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04/10/2024 | 3:00 PM


DISCOVER ICELAND'S JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON

Iceland is home to an endless array of stunning natural wonders. From cascading
waterfalls to glistening ice caves, there are so many sights that will take your
breath away. And Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is no exception.

With a name that literally means 'glacier river lagoon', it's no surprise that
Jökulsárlón is one of the country’s most famous glacier lagoons – a type of lake
formed out of melted ice, found at the glacier's snout as the glacier retreats.

Sitting at the base of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, what makes this
lagoon so stunning is the sheer scale of its blue waters that extend far off
into the horizon, speckled with icebergs of all different shapes and sizes.

It might surprise you to know that the glacier lagoon is relatively new.
Jökulsárlón began forming when Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of
Vatnajökull ice cap, started retreating about 90 years ago. The glacier's edge
once reached the area where the highway now sits.


OUR GUIDE TO JÖKULSÁRLÓN

To help you make this most of this unmissable spot, we’ve put together a guide
with everything you need to know about visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
While you're there, don't miss the lagoon's high-profile neighbor, known as
'Diamond Beach' thanks to the icebergs that rest on its black sands as they
travel from the lagoon to the ocean.

In this guide:

 * Where is Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon?
 * How to get there and where to stay
 * The best time to visit the lagoon
 * Things to do at and around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
 * Tours and excursions


WHERE IS JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON?

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is located on Iceland’s south coast, an area that’s
home to many of the country’s natural wonders.

Between the towns of Vík and Höfn, the lagoon sits inside the borders of
Vatnajökull National Park, an immense and spectacular wilderness area that is
included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The national park's southern area is full of stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and
ice caves that can be visited in winter.




HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO STAY

It can be tricky to get around in Iceland’s regional areas, so most people
choose to hire a car.

Thankfully, Jökulsárlón is conveniently located just off Route 1, Iceland’s
iconic national road (which is also called the Ring Road). This makes it easy to
plan a road trip here, or add the glacier lagoon to your itinerary if you're
tackling the whole Ring Road.




HOW FAR IS JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON FROM REYKJAVIK?

If you’re starting from the capital, it's about 240 miles (380km), or just over
five hours' drive from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón (that's not quite the distance
from Toronto to Ottawa).

This distance means that you can’t easily get there and back in a day. However,
the drive is definitely worth it as you’ll get the chance to take in Iceland’s
breathtaking landscapes and pass some of the country’s most famous – and
beautiful – sights. We recommend you take two days (at least) for a road trip
from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón and back, stopping at waterfalls and black
beaches.

Many companies offer a day trip to the glacier lagoon from Reykjavík – it's a
long day (approximately 14 hours) but when someone else is taking care of the
driving and navigating, you're free to enjoy the sights out the window!


WHERE TO STAY NEAR JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON

If you want to explore southern Iceland a bit more, there are plenty of great
places to stay in the area.

Hotels and guesthouses in Vík and Höfn are good if you’re looking for a base for
exploring other sights. There are also a handful of accommodation options in
more rural areas closer to the glacier lagoon, such as a few hotels and
guesthouses in the tiny settlement of Hali, 9 miles (4km) east of the lagoon,
and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, 19 miles (30km) west of Jökulsárlón.

There’s also a campground inside Vatnajökull National Park itself which is open
all year round – just make sure to bring the right gear for a winter stay! It's
at Skaftafell, about 35 miles (57km) west of the lagoon.


WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is open throughout the year so there’s no bad time to
visit! When you decide to travel depends on what activities you want to do.

Visiting during the winter means you’ll be able to enjoy ice cave tours and you
might even spot the northern lights. But, if you want to enjoy outdoor
activities like kayaking on the lagoon, or take on one of nearby hiking routes,
spring or summer are the best times to visit.




THINGS TO DO AT AND AROUND JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIER LAGOON

When visiting the glacier lagoon, the main thing to do is just to take it all
in. Simply spend some time gazing out across the landscape and basking in the
otherworldly views. Keep your eyes open for harbor seals in the lagoon, and
local birdlife. Arctic terns nest in the area in summer, and you might need to
give them some space!

To have the best experience, make sure to wrap up warm and dress appropriately
as the banks of the lagoon are quite exposed and it can get cold during fall and
winter! Don't jump on the floating ice or attempt to climb anything as the ice
can capsize, leaving you stuck under the freezing waters. You are strongly
advised not to swim in the lagoon.

If you're looking for activities at and near the lagoon, here are our three top
picks:


BOAT TOURS

One of the best ways to see Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is by boat. Gliding along
the blue waters, this experience lets you see the lagoon in all its glory as you
drift between the icebergs and take in the sights.

Bear in mind that because of weather and ice conditions, boat tours generally
only run from May to mid-November so plan accordingly.

You can also take a boat tour among the icebergs at Fjallsárlón, a similar,
smaller lagoon about 7 miles (12km) west of Jökulsárlón that’s definitely worth
the detour.


DIAMOND BEACH

Another iconic destination, Iceland’s renowned Diamond Beach is located just
across from Jökulsárlón – there’s even a path between the two that runs under
the bridge.

This beautiful location gets its name from the stunning shards of ice that line
the black sandy shore, shimmering like gems in the sun. The moniker 'Diamond
Beach' was given by tourists, and it's stuck; the Icelandic name is Fellsfjara.

If you’re visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, definitely make sure to set aside
some time to wander along the coast.


SKAFTAFELL AREA

A little further, the picturesque Skaftafell area is just under an hour’s drive
from Jökulsárlón and is the perfect place to spend a day or an afternoon getting
back to nature.

Part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, the area is home to mountains,
glaciers and waterfalls, including the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall with its
striking basalt columns.

Skaftafell is home to some of Iceland’s most scenic hiking trails. Call into the
Skaftafellsstofa visitor center to learn more about the area's unique nature and
the best hiking trails for your interests and abilities.

You can also arrange glacier walks (year-round), ice cave visits (in winter),
and other activities with the tour operators that have a base here.


TOURS AND EXCURSIONS

While an independent visit to Iceland’s glacier lagoons can be incredibly
rewarding, nothing quite beats a guided tour of the south coast, showing you all
the hotspots and hidden gems that the area has to offer.

We offer a tour of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach starting from
Reykjavik, which is perfect if you’re staying in the capital but still want to
explore this more remote location.

Ready to book your Icelandic getaway? Browse flights to Reykjavik and start
planning your dream trip today!


Shape


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