Best for
Icebergs + Diamond Beach
Among the most photographed spots in Iceland.
Breiðamerkurjökull: the Glacier Behind Jökulsárlón
The Vatnajökull outlet glacier that feeds Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. It is retreating fast, and the lagoon it leaves behind is one of Iceland's most photographed places.
Region
Southeast Iceland
Right on Route 1 between Skaftafell and Höfn.
Breiðamerkurjökull is the glacier behind Jökulsárlón, one of Iceland's best-known natural attractions. As this large outlet of Vatnajökull retreats, it calves icebergs into the deep glacial lagoon, which has expanded greatly over the past century. The icebergs eventually drift to the ocean and wash up on Diamond Beach, where they glitter on black volcanic sand.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Stay well back from the glacier face; icebergs can calve without warning and create dangerous waves. Never climb on icebergs in the lagoon.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Directly on Route 1
About 5 hours from Reykjavik along the south coast.
Pro tip
Visit at sunrise
Low morning light on the icebergs, and fewer people.
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
- Blue and white ice formations in every shape
- Loud calving 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
- Worth visiting 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.