A Complete Guide to Visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Surrounded by the ethereal Icelandic landscape, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a breathtaking example of Iceland’s untamed beauty. And it is one of my favorite spots in the country!

This guide will tell you how to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by tour or car, what to do when there, and answer frequently asked questions.

I have been to Jökulsárlón multiple times (and in different seasons), so please let me know if you have any questions about adding it to your itinerary!

About the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a natural wonder that is a must on every visitor’s Ring Road and/or South Coast itinerary.

Located near Vatnajökull National Park, the lagoon was formed as a result of the receding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. As the glacier melts and retreats, it leaves behind a large lagoon filled with floating icebergs.

The icebergs that it leaves behind have become one of the South Coast’s icons – and easily one of its most photogenic spots! These icebergs can be transparent or milky, depending on the air that is trapped inside.

Jökulsárlón is home to various bird species, including Arctic terns, skuas, and seagulls. Seals are often spotted near the mouth of the lagoon, too.

And, it is right across the street from Diamond Beach, another one of the most famous spots on the South Coast! Here, you can see icebergs that have washed ashore, contrasting with the black sand of the Icelandic beach.

Jökulsárlón has developed quite a bit over the years since I first visited.

Now, you’ll find boat tours, guided glacier walks, cave exploration, and more in the area. This guide will detail quite a bit about it, so let me know if you have any questions that I didn’t get to in the guide!

How to Get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon  

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located in southeastern Iceland. You’ll certainly need to travel from Reykjavík to get there (unless you’re venturing around the Ring Road).

If you’re not keen to drive (or fly closer to the lagoon), you can also take a tour to it (I discuss more below!).

1. Taking a Tour from Reykjavík

I think the easiest way to reach Jökulsárlón is to take a tour there from Reykjavík. That way, you can avoid hefty gas prices and driving a long distance to the site!

This is the most popular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon trip that leaves from Reykjavík, and it will take you along Iceland’s South Coast on a guided full-day trip.

You will also visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Diamond Beach, as well as have lunch in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and dinner in Vik. This tour makes for a long day – around 14 hours!

2. Driving from Reykjavík

The total driving distance from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón is approximately 236 miles (380 kilometers), and the drive typically takes around 5–6 hours without stops.

After leaving Reykjavík, head east on Route 1 (the Ring Road); this is the primary route to Jökulsárlón. The road is also known as the Ring Road since it encircles the entire country and is the main highway for travel throughout Iceland.

This route will take you out of Reykjavík and into the scenic countryside. You’ll pass through several towns and villages along the way, including Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Vík, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Vik is a great place to stop for lunch if you end up hungry!

When you arrive at Jökulsárlón, you’ll find a parking area near the shore. From there, you can walk to the lagoon to view the floating icebergs and even go to nearby Diamond Beach.

Scenic Stops Between Reykjavík and Jökulsárlón

During the journey, you’ll pass by two famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall where you can walk behind the cascading water (you will get wet, so dress for it!). Skógafoss features a staircase leading to a viewing platform at the top, but it is equally as beautiful at the base of the falls.

Also, consider stopping at Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Tours to Take (After You’ve Arrived)

If you have already made your way down to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, there are a few tour options that you can join! Here are my top choices:

Jökulsárlón & Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour (Winter Option)

This tour takes you on an adventure to experience the dramatic landscape of Vatnajökull National Park and go inside the ice caves formed when water runs beneath the glacier during the summer.

You’ll have a chance to trek across the rugged terrain of South Iceland and see the blue ice of the caves.

Zodiac Tour of Jökulsárlón

Are you visiting Jökulsárlón in the summer? Then you need to book a 1-hour glacier lagoon boat tour!

The tours run from May to the end of October (double-check their schedule for changes before you go, though) and will get you as close to the glacier as possible. This is an incredible way to get up close and personal with the glacier itself.

Tips for Driving to Jökulsárlón

Be sure to check the road and weather conditions before embarking on your journey, as Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter.

Therefore, visiting during the spring or summer is better because the roads are more accessible and the days are longer. If you are traveling to Jökulsárlón in winter, I recommend staying overnight in Vík to break up the trip.

Visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: FAQ

Is it free to park at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?

No, parking is not free. I parked across the street at Diamond Beach, and it was 1000 ISK (about $8) per small car. You can see more on the Parka app (or website).

There is no additional fee to enter the area outside of the parking fee.

Can you see the northern lights there?

In the winter, Jökulsárlón and the surrounding area offer an excellent chance to witness the northern lights if the weather conditions and skies are clear.

Can you fly a drone at Jökulsárlón?

Jökulsárlón is part of Vatnajökull National Park, and applies to the rules of the park. Drones are completely banned at Jökulsárlón from April 15 until July 15 to respect the birds there.

However, you can fly at other times of the year in certain zones and during certain times of the day. Accordingly to the national park’s website, these are the hours:

• April 15 to July 15: completely banned
• July 15 to September 21: before 09 am or after 6 pm
• September 22 to October 21: before 10 am or after 5 pm
• October 22 to November 21: before 11 am or after 3 pm
• November 22 to January 21: before 12 pm or after 2 pm
• January 22 to February 21: before 11 am or after 3 pm
• February 22 to March 2: before 10 am or after 5 pm
• March 22 to April 15: before 9 am or after 6 pm

These hours have been put into place to adhere to helicopter restrictions. Please follow the rules and you can see a map with additional information on the national park’s website.

Can you swim there?

While it is safe to visit the glacier lagoon’s shores on foot or to take a boat ride there, it is not recommended to go swimming there.

How deep is the glacier lagoon?

Jökulsárlón is actually pretty deep. The glacier lagoon is 814 feet (248 meters) deep and has quadrupled in size since the 1970s. It’s probably not a good thing, come to think of it.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

When you’re visiting Jökulsárlón, be sure to stop by the Glacier Lagoon Cafe that is there! You can find coffee, soda, and hot chocolate. They also have restrooms.

They also have an array of small dishes, including a delicious seafood soup! This is also where you will go to get on one of the famous boat tours of the lagoon, if that is on your itinerary.

When is the best season to visit Jökulsárlón?

Jökulsárlón can be visited year-round. However, the weather is milder in the summer months, from June to August, and boat tours are in full swing.

In the winter, it’s colder, but the landscape is transformed into a snowy wonderland. But, as noted above, please be aware that your daylight hours are very limited during the winter months.

Other Places to Visit in the Area

It’s also good to know that about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) east of Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón is a smaller but equally impressive glacier lagoon, and it is a quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón, especially during the crowded summer months.

Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, is in the same area, and you can take advantage of the local tours that take you to explore the glacier’s ice caves, crevasses, and unique glacial formations. I even went on a glacier walk at Skaftafell on one of my trips (highly recommended!).

East of Jökulsárlón, the Stokksnes Peninsula offers beautiful landscapes, including a black sand beach and the iconic Vestrahorn mountain.

And if you have more time to spare, consider driving along Iceland’s scenic East Fjords, which is home to quaint villages and bird-watching opportunities.

Where to Stay Near Jökulsárlón

While there are limited accommodations near the lagoon, you’ll find more options in the nearby towns of Höfn and Vík.

• Guesthouse Carina: located in the village of Vík and is my favorite place to stay there
• Skyrhusid HI Hostel: a farm hostel just a 10-minute drive (7.5 miles or 12 kilometers) from Jökulsárlón Glacier, offering two restaurants and rooms with mountain views
• Hotel Jökull: a few minutes from the center of Höfn about about 50 minutes from Jökulsárlón

Is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon worth it?

Absolutely! I have been there more than once and always make it a point to show Jökulsárlón to people I am visiting Iceland with, if it is their first trip!

If you have any questions about visiting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, let me know in the comments!