The Complete Guide to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Where is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?

Jokulsarlon lies south of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Together with its surrounding area, including Jokulsarlon, it forms Iceland’s largest national park—the second largest in Europe, after Yugid Va in Russia.

The lagoon naturally formed from melted glacial water and continues to expand as icebergs break away from the shrinking glacier. This ever-changing landscape offers a striking visual reminder of global warming, with the glacier retreating noticeably year after year.

The lagoon and the nearby glacier tongue are especially unique, as their appearance evolves over time, offering a new experience with each visit.

• Learn about the National Parks in Iceland

The icebergs that break away from the glacier and fall into the lagoon slowly melt and drift out to sea, where the North Atlantic waves polish them before being washed ashore on the jet-black beach called Breidamerkursandur.

As a result, this black stretch of sand is always covered in translucent, compact ice sculptures that glisten in the sun, much like diamonds. This is why Breidamerkursandur is sometimes called Diamond Beach.

• Discover 8 Amazing Black Sand Beaches in Iceland
• See more: Iceland Has Got a sparkling Ice Diamond Beach on Breiðamerkursandur

How to Get to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

To reach Jokulsarlon, you can either drive yourself in a rental car or choose from the many tours of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. If you are driving from Reykjavik, note that it's 236 miles (380 km) to reach the lagoon, so it can take anywhere from five to six hours, depending on the weather and road conditions.

The drive itself is incredibly scenic, so it may take you longer to get there, given all the great stops you'll want to make on the way. We, therefore, recommend spending at least two days traveling from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon and back.

For a summer adventure, this outstanding 2-day Jokulsarlon tour includes accommodation and transport in a minibus with a professional guide. The tour takes you to Jokulsarlon, stops at the best attractions along the way, and includes a glacier hike and a boat ride.

If you're visiting Iceland in winter, we recommend this highly rated 2-day South Coast tour, which also includes accommodation and transportation, so you don't have to deal with driving in icy conditions. You’ll even get to visit a stunning blue ice cave and enjoy opportunities to spot the northern lights!

• See the Northern Lights at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Check out: Northern Lights in Iceland - When & Where To See the Aurora

The drive along the southern coast of Iceland is one of the most stunning journeys you can take. You'll pass by some incredible scenery, including the gorgeous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the black beach of Reynisfjara, Myrdalsjokull glacier, and Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

There are many incredible stops to explore, which is why Guide to Iceland offers several suggested vacation packages designed to enhance the experience depending on your interests.

For example, a 6-day self-drive tour of the South Coast and the Golden Circle is ideal for those planning a week-long summer visit to Iceland. For winter travelers, a 6-day winter itinerary is a great choice, featuring access to the stunning ice cave by Jokulsarlon.

• Discover How Many Days to Spend in Iceland

For shorter trips, a 3-day winter itinerary is also available and includes an amazing visit to an ice cave. But if you plan to travel independently, you can find an affordable rental car for your Iceland journey and drive the beautiful South Coast at your own pace.

Jokulsarlon is accessible all year round, although it may be more weather-dependent during the winter months. If there's a raging snowstorm or high winds, it’s best not to drive and just wait until the storm passes.

Most days, however, you'll be fine. The roads along the south coast are typically clear all year. There is some traffic in this region, so someone will surely stop by quickly to help you out if you run into any trouble.

A considerable part of the fun of exploring Iceland is the journey. You must keep up to date with weather and road conditions (checking each daily is best) and be prepared to change plans if your safety is at risk. This especially applies if you're traveling in winter, which is the only time you're able to see the northern lights.

Spending some time at Iceland’s crown jewel, Jokulsarlon is well worth the journey. If you don't want to drive yourself, you can always book a tour, such as a 3-day South Coast adventure.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also include glacier hiking on a 2-day tour to Jokulsarlon. This provides the most breathtaking views as you stand on top of Europe's largest glacier.

• See more: Things That Can Kill You in Iceland (Plus Sand Snakes)
• See also: The Weather & Temperature in Iceland

Things to Do at Jokulsarlon Glacier

Visitors can do many different things when visiting the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. What to do depends on how much time is available and what types of experiences are of interest.

Jokulsarlon Lagoon Boat Tours

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat tours operate in the summertime, between April and October. A boat tour in Jokulsarlon is a great way to experience the glacier lagoon up close. It allows you to see massive icebergs floating in the water, some of which are thousands of years old.

The tour also offers a closer look at the surrounding glaciers and the chance to spot wildlife, such as seals resting on the ice. It’s a unique and memorable way to explore this natural wonder.

During the high season (July and August), up to 40 boat trips run Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon tours per day. You can choose between going on this affordable boat tour that leaves multiple times per day or this Jokulsarlon Zodiac boat tour with a fixed schedule.

It is best to book the boat tours in Jokulsarlon in advance, especially if you are traveling in a group larger than 12 people or visiting during the peak months, from June to August.

To get even closer to nature, booking a Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon kayak tour is something you won’t forget. This tour happens in the summer months only and allows you to move between the floating pieces of ice and get up close and personal with the glacier.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Ice Cave Tours

From Jokulsarlon, it’s possible to join ice cave tours and explore a stunning natural blue cave within the Vatnajokull glacier. These caves are formed as melting water flows beneath the glacier, carving intricate tunnels through the ice.

While each cave is unique in shape and structure, all feature the mesmerizing blue hues that make them extraordinary.

As the glacier moves, it creates different-looking ice caves each year, and there are multiple ice cave tours that you can take during your visit. No two visits are ever the same when exploring. Most ice caves are only accessible from mid-October to March yearly, although some operators do not start until November.

For this season, there are two main ice caves available from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which are the Western Ice Cave and the Eastern Ice Cave. You can visit this exclusive ice cave tour in the Vatnajokull glacier, and which cave you'll see is determined by the optimal weather and visibility conditions for the caves each day.

The Western Ice Cave is known for its incredible crystal blue ice. You'll walk between winding ice walls that lead you into a cave formation, creating excellent photograph opportunities. As part of the experience, you'll also get to ride over the glacier on a thrilling monster truck!

If conditions don't allow for a visit higher up on the glacier, you will be brought to the Eastern Ice Cave. As it's easier to access, it tends to be more crowded, but its dramatic size more than makes up for it. The cave is very large, and in optimal conditions, you can see colors in the ice.

No matter which cave you visit, this experience will surely be a highlight of your time in Iceland. Make sure to book your ice cave tour now to ensure availability for this exclusive tour!

Take in the Northern Lights

Jokulsarlon is also a popular place to try to catch the northern lights dancing in the skies above. The scenery creates a phenomenal foreground for photographers, often with the auroras reflected in the water and the ice.

On intense aurora shows, it can light up the entire lagoon with dancing colors, including green, pink, red, purple, and blue. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime aurora viewing opportunity.

The northern lights occur all year but are only visible when dark. Therefore, they can’t be seen when the nights are bright in the summertime.

You can view the aurora in Iceland from early September until mid-April, depending on the clear sky and how active the northern lights are.

Check out this 5-day winter package that includes the glacier lagoon, hunt for the northern lights, ice cave, and much more to help make your visit to Iceland genuinely spectacular.

• See more: FAQ About the Northern Lights in Iceland | Science & Mythology

Where to Stay at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

It is a great idea to stay near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and fully soak in the beautiful scenery.

One of the closest accommodations is the beautiful Hotel Glacier Lagoon. It's located in the countryside and has a sauna and outdoor hot tubs from which you can see the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and if you are lucky, even the northern lights!

Another great accommodation to choose from is the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a stylish, four-star hotel in the area. The hotel has all the amenities you could need, plus a waterfall right outside.

Hotels and hostels close to the lagoon tend to book up very early. So, if you aren't fortunate enough to get a room at one, the second most convenient option is to stay in the nearby town of Hofn, located about an hour's drive away from Jokulsarlon.

If you are planning on traveling the Ring Road or want to finish your day in a place with convenient services, the town of Hofn is an excellent choice. It's home to the best-tasting lobster in Iceland and close to the stunning Vestrahorn mountain.

Hofn also has various lodgings to suit different budgets and styles, such as Hotel Hofn, which is a lovely hotel for those who prioritize comfort.

If you're exploring Iceland and Jokulsarlon, which is just one of the many stops on your journey, you'll find plenty of accommodation options along the way. However, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your stay.

• Discover the Top 9 Things to Do in Hofn
• See also: Best Restaurants on the South Coast of Iceland

Wildlife at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Seals can be seen swimming in the lagoon and relaxing on top of icebergs. The lagoon also is filled with birdlife, especially during summer, when you see the Arctic tern and many other species.

Jokulsarlon is not a popular area for the famous puffins. But if you are driving from Reykjavik, you can stop by the lighthouse in Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara black sand beach on the way to see some puffins if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Remember that the drive along the South Coast to Jokulsarlon is breathtakingly beautiful. Take your time and enjoy the sights.

• Discover more in The Ultimate Guide to the South Coast

Facts about the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• With a maximum depth of 814 feet (248 meters), Jokulsarlon is Iceland's deepest lake.

• Jokulsarlon's surface area measures 11,2 square miles (18 square kilometers).

• It takes approximately five hours to drive to Jokulsarlon from Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.

• The icebergs in Jokulsarlon are composed of ice that is over 1,000 years old.

• Jokulsarlon glacier first started forming in 1934, when the Breidamerkurjokull glacier started retreating, leaving the lagoon in its path.

• This glacier lagoon in Iceland has gotten four times bigger since the early 1970s.

• The lagoon connects with the ocean and is composed of seawater and freshwater. This is what creates the unique color.

• Seals can be seen year-round in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Jokulsarlon Lagoon as a Film Location

Jokulsarlon's icy landscapes have attracted many filmmakers to shoot scenes for their movies in Iceland. The James Bond films “Die Another Day” and “A View to a Kill” were filmed at the glacial lagoon. “Tomb Raider” was filmed there, too.

Both “Batman Begins” and “Interstellar” were shot nearby at the Svinafellsjokull glacier inside Vatnajokull National Park.

In recent years, Vatnajokull National Park was used as a filming location for “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” The scenes from this movie that were shot there show Walter supposedly trekking in the Himalayas.

Several commercials and music videos have also been shot at Jokulsarlon, such as Bon Iver's Holocene, Justin Bieber's I'll Show You, and the music video to Gerua from the Bollywood film Dilwale starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

• Find out more about Movie Locations in Iceland: The Complete List

Precautions to take at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

There's one primary safety measure you should know when you go to this ice lagoon. It should go without saying that it's not wise to swim in a lake full of enormous icebergs or climb on top of those icebergs. But many people are tempted to do so.

People sometimes underestimate Icelandic nature and find themselves in dangerous situations, often needing the aid of some of Iceland's search and rescue teams.

So don't be tempted to do what many film characters or singers (such as James Bond, Shah Rukh Khan, or Justin Bieber) do and swim in the lake or climb on top of the icebergs.

Have a great time when you visit, but keep in mind that the current in the lagoon is powerful and can easily carry you out to sea. The lagoon is 656 feet (200 meters) deep and is Iceland's deepest lake. What you see of the massive icebergs floating in the lagoon are just their tips, as 90 percent of the ice is below the waterline.

Sometimes, icebergs tip over when the ice underneath the water's surface becomes smaller than what’s seen above the surface. This occurs due to the cracking or melting of ice.

If people climb to the top of the ice and then the ice tips over, they can get caught underneath the ice and be in a life-threatening situation. That's not worth a picture!

Take care and make the most of this stunning location by exploring responsibly and appreciating all that Iceland has to offer.

Whether you choose to drive yourself or join an exciting guided tour, a visit to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a must during your time in Iceland. What activities are you most excited about? When do you plan to see the glacier lagoon? Let us know in the comments!