How does Breiðamerkurjökull create Jökulsárlón?

As Breiðamerkurjökull retreats, icebergs calve off its face into the proglacial lagoon, creating Jökulsárlón. The lagoon has grown dramatically as the glacier retreats—it is now Iceland's deepest lake at over 248 meters.

What is Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach is the black sand beach at the mouth of Jökulsárlón where icebergs wash ashore after floating out of the lagoon. The crystal-clear ice chunks on dark volcanic sand create a stunning contrast.

How fast is Breiðamerkurjökull retreating?

Breiðamerkurjökull is one of Iceland's fastest-retreating glaciers, having lost several kilometers in recent decades. The retreat has dramatically expanded Jökulsárlón lagoon.

Can you take boat tours on Jökulsárlón?

Yes, amphibian boat tours and zodiac tours operate on Jökulsárlón from May through October. They bring you close to the glacier face and floating icebergs. Book in advance during summer.

Is it safe to visit Breiðamerkurjökull?

Viewing from Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach is safe. Never walk on the glacier itself without a guide, and stay away from the glacier face—icebergs can calve without warning, creating dangerous waves.

Breidamerkurjokull (Breiðamerkurjökull) Glacier Iceland: Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

The Vatnajökull outlet glacier that feeds Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach—rapidly retreating and creating one of Iceland's most photographed landscapes.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Region

Southeast Iceland

Right on Route 1 between Skaftafell and Höfn.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, with icebergs floating in blue water

Breiðamerkurjökull is the glacier behind Iceland's most iconic natural attraction. As this massive outlet of Vatnajökull retreats, it calves icebergs into Jökulsárlón—a deep glacial lagoon that has grown dramatically over the past century. These icebergs eventually drift to the ocean and wash up on Diamond Beach, where they glitter on black volcanic sand.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Stay well back from the glacier face—icebergs can calve without warning and create dangerous waves. Never climb on icebergs in the lagoon.

Sources to check

Best for

Icebergs + Diamond Beach

One of the most photogenic spots in all of Iceland.

Access

Directly on Route 1

About 5 hours from Reykjavik along the south coast.

Pro tip

Visit at sunrise

Golden light on icebergs creates magical photography.

What to Expect

Massive icebergs floating in a deep glacial lagoon
Seals often spotted swimming among the ice
Crystal ice chunks washed up on Diamond Beach
Brilliant blue and white ice formations in every shape
Thunderous calving events as ice breaks from the glacier face
Constantly changing scenery as icebergs drift and melt

Nearby Attractions

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon amphibian and zodiac boat tours
Diamond Beach ice formations on black volcanic sand
Skaftafell and Svartifoss waterfall (45 min west)
Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon—a quieter alternative nearby
Höfn fishing town and langoustine restaurants (80 km east)
Ice cave tours inside Vatnajökull in winter months

How to Get There

About 375 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 (5-hour drive)
Parking lots on both sides of the bridge at Jökulsárlón
Diamond Beach is directly across Route 1 from the lagoon
Regular car sufficient year-round on Route 1
Many south coast tours include Jökulsárlón as a stop

Best Time to Visit

Stunning year-round—each season brings different light
Summer for boat tours (May–October) and midnight sun
Winter for northern lights over icebergs
Sunrise and sunset offer the best photography light
Arrive early in summer to avoid tour bus crowds

Planning help

Breidamerkurjokull (Breiðamerkurjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

All glaciers