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he lagoon was privately owned till 2017. It was then that the government purchased it for ISK 1.5 bn (approx. 12 mln euro). Also in 2017 it became a nature reserve included in the Vatnajökull National Park.
Jökulsárlón is the best place in Europe to admire glacier calving. One of the spectacular effects of this phenomenon is the nearby Diamond Beach. Another place worth visiting in the area is the Fjallsárlón lagoon.
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is relatively new. It began forming in 1934 as a result of the Breiðamerkurjökull retreating. Fed by water from the naturally melting glacier, the lagoon keeps expanding as the glacier keeps retreating. Since 1970 it has grown 4 times in size. Its current area is 18 km2 and maximum depth – 248 m. Therefore it is deeper than Iceland’s deepest lake.
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he lagoon was privately owned till 2017. It was then that the government purchased it for ISK 1.5 bn (approx. 12 mln euro). Also in 2017 it became a nature reserve included in the Vatnajökull National Park.
Jokulsarlon is unique in that it is fed by the (rather intense) calving of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The process involves small fragments separating from the glacier and floating down the lagoon – in the form of icebergs – into the open ocean. However, the passage separating the bay from the ocean is narrow, making water flow slowly and unpredictably (often ocean water flows into the lagoon instead of the other way round). As a result these icebergs tend to pile up in the lagoon. Also the mix of fresh and salty water gives the lagoon its exceptional color.
Additionally, Jökulsárlón is a great place to spot seals, who like to get in here through the narrow passage from the ocean to swim in the icy water or lounge on the shore. In summertime it becomes the nesting place to many bird species, including the Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea).
The lagoon attracts plenty of tourists. In winter it is a popular place for Northern Lights hunters. They all want to see Northern Lights reflecting in the lagoon. It is said that the sight of the unique light reflected in the water of this iceberg-filled bay is unforgettable.
Video: See the Jokulsarlon lagoon with its icebergs and diamonds.
Cruises on the lagoon are offered by a great many companies, but so realistically in the end only one company – owned by the former private owner of the lagoon area – carries them all out. The cruise season runs from May to September, and sometimes into October. The organizers provide lifebelts, and for the RIB cruise also suitable raincoats (it’s worth using wellingtons, too, if available!).
An amphibious cruise lasts about 35 minutes, costs just over 6,000 ISK (about $45; prices as of 2023) per person, is more comfortable, and essentially involves swimming between icebergs on the bay. Children under 13 pay half the price, and children under 5 can participate for free (accompanied by an adult, naturally).
On the other hand, the Zodiac cruise (which is a rib or hard-bottomed dinghy) is longer (takes about 1 hr) and allows you to see the icebergs on the bay up close, and to go right up to the head of the glacier. These are certainly big advantages, but, as it were, in return, the cruise itself is much less comfortable (the wind blows harder, the dinghy splashes and we can practically not move from the place). Such a cruise is also almost twice as expensive – it costs almost 14,000 ISK ($100) per person (prices as of 2023). The cruise is not available for children shorter than 130 cm.
Finally: you can also take a kayak cruise on the lagoon! 🙂 Although your range is probably the smallest, and the risk of getting wet potentially the greatest, it is certainly the most private way to encounter the glacier and the only one done in silence. We sail naturally in a small group of several kayaks, accompanied by a guide. Renting a kayak costs 12,900 ISK ($95). You have to be at least 14 years old to participate in this tour.
- Book an amphibious cruise here: Amphibious cruise on Jokulsarlon ($45);
- Book a rib cruise here: High-speed dinghy cruise on Jokulsarlon ($100);
- Book a kayak cruise here: Kayak cruise on Jokulsarlon ($95);
There are also tours to Jokulsarlon from Reykjavik. We do not recommend the 1-day ones, because Jokulsarlon is quite far (almost 400 km / 250 miles!) from Reykjavik and such a trip is very tiring. On the other hand, 2-3 day tours are very reasonable and also give you more time to see other attractions of the South Coast. You can book such a tour here: Two-day tour to Jokulsarlon with lagoon cruise
Famous Diamond Beach
Right next to Jökulsárlón you can find the Diamond Beach (Breiðamerkursandur), which is equally unusual as the lagoon.
Diamond Beach owes its appeal – and catchy name – to the fragments of glacier that come down here to melt from Jokulsarlon. These icebergs exit the lagoon via a narrow passage and then the current brings them to the beach, where most of them slowly melt.
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ts Icelandic name – Breiðamerkursandur – has nothing to do with diamonds and it means “a beach surrounded by forest”. One can assume that this name comes from the times of early settlers, when Iceland was referred to as “forested from mountain to sea shore”. This is one of numerous examples of how a catchy “touristy” name starts to replace the original – difficult to pronounce or remember for foreigners…
Small remains of icebergs melting into the black volcanic sand make for very interesting, albeit short-lived, shapes and forms. These white gems made of ice, gleaming in sunshine are the reason this amazing place received such a name. Indeed, when many smallish ice boulders sparkle on the black beach it is hard not to imagine a diamond necklace displayed against exquisite dark canvas.
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is most recommendable to see both the east and west part of the beach, as sometimes the ‘diamonds’ will only be present on one of them, and quite often they will be quite different on each side.
If you are looking for splendid visual effects, try to come here at sunrise of sunset. The sun hanging right over the horizon plays beautifully on these chunks of ice. A thermos filled with coffee, a warm cap and cloudless sky are absolutely necessary to make this an unforgettable(in a good way!) experience.
Amazing crystal ice caves
Beautiful ice cave
This utterly unique place is only available to visit in winter (usually from November to March), but is worth every hour and every penny spent to visit it.
An ice cave is a beautiful natural tunnel inside a glacier, or at its bottom. It is formed by glacial streams flowing down it, and looks like a magnificent glass dome built or at least decorated by an inspired artist. The beautiful shapes and colors of the cave’s ceiling and walls are made of thick, compressed ice. However, this ice is so clear and transparent that it is quite bright inside the cave during the day….
In Iceland, we can see an ice (or glacial) cave in several places, but the one here is by far the most beautiful and spectacular of them. If you’re in the area in winter, it’s a must, but an absolute must-see!
Book your seats on the ice cave tour here: Jokulsarlon ice cave tour.
You can read more about this – and other – ice caves in a separate article: Icelandic ice caves – Iceland’s natural wonder.
Fjallsárlón — colorful spectacle brought to you by nature
Fjallsarlon (Fjallsárlón) is a clearly smaller lagoon, approx. 10 km west from Jokulsarlon. It is unique in its own right because – although smaller than Jökulsárlón – Fjallsarlon gives you a better view of the edge of the glacier: The very place where icebergs separate to dive into the water. The glacier is rather far away – across the bay – but it is so huge that this perspective makes it even more impressive.
You can book a speed boat tour on the lagoon and appreciate the glacier front at hand’s reach. You join a larger group (it’s a 10-person boat) or rent the boat for yourself here: Book a Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tour.
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jallsárlón is considered the second largest glacial lagoon on the island. Because it is smaller and less famous than Jökulsárlón, it is also less crowded and quieter. And the view of the glacier is much better from here.
Practical tips
- Both lagoons and the beach are situated off road 1, about 200 km northeast from Vik and 80 km southwest from Hofn. Naturally, they are accessible all year round.
- This region belongs to Western Region and as you continue along eastwards you will encounter fewer and fewer tourists. All of the one- two- and three-day trips from Reykjavik turn around here to go back to the capita.
- From June to September there are cruises on Jokulsarlon and Fjallsarlon, which allow you to see the icebergs and glacier from up close. Such cruises take about 45 minutes. If you want to go follow the links in appropriate section above.
- Never, ever swim in the lagoon or try to climb the icebergs. This is extremely dangerous.
- Both lagoons have small cafeterias serving snacks, sandwiches, salads, soups and cakes, etc.
- The beauty of Jokulsarlon was not lost on the film industry. This place is featured in such films as Die Another Day, A View to a Kill, Tomb Raider and Interstellar.
