attention.
If you're planning to see the aurora at Diamond Beach, I highly recommend spending the night nearby instead of doing it as a quicky trip. It will give you time to enjoy the area in daylight, which is gorgeous btw in case you had any doubts, it also gives you a more relaxed (less sleep deprived) trip and puts you in the perfect location to catch the lights when they appear.
Where to Stay Nearby
You’ve got a few great options depending on how close you want to be. If you're looking for the closest option you want to stay at Hali Country Hotel, Gerði Guesthouse or Hótel Jökulsárlón. All located about 10-15 minute drive from the Diamond Beach.
Near the lagoon:
- Gerði Guesthouse – a simple, warm, and welcoming family-run guesthouse. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the location makes it ideal for late-night aurora runs — you can easily pop out when the lights show up.
- Hótel Jökulsárlón – upscale, modern rooms, fantastic views, and even a bar and restaurant onsite and just minutes from the Diamond Beach.
- Hali Country Hotel – just 12 km east of the beach, with cozy rooms, great food, and glacier views.
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – about 25 minutes west from the beach is the stylish and modern Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon perfectly located for aurora viewing right from the property.
In Höfn (1 hour east):
- If you don’t mind a longer drive, the charming fishing town Höfn has more restaurants and guesthouses. Great for a base if you're planning to explore further east.
In Skaftafell (1 hour west):
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve is home to hiking trails and glacier tours and this is where you find Hotel Skaftafell and many campgrounds if you're seeking a winter adventure. It's a good area if you're combining your beach trip with Vatnajökull National Park.
Whichever you choose, make sure your accommodation has flexible check-in times and late-night access — especially if you’ll be returning from an aurora chase after midnight.
Discover Diamond Beach and Northern Lights with Travel Reykjavík
If Diamond Beach is calling your name (and honestly, why wouldn’t it be?), Travel Reykjavík offers the perfect way to experience it — and catch the northern lights when conditions are just right.
You can book a 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt or a 4-Day Ice Cave & Northern Lights Adventure along Iceland’s wintry south coast. You’ll explore the black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and — when conditions align — witness the aurora lighting up the night sky.
The Adventure Awaits!
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