Jökulsárlón is Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon. Icebergs break off the front of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, and drift slowly across the lagoon towards a short river that carries them out to the sea.
The lagoon has grown quickly as the glacier has retreated, and it is now one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. Seals often swim between the icebergs, and the ice changes shape and colour every day, from milky white to deep blue and ash-striped black.
Across the Ring Road bridge is Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash up on black sand and glitter in the low sun.
Getting there
Jökulsárlón sits directly on Route 1, about an hour west of Höfn and 50 minutes east of Skaftafell. There is a large car park, a café and toilets. Most visitors stay nearby rather than doing it as a day trip from Reykjavík.
When to go
Any time of year. Boat tours on the lagoon usually run from spring to autumn. Winter brings fewer people, frozen edges and the chance of northern lights over the ice.
Good to know
- Walk along the shore away from the car park for quieter views.
- Cross to Diamond Beach at sunrise or sunset.
- Never climb onto icebergs, on the shore or in the water: they can roll without warning.
Read more in the journal
- The Iceland Ring Road: Complete Driving Guide
- Iceland's Glaciers: Where to See, Walk and Explore
- Things to Do in Iceland: 29 Top Sights on One Map
- The Ring Road in 7 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Driving the Ring Road in Winter: Is It Safe?
Drive times are approximate and depend on weather and road conditions. Check road.is and vedur.is before you set off.
