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?

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 about the same as driving from Chicago to Detroit).

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!