Jokulsarlon
★ 4.9🇮🇸 VatnajokullSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season May to September; winter pairs with auroras
Natural wonderGlacierPhotography
A lagoon filled with icebergs calved from a glacier, drifting out to a black sand beach.
Overview
On the southern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón fills with icebergs calving from the ice tongue. They drift through a short channel to the sea and are washed back onto the black sand beach, creating the density of ice known as Diamond Beach. Seals are common, Arctic terns arrive in summer, and several films have been shot here. Amphibious boats and Zodiacs take visitors close to the ice.
History
The lagoon formed in the 20th century as the glacier retreated and has kept growing, becoming one of Iceland's most popular sights.
Highlights
- •The iceberg lagoon
- •Diamond Beach and its ice on black sand
- •Seals in the lagoon
- •Amphibious boat tours
Practical tips
- •Do not climb on the ice; waves and floating ice are dangerous
- •Winter roads ice up; a 4x4 with winter tyres is needed
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- Parking about ISK 1,000; boat tours extra
- Opening hours
- Open all day; boat tours roughly 10:00-17:00
- Local food
- Icelandic lamb soup, seafood, hot dogs
- Getting around
- About 380 km from Reykjavík, roughly five hours along Route 1.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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