Fjallsarlon Glacier LakeImage by Wanderers Compass Copyright
Iceland Glacier Lagoons: The Ultimate Guide to Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon & Diamond Beach
By Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough from Wanderers Compass
Iceland is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, but if you ask us, the glacier lagoons stole the show. During our adventure around Iceland’s famous Ring Road, we made an unforgettable stop at Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoons, plus the stunning Diamond Beach (Beidamerkursandur). These spots were so spectacular that they deserve a deep dive, so here it is, your ultimate guide to Iceland’s glacier lagoons!
Driving the Ring Road: An Epic Journey
For those unfamiliar, Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is the main highway that circles the entire island. It’s about 821 miles long, and while that might not seem too far, you’ll find yourself stopping constantly to soak in the scenery. The road is primarily two-lane, winding through mountains, coastlines, and endless lava fields. Plus, Icelandic weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes!
The glacier lagoons we visited; Fjallsarlon, Jokulsarlon, and Diamond Beach—are located along the southern portion of the Ring Road. If you’re driving from Reykjavik, it’s about a five-hour journey, though we took much longer because of all the scenic stops along the way.
First Stop: Fjallsarlon Glacier Lake
Fjallsarlon Glacier Lake Image by Wanderers Compass Copyright
Fjallsarlon might not be as famous as its bigger brother, Jokulsarlon, but that’s part of its charm. It’s easy to miss from the road, but once you arrive, the views will leave you speechless.
The parking lot is spacious and free, and from there, it’s just a short five-minute walk down a gentle gravel path to the lake. Unlike Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon is much quieter, making for a more intimate and serene experience. Massive chunks of ice float across the lake, glistening in shades of blue and white, with the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier as the backdrop.
We arrived just as the sun was setting behind the mountains, and the reflections on the water were unreal. There were only a handful of people there, mostly photographers, and it felt like we had stumbled upon one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets.
The Iconic Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Image by Wanderers Compass Copyright
Just ten kilometers down the road from Fjallsarlon is the star attraction: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This spot is world-famous,, and for good reasons.
Jokulsarlon sits south of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, and is Iceland’s deepest lake at 231 meters. Due to climate change, the glacier is rapidly retreating, and as it melts, the lagoon grows larger. Towering icebergs break off and float slowly out to sea, some washing up on the shore right at your feet.
There’s a massive parking lot here (also free), and you’ll find bathrooms and food trucks offering warm drinks and snacks. Boat tours are available if you want a closer look at the icebergs, and there are also guided hikes around the area.
Wildlife at Jokulsarlon
One of the most remarkable surprises was spotting seals bobbing around the lagoon, playfully chasing fish near the shoreline. The sky was also filled with birds, though you won’t find puffins here (we did spot some at Dyrholaey Point near Vik!).
We arrived at Jokulsarlon just in time for sunset, and let us tell you—it was magical. The golden light bouncing off the icebergs created a surreal, otherworldly scene. Many people stood silently, just taking it all in, overwhelmed by the beauty.
The Enchanting Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach Image by Wanderers Compass Copyright
Right across the road from Jokulsarlon is Beidamerkursandur, better known as Diamond Beach. This black sand beach is where icebergs from the lagoon wash ashore, creating a striking contrast between the translucent ice and the deep black sand.
Walking along the beach, we were mesmerized by the ice sculptures shaped by the wind and waves. Some pieces were small and crystal clear, while others were massive, glowing blue in the sunlight. Just offshore, we spotted more seals playing in the waves, their little faces popping up through the surf.
This beach is incredibly photogenic, but it’s also very windy—so dress warmly!
Iceland’s Hollywood Connection
If this scenery looks familiar, you’ve probably seen it in movies. Jokulsarlon has been featured in James Bond films like Die Another Day and A View to a Kill, as well as Tomb Raider. Even Justin Bieber filmed his I’ll Show You music video here. But trust us, no film or photo can truly capture the experience of standing in front of these glaciers in real life.
Getting There
The best way to visit these sites is by car. From Reykjavik, it’s about a five-hour drive, though you’ll want to budget extra time for stops. From Vik, the next closest town, it’s around two hours and fifteen minutes. If you come from the north, Hofn is about an hour away.
Best Time to Visit
These locations are accessible year-round, but winter travel requires extra caution due to icy roads and unpredictable weather. Summer offers the best conditions for boat tours and hiking, while winter brings the chance to explore ice caves in the Vatnajokull glacier. Our visit was during the summer, and all images were taken from that visit.
For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, this area is an excellent spot, as there’s very little artificial light to interfere with the view. However, keep in mind that Iceland experiences nearly 24-hour daylight in summer, so the best time for aurora spotting is in the fall or winter.
Activities and Tours
- Boat Tours: From June to September, you can take a Zodiac or Amphibian boat tour around Jokulsarlon for an up-close look at the icebergs.
- Glacier Hikes: Guided glacier hikes offer an incredible way to explore this icy landscape safely.
- Ice Caving: Available from mid-October to March, ice-caving tours take you inside the Vatnajokull glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Northern Lights Viewing: If you visit in winter, this area provides some of the best conditions for seeing the aurora borealis.
Where to Stay
While you can visit the lagoons as a day trip, staying overnight allows you to experience sunrise and sunset without rushing. Some nearby options include:
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
- Skyhusid Guesthouse
- Gerdi Guesthouse
- Hali Country Hotel
If you prefer more amenities, Hofn (about an hour north) has a broader selection of hotels and restaurants. That is where we stayed the night.
