Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon located in southern Iceland, near the town of Höfn. This place was formed as a result of the melting of the Vatnajökull glacier and is known for its massive, drifting icebergs that attract tourists from around the world.
The lake began to form in the 1930s and currently covers an area of about 18 km², reaching depths of up to 284 meters in some places. The Jökulsárlón lagoon not only impresses with its size but also with the variety of colors in the ice, which, combined with the black volcanic sand, creates an incredible sight. Shades of turquoise blue, pale white, and deep black from solidified lava make this place a true paradise.
Around the lagoon, you can see the Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi river, which connects the lake’s water to the open sea. A Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1) runs along the shore, and there is a sturdy bridge nearby.
The Jökulsárlón lagoon is also a place where you can admire the richness of local wildlife. Seals gather around the lagoon, and you can see them swimming in the water or lazily lying on the icebergs. These animals are present year-round, but they are mainly visible in winter and early spring.
Jökulsárlón is also an important site for seabirds. Various species nest in the area, including gulls, Arctic terns, razor-billed auks, and eiders. The birds come to fish, including herring and other species, as well as krill.
The Jökulsárlón lagoon, with its unique combination of glaciers, water, and wildlife, offers an unforgettable experience.
Jökulsárlón glacier
Although Vatnajökull, one of the largest glaciers in Europe, still impresses with its power, its surface has significantly decreased over the last century, retreating on average by 100 meters annually.
The waters of Jökulsárlón are fed by melting ice from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Huge blocks of ice float in the lake, which were once an integral part of the glacier. Climate change has contributed to their fragmentation, making the glacier increasingly fragile and unstable.
When ice blocks break away from the main mass of the glacier, they often crack and melt, splitting into smaller icebergs. These smaller fragments are then carried by wind and ocean currents toward the Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi river, which leads them to the beach and sea. Some icebergs can float in the lake for many years, experiencing cycles of melting and freezing. Sometimes, when a large piece of ice breaks off, a spectacular splash can be heard, generating a small wave.
Jökulsárlón is not only a visual feast for the eyes but also a key element of the local ecosystem. The melting ice from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier shapes the landscape and contributes to the creation of this unique lagoon, which is home to many animal species. This place showcases the power and beauty of nature.
Viewpoint over Jökulsárlón
The Jökulsárlón lagoon can be admired from road number 1, with available viewpoints offering beautiful views of the enormous icebergs and the crystal-clear waters of the lake.
One viewpoint is located west of a small bridge that crosses the coastal river. From this spot, you can see the massive ice blocks drifting in the lagoon and the glacier majestically flowing into the water. Although the view is somewhat limited, this location is less crowded, allowing for a moment of reflection in nature.
Just beyond the bridge is another viewpoint that offers a full view of the lagoon. A large parking lot, café, and shop make this place more accessible for tourists. Despite being a popular spot, it offers great opportunities for photography, filming, and time-lapses, as well as for observing seals swimming among the icebergs.
To fully appreciate the beauty of Jökulsárlón, consider taking a water tour. The best way to see the largest icebergs is to venture out to the middle of the lake. You can choose from various options, such as amphibious boats, zodiacs, or kayaks. Each of these forms of exploration offers unique experiences, and a close encounter with the ice formations is an unforgettable adventure.
How to get to Jökulsárlón?
Traveling from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón lagoon is an journey through Iceland’s wild nature. Although the route is about 380 km along the famous Ring Road, the travel time is approximately 5 hours, not counting stops and enjoying the views along the way.
The road is enriched by numerous attractions, from picturesque waterfalls to black sandy beaches. One of them is the beach in Vík, located roughly halfway along the route. From there, it is only about 190 km to Jökulsárlón, and the journey takes another 2.5-3 hours. Although the trip from Reykjavik to Jökulsárlón may seem long, the journey itself is a true pleasure, filled with breathtaking views of Icelandic nature.
Getting there
The lagoon is approximately 380 km away from Reykjavik, with a driving time of about 5 hours. This does not include stops for sightseeing along the way.
Take the Ring Road (Route 1) heading southeast. This scenic route is filled with attractions, including waterfalls and black sand beaches. A notable stop is Vík, which is about halfway to Jökulsárlón, roughly 190 km from the lagoon.
Hiking details
There are several walking trails along both the eastern and western banks of the lagoon. The western side is more developed with amenities like cafes and boat tours, while the eastern side offers a quiet experience.
A full hike around the lagoon is approximately 26 km (16 miles). However, shorter hikes can be enjoyed by focusing on specific sections of the lagoon.
Tips
Enjoy viewpoints along the Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1) for stunning views of icebergs and the glacier.
Early mornings or late evenings are ideal for fewer crowds and better wildlife sightings.
Consider taking a boat tour (amphibious or zodiac) for a closer look at the icebergs and the lagoon’s beauty.
