Jökulsárlón

The mesmerizing Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and for good reason. In short, it is a glacial lake that was formed around 1935 when Breiðamerkurjökull glacier (an outlet glacier of the giant Vatnajökull) started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Through time the lagoon has grown, at varying rates, because of the melting of the glaciers. Situated on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, today the lagoon covers an area of about 18 km2 and is the deepest lake in Iceland, about 260 meters deep.

Each year more than 100 meters of ice break away, reshaping the lagoon and filling it with spectacular icebergs. Since the lagoon connects to the Atlantic Ocean it contains a mixture of fresh- and saltwater giving it a unique and very beautiful blue-green color. The lagoon is home to a variety of fish species as well as hundreds of seals which can be seen lounging on icebergs or peeking at tourists from the water. Movie fans may remember the Glacier Lagoon from movies such as Batman Begins, Die Another Day and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. The Glacier Lagoon is truly one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Iceland and definitely worth the visit!

The drive from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón is around 5 hours, and since daylight is limited in Iceland during winter, here is an ideal plan for tourists wanting to visit the lagoon: Drive directly from Reykjavík to Klaustur, spend the night at our hotel and then get an early start the next day and visit Jökulsárlón. That way you can truly make the most of your day at the lagoon!