Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Travel Guide

Jokulsarlon is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon, located in Southeast Iceland by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the town of Hofn. It's a popular stop when traveling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road.

This beautiful location is the highlight of many self-drive tours and guided packages; both this 10-day Summer Road Trip and 6-day Summer Vacation feature it. Those renting a car can also access it in the south-east of the country. Alternatively, take a tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If you plan on staying near this enchanting location, you can explore the wide variety of accommodations near the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Geography

Glacier lagoons are lakes that are filled with meltwater from an outlet glacier. The water from Jokulsarlon comes from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajokull. It stands out, however, because it also fills with icebergs breaking from the glacier, some of which tower several stories high.

When the icebergs finally make it across the lagoon, they either drift out to sea or wash up on the nearby shore. Because of the way they glisten against the black sands of Breidamerkursandur, this area has been nicknamed the "Diamond Beach."

In spite of being a rather recent formation, Jokulsarlon is the deepest lake in the country, with depths of 248 meters (814 feet). With a surface area of 18 square kilometers (7 square miles), it is also growing to be one of the largest.

History

Jokulsarlon has not been around since Iceland’s settlement; it only formed around 1935. This was due to rapidly rising temperatures in the country from the turn of the twentieth century; since 1920, Breidamerkurjokull has been shrinking at a dramatic rate, and the lagoon has begun to fill its space.

Today, the expansion of Jokulsarlon is accelerating. In 1975, it had less than half its current surface area. In the relatively near future, it is expected that the lagoon will continue to grow until it becomes a large, deep fjord.

Though a dark omen for Iceland’s glaciers and ice caps in general, the retreat of Breidamerkurjokull has resulted in an incredibly beautiful, if temporary, site. This has not been overlooked by Hollywood.

Jokulsarlon has been featured in the James Bond films A View to Kill in 1985 and Die Another Day in 2002, 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and 2005’s Batman Begins.

In 2017, Jokulsarlon was enveloped in the Vatnajokull National Park, thus it is now fully protected by Icelandic law.

Jokulsarlon Wildlife

Because of the wealth of herring and capelin that the tides bring into the lagoon, Jokulsarlon is somewhat of a hot spot for Iceland’s wildlife.

In summer, it is a nesting site for Arctic Terns; stay well away from their nesting area, as these birds are notorious for the fierceness with which they protect their eggs, dive-bombing the heads of any they see as a threat. Skuas also nest on the lake’s shores in this season.

Seals can be reliably spotted here throughout the year, swimming amongst or else hauling out on the icebergs. Jokulsarlon provides them with a safe haven to rest and socialize, especially considering the waters of southeast Iceland are renowned for their population of orcas.

Where to Stay Near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

There are several good accommodation options close to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. The closest option is the luxurious Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a 4-star hotel that's a 25-minute drive away. For a more affordable option, book a stay at Hotel Smyrlabjorg, a comfortable 3-star hotel in the same area.

Otherwise, the most popular area to stay is in the town of Hofn. As the closest town, Hofn provides access to essential services, as well as local restaurants and shops. You'll find a variety of accommodations in Hofn that cater to different preferences and budgets, with the most recommended option being the Arnanes Country Hotel.