Hotels & Accommodation at Jokulsarlon Lagoon
Find your place to stay near the magical sites of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. Enjoy stunning glacier views and gorgeous landscapes in this beautiful part of Iceland.
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The best hotels & accommodation at Jokulsarlon
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Why stay near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
Staying near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The breathtaking beauty of the glacier lagoon, with its shimmering icebergs and black sand shores, makes it a must-visit destination in Iceland. By choosing to stay in a hotel near Jokulsarlon, you can fully immerse yourself in this remarkable natural wonder.
Hotels and accommodations near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon provide convenient access to the lagoon, allowing you to witness its ever-changing landscapes throughout the day.
In addition to the stunning scenery, staying near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon offers opportunities for various activities. Take a boat tour to navigate through the floating icebergs, capturing close-up views of their intricate shapes and colors. Engage in wildlife watching as seals swim alongside the ice or spot Arctic terns and skuas nesting in the summer.
Whether you choose a cozy hotel, a charming guesthouse, or a rustic cabin, the accommodations near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon cater to different preferences and budgets. After a day of exploration, you can relax in comfortable surroundings, savor local cuisine, and unwind near this unique natural wonder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in a hotel by the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon?
Since the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is within the Vatnajokull National Park, it is a protected area, and therefore hotels can't be built right by the lagoon itself. There are, however, plenty of options just a short distance from the lagoon where you can stay at.
You can also book accommodaitons at the nearby towns of Hofn or Skaftafell, which are both within a reasonable driving distance from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. These towns offer a wider range of amenities, restaurants, and accommodation choices. Staying in one of these towns allows you to explore other nearby attractions while still being easily able to visit the glacier lagoon.
You can also book accommodaitons at the nearby towns of Hofn or Skaftafell, which are both within a reasonable driving distance from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. These towns offer a wider range of amenities, restaurants, and accommodation choices. Staying in one of these towns allows you to explore other nearby attractions while still being easily able to visit the glacier lagoon.
What are the best hotels near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
One of the best hotels near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, as reviewed by over 1,760 travelers. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon has plenty of options for travelers, no matter the group size, from standard to luxury rooms. Guests can enjoy glacier or countryside views from each room, and they can savor the delicious offerings of the hotel’s restaurant, which serves the best of Iceland's food.
We also recommend Hali Country Hotel, with a variety of modern rooms and apartments suitable for different group sizes. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, cozy furnishings, a restaurant, and a cultural heritage center, the Hali Country Hotel provides a memorable and convenient experience.
Another great option is the Hotel Smyrlabjorg, a 68-room hotel situated halfway between the enchanting Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the captivating Eastfjords. The hotel offers a tranquil rural setting and boasts a restaurant, bar, and opportunities to experience the local culture on the expansive farm surrounding the hotel.
We also recommend Hali Country Hotel, with a variety of modern rooms and apartments suitable for different group sizes. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, cozy furnishings, a restaurant, and a cultural heritage center, the Hali Country Hotel provides a memorable and convenient experience.
Another great option is the Hotel Smyrlabjorg, a 68-room hotel situated halfway between the enchanting Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the captivating Eastfjords. The hotel offers a tranquil rural setting and boasts a restaurant, bar, and opportunities to experience the local culture on the expansive farm surrounding the hotel.
What is the best guesthouse near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon?
The best guesthouse near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is Stekkatun Guesthouse, a charming country-style guesthouse. The guesthouse’s comfortable rooms and shared facilities ensure a pleasant stay for guests seeking a mix of comfort and personal touch.
What popular attractions are close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
Located adjacent to Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach is a stunning black sand beach adorned with glistening icebergs that have washed ashore. It offers a unique and picturesque sight, contrasting the dark sand with the sparkling ice formations.
Vatnajokull National Park, a vast and diverse wilderness, envelops Jokulsarlon. The park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull, as well as impressive volcanic landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and captivating hiking trails.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve, known for its stunning beauty, is situated between Jokulsarlon and the town of Hofn. It offers a range of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the iconic Svartifoss waterfall and the glacier tongues of Vatnajokull.
Vatnajokull National Park, a vast and diverse wilderness, envelops Jokulsarlon. The park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull, as well as impressive volcanic landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and captivating hiking trails.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve, known for its stunning beauty, is situated between Jokulsarlon and the town of Hofn. It offers a range of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the iconic Svartifoss waterfall and the glacier tongues of Vatnajokull.
Can I stay close to the Diamond Beach?
The so-called Diamond Beach, lies to the south of Jokulsarlon. It acquired its moniker due to the shimmering, diamond-like icebergs that often end up on its shore. Although it's just a five-minute walk from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, most visitors prefer to drive there, given the presence of a road connecting the two locations.
Because of its close proximity, staying near the glacier lagoon means you are also staying near the Diamond Beach by default.
Because of its close proximity, staying near the glacier lagoon means you are also staying near the Diamond Beach by default.
What is there to do at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon?
There are plenty of Jokulsarlon tours and a range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Get up close to the beautiful ice formations aboard an amphibious vessel on this affordable boat tour of the glacier lagoon, or hop on board a speedy zodiac inflatable boat on the 1-hour zodiac boat tour. For a closer encounter with the icebergs, you can also try kayaking in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which is a unique and tranquil experience.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon provides endless opportunities for photographers. Capture the beauty of the icebergs, play with reflections in the calm waters, and snap memorable shots of the surrounding landscapes.
Observe the local wildlife that frequents the lagoon. Look out for seals swimming amidst the icebergs or lounging on the floating ice. The area is also known for its population of seabirds, including Arctic terns and skuas.
Join guided glacier hikes or ice-caving tours to experience the icy wonders of nearby glaciers. Check out this crystal ice cave exploration tour of Vatnajokull which starts from the glacier lagoon.
During the winter months, Jokulsarlon offers an excellent opportunity to witness the captivating northern lights. Venture out at night to witness the dancing colors of the aurora borealis against the dark Icelandic sky.
Get up close to the beautiful ice formations aboard an amphibious vessel on this affordable boat tour of the glacier lagoon, or hop on board a speedy zodiac inflatable boat on the 1-hour zodiac boat tour. For a closer encounter with the icebergs, you can also try kayaking in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which is a unique and tranquil experience.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon provides endless opportunities for photographers. Capture the beauty of the icebergs, play with reflections in the calm waters, and snap memorable shots of the surrounding landscapes.
Observe the local wildlife that frequents the lagoon. Look out for seals swimming amidst the icebergs or lounging on the floating ice. The area is also known for its population of seabirds, including Arctic terns and skuas.
Join guided glacier hikes or ice-caving tours to experience the icy wonders of nearby glaciers. Check out this crystal ice cave exploration tour of Vatnajokull which starts from the glacier lagoon.
During the winter months, Jokulsarlon offers an excellent opportunity to witness the captivating northern lights. Venture out at night to witness the dancing colors of the aurora borealis against the dark Icelandic sky.
Do hotels near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon have their own restaurant?
While not all the hotels and accommodations near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon have their own restaurant, there are many that offer the convenience of on-site dining.
Hotel Smyrlabjorg has a restaurant and cozy bar that serves delicious local Icelandic food. It is a 68-room hotel that has traditional country house decor with modern touches.
Arnanes Country Hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast daily. The hotel’s restaurant also opens for dinner in the evening, utilizing locally sourced ingredients such as lobster from Hofn and wild herbs from the hotel’s garden.
Hotel Smyrlabjorg has a restaurant and cozy bar that serves delicious local Icelandic food. It is a 68-room hotel that has traditional country house decor with modern touches.
Arnanes Country Hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast daily. The hotel’s restaurant also opens for dinner in the evening, utilizing locally sourced ingredients such as lobster from Hofn and wild herbs from the hotel’s garden.
Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?
It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season in summer, to ensure availability and secure your preferred choice of accommodation near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
Can I find Wi-Fi and other modern amenities at the accommodations?
Yes, most accommodations near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon provide modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, heating, and in-room facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Are there parking facilities available at the accommodations?
Yes, many hotels and guesthouses provide parking facilities for guests, allowing convenient access to their vehicles during their stay.
Can I reach Jokulsarlon in a normal car or do I need a 4WD?
The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, located along the renowned Route 1, is accessible by a standard two-wheel-drive car. Nevertheless, during winter, you might find it more advantageous to rent a 4x4 in Iceland. It not only offers enhanced comfort and resilience against strong winds but also provides better capability to navigate through snowy and icy terrains.
Are there any food options near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon?
Nearby the lagoon, you'll discover the Glacier Lagoon Café offering refreshments like sandwiches and seafood soup. You also have the opportunity to relax with a coffee, hot chocolate, or a soft drink, all the while soaking in the stunning vistas of the drifting icebergs or the adjacent Vatnajokull glacier.
How long does it take to drive from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon?
The journey to the lagoon from Reykjavik typically spans about five hours, making the round trip around ten hours in total. While it's feasible to complete this travel within a single day, it's recommended either to opt for a multi-day escorted tour or to break the trip into parts with a stayover somewhere along the way.
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