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.

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.

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’s included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The national park’s southern area is full of stunning glaciers, icy lagoons, and waterfalls that can be visited year-round, plus winter-time ice caves.

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

Thankfully, Jökulsárlón is conveniently located just off Highway 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 Reykjavík?

If you’re starting from the capital, it’s about 240 miles (380km), or just over five hours’ drive from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón.

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.

Some tour companies offer a day trip to the glacier lagoon from Reykjavík in summer, if you’re staying in the capital but still want to explore this more remote location. It’s a very 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’s 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, plus a couple of upmarket hotels nearby: the new Hotel Jókulsárlon is about 7 miles / 11km east of the lagoon, and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is 19 miles / 30km west.

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.

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. The lagoon area is open 24/7. There is a fee to park in the area.

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 the nearby hiking routes, spring or summer are the best times to visit.

When you visit 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’re 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: